Lifting Myself Up: My Journey from homelessness to an abundance mindset & Success
You’re not alone if you’re searching for answers on “how to lift myself up”. There were seasons in my life when I felt devastated by grief, addiction, shame, and adversity. During these times, I asked, “How can I lift myself out of depression, anxiety, and failure?” I kept thinking, “I hate my life with a burning passion” and wondered, “What should I do with my life?”
I’m Ryan Zofay. This is my life’s work. I want to share my true story. I rose from tough times, overcoming adversity at every turn. I’ll guide you on how to lift yourself up, by adopting and improvising to overcome obstacles, no matter what you face, just like I did.
My journey lifting myself up from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to a multi-millionaire businessman and coach
Lifting Myself Up: How I Did It, and How You Can Too
If you’re reading this and wondering, “How can I lift myself up?” I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like, feeling so hopeless and lost that you cosntantly feel like I don’t know what to do with my life. It was the first thought in my mind every day, so much so that I hated my life with a burning passion. Sound familiar?
I kept wondering why does nobody like me, and why does life suck so much. My journey hasn’t been easy. I faced homelessness, addiction, and trauma that would break most people. I was declared dead at the scene of a crime. I lost my sister, my mom, and my dad. I lost my freedom and even spent time behind bars in juvi. But I found powerful ways to lift myself up, and you can too.
My Story: From Rock Bottom to Rising Up
There were days when lifting myself up felt impossible. After losing my family, I turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain. I spiraled into addiction, lost my home, and ended up incarcerated. I remember thinking, “How can I lift myself out of depression when everything I love is gone?” But even in my darkest times, I found the strength to lift myself up. The power to chase and dream the American dream was always within me.
Lifting myself up from my the Lowest Points of my life
- Declared dead at the scene: My addiction led me to places I never thought I’d go. I was pronounced dead, but somehow, I got another chance. Intentive coaching and being intentional were the genesis of swapping deep-rooted beliefs and their limiting beliefs into achieving personal development goals.
- Losing my family: My sister, mom, and dad- all gone. The grief was crushing, and I felt utterly alone. My pain was so deep that any attempt at nurturing my inner child for healing wasn’t enough.
- Losing my freedom: Prison stripped me of everything- my dignity, my hope, my sense of self-worth.
But here’s the truth, even when you feel like you’ve lost everything, you can still start lifting yourself up.
How to Lift Myself Up? The Steps That Changed My Life
If you’re asking, “How do I lift myself up?” or “How can I lift myself out of depression?,” these are the exact steps I used to turn my life around:
1. Accept Where You Are
- I had to get honest about my situation- no more denial or blaming others.
- Acceptance is the first step in lifting myself up.
2. Acknowledging the Pain
The first step to healing is confronting where you are. I needed to sit with my pain and truly look at my life. Only then could I understand that change wasn’t just possible but necessary.
3. Fostering Discipline
There were no shortcuts. Learning discipline, whether through daily routines, goals, or learning from others, became my foundation. I realized I could not wish my way out of hardship—I had to work my way out.
4. Seeking Growth
Books, mentors, and education opened my eyes to possibilities I never imagined for myself. Surrounding myself with positive influences reminded me that my circumstances didn’t define my potential.
5. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude was a game-changer for me. It’s challenging to feel thankful when you’re at your lowest, but even acknowledging one small thing every day can change your perspective. This shift in mindset planted the seeds for hope and growth.
6. Reach Out for Help
- I didn’t do it alone. I asked for help from counselors, mentors, and people who believed in me.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re struggling with lifting yourself up. There’s no shame in needing support.
7. Set Small, Achievable Goals
- In prison, I started with tiny goals: reading a book, making my bed, and staying sober for one day.
- Every small win was a step toward lifting myself up.
8. Build a Routine
- Structure gave me purpose. I created a daily exercise routine, with reading, journaling, and self-reflection.
- Routine is a powerful tool for lifting myself up and out of depression.
9. Focus on Your Mindset
- I had to change the way I thought about myself. I started believing I was worthy of a better life.
- Positive self-talk and affirmations were key to lifting myself up.
