The Power of Showing Up - A Personal Story, Bernie Tiger

The Daily Steps That Build Resilience and Rewrite Your Story 

If you had told me as a homeless teenager, wandering through cold city streets, that one day I’d become a general manager, therapist, program director, and entrepreneur building a business centered around resilience, I might have laughed. Not because I lacked ambition or dreams but because my reality back then was so unstable that any notion of "routine" felt like an impossible luxury.

Back then, survival was my only goal. Motivation came and went like the weather—some days it was sunny and hopeful, but more often than not, it was stormy and unforgiving, like living in a snow bank, homeless in Central Park NYC in the dead of winter—17 years old. I didn’t know then that the secret to transformation wasn’t about staying motivated. It was about showing up daily, regardless of how I felt, and taking one small, consistent step forward.

Fast-forward to today and that same principle of consistency is the bedrock of my life and my business, Tiger Resilience. Let me share with you how the power of routine—of doing the work daily—has not only transformed my life but has also become the key to helping others unlock their own potential.

Motivation Is Fickle, Discipline Is Reliable

Motivation is an incredible spark—it can light a fire in your soul and propel you into action. But what happens when that spark fizzles out? For years, I chased motivation like a mirage, thinking that if I could find the right source of inspiration, I’d finally have the energy to rebuild my life. But motivation, I learned, is fleeting.

Discipline, on the other hand, is like a well-built engine. It doesn’t rely on fleeting feelings or bursts of inspiration. It runs because you’ve committed to fueling it daily. For me, that meant starting with small, manageable actions—getting up at the same time every day, applying for jobs, seeking out resources for housing, and eventually returning to school. It wasn’t glamorous, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But over time, those small actions compounded into significant changes.

The Transformative Power of Routine

When I became a therapist and later transitioned into building Tiger Resilience, I noticed a common theme among the people I worked with: those who achieved lasting transformation weren’t necessarily the most motivated. They were the ones who embraced routine and committed to daily practices, even when they didn’t feel like it.

Whether waking up early to meditate, journaling your thoughts and goals, or dedicating 30 minutes to exercise, routine creates a foundation of stability. It’s the antidote to chaos—the kind of chaos I knew all too well in my younger years. Routines give us structure, which gives us the freedom to grow.

One of the most impactful routines for me was journaling. Writing down my thoughts, dreams, and plans every day gave me clarity and focus. It became a ritual of self-discovery and accountability. Even now, as I build Tiger Resilience, my routine grounds me—from setting aside time to work on my courses to following a structured schedule for writing, creating, and connecting with my audience.

The Ripple Effect of Daily Discipline

Consistency doesn’t just transform your life; it ripples outward, impacting those around you. I see this every day at work. Clients and students who adopt daily practices often report improved relationships, better health, and a renewed sense of purpose. The five pillars of Tiger Resilience—purpose, Planning, Practice, Perseverance, and Providence—are rooted in this idea. Each pillar represents a piece of the puzzle that, when practiced consistently, leads to profound transformation.

Take “Practice,” for example. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Showing up for yourself every day, even if the steps are small, is what builds resilience. It’s what takes you from surviving to thriving.

Begin With the End in Mind

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve incorporated into my life is Stephen Covey’s principle of “Begin with the End in Mind.” Back when I was homeless, my "end" seemed impossibly far away. But over time, I learned to visualize what I wanted my life to look like and work backward to create a plan. That vision kept me going on days when motivation was nowhere to be found.

I teach this principle in Tiger Resilience as part of the “Purpose” pillar. When you have a clear picture of where you want to go, it’s easier to commit to the daily disciplines that will get you there. No matter how small, every action becomes a step toward that vision.

Your Transformation Starts Today

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck, I want to encourage you: transformation isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect mood. It’s about starting today, right where you are, with whatever resources you have. It’s about building routines that support your goals and committing to them daily.

Remember, consistency is over motivation. Motivation may light the fire, but discipline will keep it burning. And in that steady, daily flame lies the power to transform your life.

Yours in the Bond of the Phoenix       

Bernie & Michael Tiger 🐯       

Tiger Resilience     

The Tiger's Path: A Workbook for Navigating Life's Journey with Purpose and Intention 🔥  

Are you ready to take control of your time, focus your energy, and live a life driven by purpose? The Tiger's Path is more than just a planning guide; it's your roadmap to a purposeful, intentional life.  

What You’ll Learn:  

• Purpose-Driven Planning: Define your personal purpose and align your goals with your values for meaningful action. 
• Habit Building: Discover techniques from Atomic Habits, like the two-minute rule, to create lasting, positive habits. 
• Block Scheduling: Structure your day into time blocks to enhance focus and productivity. 
• Flexibility and Resilience: Learn adaptable strategies to keep moving forward, even when life throws you off course. 
• Reflection and Refinement: Regular reviews to assess progress and refine your approach for continuous growth. 

Why This Workbook Stands Out:  

This workbook is based on Tiger Resilience’s Ashes to Action program. It combines decades of personal development expertise with proven planning frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix, block scheduling, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It's designed to help you turn your purpose into practical steps, blending ancient wisdom and modern science for a holistic approach to personal empowerment.  

Who This Workbook Is For:  

• Individuals seeking clarity and focus in life. 
• Professionals and entrepreneurs want to increase productivity while staying true to their values. 
• Anyone looking to build meaningful habits that lead to lasting change. 

Take Action Today:  
Start your journey toward a purpose-filled life. Get The Tiger's Path and transform your planning with intention and resilience.  

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