Breaking Chains and Breaking out of the System | Eric Wicklund and Braiden Belnap

In today’s episode of The Prosperous Life Podcast, Braiden Belnap speaks with Eric Wicklund, who shares a powerful story of overcoming intense hardships. Eric grew up in an abusive household, spent 18 years in correctional institutions, and served time in both state and federal prisons. Despite his difficult past, Eric has been out of the system for over 23 years, using his experiences to inspire others through public speaking and authoring a book about his life.

Eric’s story reminds us that no matter how tough our circumstances, we can transform our lives and find success and fulfillment. Overcoming challenges isn’t easy, but by taking actionable steps and adopting the right mindset, anyone can turn their trials into triumph. Below are practical steps you can take to overcome life’s obstacles and move forward on a path of growth and self-improvement.

Step 1: Acknowledge and Accept Your Situation

The first step in overcoming life’s challenges is to acknowledge and accept your current situation. Denying or avoiding problems only prolongs the suffering and keeps you stuck. Instead, take a hard look at your circumstances, accept them for what they are, and make the decision to move forward.

How to Start:

Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your life. Write down the challenges you are facing and how they are impacting your life. Being honest with yourself is the first step in creating change.
Accept your past but don’t let it define you: No matter what has happened in your past, it’s essential to accept it without letting it dictate your future. Acknowledge your past mistakes or hardships, but understand that you have the power to change your story moving forward.

Step 2: Develop a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that you can improve and grow through effort, learning, and perseverance. Having this mindset helps you face challenges with resilience and turn failures into opportunities for learning.

How to Start:

Reframe challenges as opportunities: Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Each challenge you face offers valuable lessons that can make you stronger and wiser.
Embrace failure as part of the process: Failure is a natural part of success. When things don’t go as planned, don’t give up. Instead, assess what went wrong and adjust your approach. Remember, setbacks are temporary, and perseverance will eventually lead to progress.

Step 3: Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals is a crucial step in moving forward and overcoming obstacles. When you set goals, you give yourself a roadmap to follow, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.

How to Start:

Break down your goals: Instead of setting large, overwhelming goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to rebuild your life after a difficult experience, start by focusing on one area at a time, such as finding a stable job or improving your mental health.
Be specific and realistic: When setting goals, be specific about what you want to achieve and realistic about the time frame and resources available. Setting goals that are too vague or unrealistic can lead to frustration and discouragement.

Step 4: Find a Support System

Having a strong support system is vital when overcoming life’s challenges. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your potential can make all the difference in staying motivated and resilient.

How to Start:

Reach out to positive influences: Whether it’s family, friends, a mentor, or a support group, connect with people who inspire and uplift you. Avoid toxic relationships or individuals who may hold you back.
Seek professional help if needed: Sometimes, overcoming obstacles requires the help of professionals such as therapists, counselors, or coaches. Don’t hesitate to seek out the resources that can guide you through tough times.

Step 5: Cultivate Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it’s a key trait in overcoming life’s challenges. Building resilience takes time, but it’s possible with practice and determination.

How to Start:

Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is critical in building resilience. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress.
Build emotional awareness: Being aware of your emotions and learning how to manage them effectively can make it easier to navigate tough situations. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, can help you stay present and centered, even in challenging times.

Step 6: Take Responsibility for Your Life

To overcome your struggles, you need to take full responsibility for your life. This doesn’t mean blaming yourself for everything that’s gone wrong, but it does mean owning your actions and decisions moving forward.

How to Start:

Stop playing the victim: While it’s normal to feel upset about past injustices or hardships, it’s essential to let go of the victim mindset. Instead, focus on what you can control and take proactive steps to improve your situation.
Make empowered choices: Every decision you make has the potential to move you closer to or further from your goals. Commit to making choices that are aligned with the future you want to create.

Step 7: Keep Moving Forward

Overcoming life’s challenges is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Even when you’ve made significant progress, new obstacles may arise. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how many times you stumble or fall.

How to Start:

Stay consistent: Consistency is the key to long-term success. Keep showing up for yourself, even on the days when it feels difficult or overwhelming.
Celebrate your progress: Take time to acknowledge how far you’ve come and celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress will motivate you to keep going.

Step 8: Give Back and Help Others

Once you’ve started to overcome your own challenges, consider using your experience to help others. By sharing your story, offering support, or giving advice, you can inspire others to face their own difficulties with courage and determination.

How to Start:

Share your story: Whether through public speaking, writing, or simply talking with friends and family, sharing your experiences can be a powerful way to encourage others.
Offer support: Be there for others who are going through similar challenges. Sometimes, your presence and understanding can make all the difference in someone’s journey.

Conclusion

Eric Wicklund’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you have the ability to turn your life around. By acknowledging your situation, developing a growth mindset, setting clear goals, and building resilience, you can overcome any obstacle and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Keep moving forward, stay consistent, and remember that your journey, like Eric’s, can inspire and uplift others.

Connect with us!