Sometimes you feel like you just can't catch a break. Everything you do and say isn't enough. (Or so you think.) You're ready to catch a break and feel that confidence you once had. It happens to the best of us. We all have those down times where we feel like the world keeps knocking us down. The only thing you can do is just stand back up, no matter how many times you have to before the world finally gives you a break. Recently I feel like I haven't been on the top of the world. (No, not because of the recent election.) And no I am not saying this for everyone to feel bad for me. I want to give tips, for people in similar times. I'm mostly sharing this so I can help push myself to get to where I want to be.

Sit down and figure out where you have been failing and what hasn't been making you happy. Once you know that, then you need to figure out how you're going to change it. Making a list is great, but anyone can make a list. Following that list and doing what you said you were going to do will be a great step into making your life better. Strive to be better than you were the day before.

Find a support system. Having someone(s) on your side to help you grow and succeed will make a world of difference. It will be nice to have at least one person in your corner of the boxing ring. They will be there when The World keeps knocking you down, but they drag you back to the corner and gives you the pep talk you need to hear to fight back. No matter what, there will always be someone out there that will help you along your journey.

Reach out to God. Sometimes you don't understand why things happen in your life, and you wish they would have gone another way. Remember that God had planned that to happen and He knows what He is doing. We don't know his intentions, but you have to remember, He gives you battles that He knows you can conquer.

Overall be positive. My mom used to tell me in high school when I played basketball that it was 80% in your mind and 20% talent. It works in real life. When you know you can conquer something you will be more likely to do so, no matter that actual amount of talent you have. If you work hard then you're going to get the results you want.

Treat yourself. If drinking sweet tea makes you happy, buy a gallon of it and drink it all. If a certain place has your favorite food, treat yourself to it. You've been wanting those shoes? Get them. You'll be happier. This is a small step, but you'll take yourself to a happy place and you'll be more willing to take more steps to improvement.

Most importantly, don't give up. If you failed the test, study harder next time. If you didn't get that job, learn from what you did and establish that for the next job. Stand back up after The World knocks you down. Tell it to take a hike, and it'll have to try a little harder next time. But next time you'll be prepared and maybe you'll take down the world.