How to Flourish in the Face of Adversity
Adversity gets a bad rap.
Don’t misunderstand. Life struggles and challenging circumstances are not at the top of my “wish list” of experiences. I’m sure you will agree.
If there was ever such thing as a perfect life, then by all means, sign this sister up.
However, you and I both know that a life void of trouble and hard knocks couldn’t be any farther from the face of reality.
Trials suck. They leave scars and often have consequences with lasting future effects. But there hasn’t been one significant enough to end the world… yet.
Now listen up. I don’t make light of the fact that life can be hard… really, really hard.
If you are familiar with my story, then you know I have firsthand experience with “hard” through a miserable marriage, a heart-wrenching divorce, and a battle with cancer.
This is what I learned…
At the root of adversity is the seed of change.
Deep down, that is what we want so badly to avoid… because change is uncomfortable. The actual process can be quite painful on so many levels.
Here is the deal…
Change is inevitable. There is nothing we can do to stop it or deny it.
But we can use what we learn in the face of adversity and the change it brings.
We must expect to experience levels of discomfort (and pain) as we journey to our next level of being. After all, carbon atoms would never develop into magnificent diamonds without the intense heat and pressure they endure along the way.
When you can anticipate the blessing waiting for you on the other side of your suffering, you will find a motivation that propels you into becoming who you were meant to be.
Why is it that some seem to naturally flourish in the face of adversity, while others struggle to even get out of bed the next morning? Is there a secret to overcoming misfortune and defeat?
I wouldn’t call it a secret, but there are significant responses with which those who flourish in the face of adversity consistently demonstrate.
They don’t allow themselves to become overwhelmed with negative emotions or thoughts. They take time to process what they’ve been through and resolve to move forward. They look for opportunities instead of dwelling on despair.
I want to equip you with some practical steps that will help you grow and flourish amid life’s “hard” and show you how you can use adversity to your advantage.
8 Ways to Flourish in the Face of Adversity
1. Find some humor in the midst of your circumstances
Sometimes finding the slightest bit of humor in your situation can lighten your mood and help you move forward. It is a healthy way to build your resilience.
2. Consider everything you have experienced already
This is probably not your first rodeo. How have you overcome adversity in the past? What got you through? Past experience can help you find your inner strength.
3. Mentally prepare yourself
If a crisis were to hit, what would be your plan of action? This isn’t permission to dwell on the negative. However, evaluating potential mishaps builds strength and equips you with the flexibility to overcome. Thinking through how you will react to worst-case-scenarios will help you stay calm and rational.
4. Be willing to learn from your mistakes
Adversity can be a great teacher… if we allow it to. Engage in some self-reflection to see where and how things went wrong. Focus on the things that are within your control and determine what you can do differently next time.
5. Look for opportunity in adversity
Life’s most important lessons are often learned in difficult times. Success through adversity is being able to embrace it as a chance to make good on lasting change for ourselves and our families.
6. Be crystal clear about what you want
Having a purpose and passion will motivate you to persevere. The challenges of life can definitely knock the wind out of your sail, but passion creates the energy to press on.
7. Believe in yourself
Having confidence in your ability to overcome tough stuff will help you find your way forward. Leverage your talent and experience to propel yourself to the other side of hard.
8. Don’t quit
Commit to finding your way forward. Approaching a crisis with determination and motivation will help you see adversity as a problem to be solved, not a situation to be accepted.
Sister, you are either at the end of a hardship, right smack dab in the middle of one, or getting ready to be in the thick of it. Regardless, I want to encourage you with some words from the great Walt Disney…
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Go ahead, sweet friend. Keep moving forward… and become who you are destined to be.
Sister, are you ready to get down to the nitty gritty and start taking some serious action?
Be on the lookout for the release of the first masterclass (in a series of many) I will be offering this year in the “Sweet Spot Training”. You will learn practical steps for conquering the chaos and living life on your terms.
If you are subscribed to my weekly newsletter, you’ll be one of the first to know about its official release. You will also be first in line to register.
If you haven’t invited me to your inbox yet, no problem. You can do that here. (psssst… scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page). Absolutely no strings attached.
