Comma, and That’s OK: A Life Reframe for Moving Forward
Life is unpredictable. No matter how carefully we plan, challenges, setbacks, and unforeseen obstacles will arise. During my walk across America, I learned a simple yet powerful mindset shift that kept me moving forward and overcome challenges: “Comma, and that’s OK.”
This phrase, inspired by business leader Alex Hormozi, served as a compass for navigating tough times. It’s not just a mantra; it’s a tool to reframe challenges, refocus on what matters, and take action despite the odds.
The Power of the Pause
“Comma, and that’s OK” is more than just a phrase. It’s an intentional pause—a moment to step back, acknowledge the situation, and reframe your mindset. Life throws curveballs. That’s inevitable. But how we respond makes all the difference.
When things don’t go as planned, instead of stopping at frustration, add a comma. Follow it with: “…and that’s OK.” This tiny addition shifts the narrative. It doesn’t end with defeat—it transitions to resilience.
For example:
- “This is hard, and that’s OK.” (Hard things are worth doing.)
- “Things didn’t go as planned, and that’s OK.” (Plans are a starting point, not a guarantee.)
- “There are systems in place that make it harder for me, and that’s OK.” (Acknowledging reality helps you adapt and move forward.)
Lessons From the Road
During my walk across the country, I faced endless challenges: flat tires, bad weather, reroutes, and unexpected host family cancellations. At times, I didn’t have answers to the problems in front of me. But leaning on this mindset reminded me that not knowing was fine—as long as I kept moving forward.
I didn’t always have a perfect route mapped out. I just needed to be directionally correct. Progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about knowing the general direction and trusting yourself to figure out the details along the way.
Action Beyond the Comma
Here’s the catch: You can’t stop at “and that’s OK.” The phrase is a pivot point, not a conclusion. After the comma, the next part of the sentence is yours to write. It’s an invitation to take ownership of the story and add the next chapter.
For example:
- “I don’t know the answer, and that’s OK. I can figure it out.”
- “This is tough, and that’s OK. I’ll grow from it.”
It’s a reminder that you are in control of what happens next, even when circumstances seem stacked against you.
Absolute Accountability
One of the hardest but most freeing lessons I’ve learned is this: You are responsible for everything that happens to you.
Let me explain. While walking on highways during my journey, I knew the risks. If something went wrong—if a car hit me—it would technically be the driver’s fault. But adopting an attitude of absolute accountability meant I took proactive steps to avoid that outcome. It reminded me to stay vigilant, adjust my path, and minimize risks.
This principle applies to life and business, too. Pointing blame at external factors shifts power away from you. Instead, owning the situation—however unfair it may seem—empowers you to act. After all, as Alex Hormozi says, “Wherever you point blame, you point the power, too.”
Takeaway: You Are Enough
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s this: You already have what you need to move forward. Challenges are inevitable, but so is your ability to overcome them.
You don’t need all the answers right now. You just need the courage to start, the willingness to learn, and the determination to keep going. Life will hand you hard times, comma—and that’s OK. Because you’ve got what it takes to overcome challenges.
Additional Resources:
- Interested in diving deeper into personal growth? Check out my free Skool group, [Never Peak: The First Steps].
- Listen to more episodes of the Never Peak Project Podcast for actionable insights and inspiration.
Remember, the best is yet to come—as long as you never settle, never quit, and never peak.