Antwahn Nance a former basketball player. Who has since suffered some rough times. Antwahn Nance who was once a former 6′10″ basketball star. Has now slid down a terrible path of drugs and alcohol. And has even been in a TV show on A&E called Intervention. The intervention was not successful. Antwahn Nance is now in Los Angeles, California. He has hit rock bottom and is homeless on skid row. He has addmitadly become addicted to crack cocaine, alcohol and marijuana. Antwahn Nance ’s past is sketchy and full of sorrow. His mother took her own life when Antwahn Nance was just 6 years old. Antwahn said in the program on A&E that he began smoking weed at only 9 years old. This is a troubling fact.

It’s unfortunate when people loose control of their lives like this. It’s important that we all take control and recognize that we have choices to make in life. And so I’ve put together 10 ways we take control of our life.

1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. This is one of the “easiest” things we can do. But so many people forget that just doing the simple things in life can go a long way.

2. Tell yourself everyday the things that you are grateful for.
Stresses and challenges don’t aren’t as emotionally consuming when you continually remind yourself of all the things that are good in life. Taking just a minute a day to recognize everythign good in your life will take you far.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Just Assuming
A fear of not being liked or accepted may make us think that we have some sort of psycic ability to know what others are thinking, but the fact is we do not. And what we are thinking is not actually the reality of the situation. If you have a fear that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, The best option is to just ask them. Don’t assume. You could be leading yourself to thinking something that isn’t true.

4. Don’t use Absolutes
Have you ever told a someone “You’re ALWAYS so slow!” or complained to a colleague “You NEVER follow up with emails!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is. Because no one is ALWAYS something. And you’re tricking your brain into think something that isn’t true.

5. Get away From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it.

6. Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually come to you naturally or are just a reaction to something, like “Those people are laughing, they must be saying something about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? I’m probably in trouble” When you realize these thoughts, notice that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family)
You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is known to have positive effects on your outlook on life. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher gratutities from these patrons than from the customers she didn’t personally contact!

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease the feeling of being alone. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you positively!

9. Volunteer - Donate
Everyone feels good after giving a helping hand. You can donate your time, your cash, or your resources. This will help you feel better for yourself. And you will help someone else in the process. You can help Antwahn Nance.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Inspire change.
If you find yourself not experiencing enough change, one of the best ways to inspire change is to interrupt the pattern of negativity. Then you force yourself to change your mind set immediately. Stagnation can may give you a jaded view, and you’ll view everthing negatively. This may have happened to Anywahn Nance, and he wasn’t taught the necassry tips to help improve his life. Just stagnating never productive, because it’s not rational or solution-minded state of mind. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music. But change what you’re thinking about don’t dwell and use patern interupts.

These are ten tips you can use to improve your life today. Use these tips and you will not end up in the same perdicament as Antwahn Nance.