Mark Johnson passed on a quick, mindset exercise that is worth completing.

Here’s how it works:  Below is a story of an individual who overcame much adversity, pain, and loss.

After each event you read, say out loud:  Because of this, something good will happen.

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His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

His mother died.

Failed in business.

Ran for state legislature–lost.

Lost his job–wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.

Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business, and by the end of the year, he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

Ran for state legislature again–won.

Was engaged to be married, his sweetheart died, and his heart was broken.

Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

Sought to become speaker of the state legislature–defeated.

Sought to become elector–defeated.

Ran for Congress–lost.

Ran for Congress again–this time, he won. Went to Washington and did a good job.

Ran for re-election to Congress–lost.

Sought the job of land officer in his home state–rejected.

Ran for Senate of the United States–lost.

Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination–received less than 100 votes.

Ran for U.S. Senate again–again, he lost.

Elected president of the United States.

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In some way, Abraham Lincoln saw each of his setbacks as a building block for his eventual success.

He’s an anomaly because most people want the easy path to success and when it doesn’t happen, they quit.

Purpose to be the person who never quits by reminding yourself:

Because of this, something good will happen.