10. Give Back
- Helping others in recovery gave me a sense of purpose and connection.
- Volunteering and supporting others is a powerful way to lift yourself up.
I could not do it alone. Finding support from like-minded individuals who wanted me to succeed became a lifeline. They didn’t just help hold me accountable; they helped me believe in myself when I couldn’t.
My “Lifting Myself Up” Action Plan
If you’re asking yourself, “How can I lift myself out of depression? How do I begin to overcome the odds?” remember this: the power to transform your life starts within you.
There’s a version of you waiting to be unleashed, not bound by fear, doubt, or past mistakes. That person can create extraordinary change and inspire others along the way.
If I can do it, so can you. I’m here to tell you that no matter where you are today, your story is far from over. You can lift yourself and create a future beyond what you can imagine. Here’s your action plan to transform:
| Step | What I Did | How It Helped Me Lift Myself Up |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Faced my reality, no denial | Built a foundation for real change |
| Asking for Help | Sought mentors, counselors, and support groups | Broke isolation, gained new perspective |
| Small Goals | Focused on daily wins | Built confidence and momentum |
| Routine | Created structure in my day | Reduced chaos, increased stability |
| Mindset Shift | Practiced gratitude and positive self-talk | Rewired my thinking, found hope |
| Giving Back | Helped others in recovery | Found purpose and connection |
Tips for Lifting Myself Up When Life Feels Impossible
- Don’t compare your journey to others. Focus on your next right step.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection—every small victory matters.
- Surround yourself with positive influences. Let go of toxic relationships.
- Take care of your body. Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep.
- Never give up. Even when it feels hopeless, keep moving forward.
My Insights on Lifting Myself Up
- Rock bottom is a place to rebuild. I learned more about myself in my lowest moments than at the top.
- Pain can be a catalyst for growth. Losing my family and my freedom forced me to find strength I didn’t know I had.
- You are not alone. No matter how isolated you feel, some people care and want to help you lift yourself up.
Takeaways: How to Lift Myself Up and Stay Up
Lifting myself up wasn’t a one-time event, rather it’s a daily practice. Some days are still hard, but I remind myself of how far I’ve come. Start with one small step today if you’re wondering how to lift yourself up. Reach out. Set a goal. Change a thought. Help someone else. You have the power to lift yourself up, no matter how heavy life feels right now.
If I can do it after homelessness, addiction, loss, and incarceration, you can too. Your story isn’t over. The next chapter is yours to write.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help lifting yourself up. I believe in you.
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Lifting Myself Up From Adversity to Transformation
My path was not easy, and I sometimes wanted to give up. I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom and question whether climbing out of the darkness is possible. But I also know what it feels like to overcome adversity—to decide to lift myself up, one step at a time, even when the weight seemed unbearable.
The truth is, change begins with a choice. I chose to see myself as worthy of something better. Everything started to shift when I stopped blaming others and took ownership of my life. It wasn’t an epiphany but a series of small, consistent steps.
My Story of Lifting Myself Up
There’s a myth that transformation only happens to other people. But for years, I believed I was hopeless. My battles with addiction led to incarceration. When I lost my family and got sued by the FTC, the cycle of shame and defeat seemed unbreakable.
But here’s the truth I learned the hard way:
We can all lift ourselves up, starting from wherever we are.
Every setback offered a door to learning a new practice. Each day, I chose even a small positive habit and built a new foundation. In this journey, I found the power of journaling, self-care, positive affirmations, mindfulness, and a growth mindset. These are not just buzzwords; they are lifelines.
If you’re reading this and wondering how to lift myself up, here’s how I did it (and how you can too).
What Does “Lifting Yourself Up” Really Mean?
For some, it’s about overcoming negative self-talk or feeling stuck. For others, it’s about standing back up after life knocks you down. Lifting myself up mentally has shaped who I am today.
The Top 10 ways how to lift myself up
- Journaling allowed me to reflect and track my progress (discover the power of positive CBT thought journal before bed).
- Mindfulness helped quiet my anxious mind (uncover how to practice mindfulness regularly).
- Affirmations rewired my self-esteem (brighten your day with positive affirmations for women, self-confidence affirmations, and short positive affirmations for work).
