"Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning.” - Mahatma Gandhi

It is important that we live in our truth, and acknowledge who we are as a people. With living your truth one must know what their truth exactly is, and the only way you can possibly know what your truth is, is by having a zen state of mind. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36 KJV. Some of us are so willing to gain everything we want in life, that we wind up losing ourselves. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your zen state of mind.

1. Let Go of Comparing

Someone is always going to be bigger, faster, smarter, stronger, taller, skinnier, or wealthier than you are. But by no means necessary should you compare yourself to anyone else. Run your own race and focus on what is going on with you. You will get to where you need to be when it is your time. You lose focus on what you want in life by focusing in on what others may have.

2. Let Go of Judgements

The lion never loses sleep over the opinion of sheep. Who cares what others may have to say about you? Know who you are as a person and embrace it. Your flaws allow you to become who you are meant to be. As long as your are following your desires, let no man's opinion stop you from being you!

3. Let Go of Anger

Sometimes people come into your life and they may cause you pain and grief, but you have to forgive them not only for hurting you but for yourself. If you do not forgive them you are only hurting yourself in the long run. By holding on to anger and pain, you allow yourself to become bitter. A bitter heart and soul will get you nowhere far in life. Let go of things that anger you, let go of things that have hurt you as well.

4. Let Go of Regrets

A lot of times we make poor decisions, which may get us out of our comfort zone for the time being, or that may even set us back from where want to be in life. Sometimes we allow others to get us off of our track as well, but in spite of those decisions consider these things a learning experience instead of a regret.

5. Let Go of Fear

Oftentimes, we block our own blessings because of the fear of the outcome. Some people are scared to fail, others are scared to move on from things so they are constantly living in the past, and some people often fear being judged. Do not play yourself. Know your worth, and know what you are capable of and go above and beyond that. Allow the fear in you to inspire you to do more. Let your fears be the fuel to your dreams and aspirations.