- Gratitude attitude kept me grounded on hard days (Find gratitude journal prompts ideas to level up your day).
- A Growth Mindset turned failures into lessons.
- Connection reminded me I wasn’t alone.
- Morning routine checklist to set my day for success.
- Servant leadership to give back to others. Likewise, a transformational leadership and Sanctified Soul Business leadership style brought a sense of good ethics and value to my team and me.
- Personal development techniques with continuous improvement through continuous learning.
Personal Development Practices that Lifted Me Up
| Practice | How I Used It in My Life | My Insights & Lessons |
|---|---|---|
| Journaling | Recorded thoughts, triggers, and daily wins | Gave my pain a voice and my dreams a plan |
| Gratitude Lists | Jotted three things I was grateful for every day | My mindset slowly shifted from scarcity to abundance |
| Affirmations | Repeated simple mantras (“I deserve recovery,” “I am enough”) | Over time, I started to believe what I practiced |
| Meditation | Simple 5-minute meditation breathing exercises (including Somatic breathwork) | Silence isn’t the absence of noise, but a presence all its own |
| Connecting | Called a friend, joined support meetings, and volunteered | Service pulls you out of self-pity and gives perspective |
| Self-Care | Prioritized rest, nutrition, and walks outdoors | Physical well-being underpins emotional growth through self care practices |
| Growth Mindset | Looked for lessons in failures and setbacks | Failure became feedback, not a life sentence |
| Helping Others | Shared my story and mentored others | Healing deepened every time I reached out to help |
How to Lift Yourself Up When You’re Down?
- Start Small and Keep It Simple
- Write one honest sentence in your journal, or name something you’re grateful for.
- Explore journaling prompts for growth.
- Ask for Support
- Call someone, message a group, or join an event or support workshop.
- Move Your Body
- Even walking for five minutes can lift your mood.
- Meditate or Practice Mindfulness
- Short, guided meditations can shift your emotional state. (Start here)
- Speak Kindly to Yourself
- Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can learn.” (Affirmation tools)
- Help Someone Else
- Sharing encouragement or listening to another’s story can change your perspective.
My Tips for Lifting Yourself Up Through Any Adversity
- Permit yourself to struggle. You’re not failing by feeling low; you’re human. Extend grace to yourself.
- Reflect honestly. Recovery and growth demand truth. I wrote the ugliest truths in my journal to get to the roots of my pain.
- Anchor yourself in daily routines. Consistent actions, not grand gestures, make real change.
- Celebrate micro-wins. Every clean day, every new insight, every act of self-compassion is a victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I lift myself up from depression or anxiety?
Start by combining professional support (therapy, support groups) with daily personal practices. Journaling, gratitude, and mindfulness can ease the load, but reaching out for help magnifies your strength.
What if I keep failing or falling back?
A growth mindset means setbacks are opportunities, not endpoints. I failed countless times, but the key was learning, not giving up. Discover wisdom for resilience.
Does physical activity help?
Absolutely. Movement triggers endorphins and physically shifts your state. Try short walks or stretching routines. Find free productivity resources.
Final Thoughts
I’m living proof that no matter how far you feel you’ve fallen, you can lift yourself up. Everything I’ve built—from recovery to business success—grew from small actions, honest reflection, and a relentless commitment to personal development.
If this resonates with you, explore more of my story, check out my personal development book, and consider joining our personal development workshops for support and guidance.
Your next breakthrough starts with the decision to lift yourself up, right where you are, today.
Resources I share with coaching clients for lifting myself up:
- Top 10 Best Ways to Craft an Abundance Mindset
- Free Online Productivity Calculator
- Free downloadable time management worksheet
- Marketing Coach Success Guide
- Join Ryan Zofay’s Events, Seminars, and Workshops
- Life Wisdom Good Morning Quotes
- Intentive Coaching for Lasting Personal & Professional Success
- Best Ever 101 Motivational resilience quotes
- Communication Coach Success Guide
- Top 10 ways to build rapport
- Are You Neurodivergent and Nurturing Your Inner Child?
If you found this useful, share your progress in the comments or message me on Instagram for more support.
