Overcoming Adversity

Almost everyone will go through adversity in life because it is inevitable. Some people sink during the difficult times because they feel helpless and are unable to rise above their problems. The tough ones gather the courage to fight adversity and eventually will come out stronger.

You may not have been fully responsible for the misfortune that befalls you. But it is your responsibility to come out of it. It is a challenge to stay strong when you're ill or have lost your resources, but if you want to turn your life around you must move on.

How to Overcome Adversity

Overcoming Adversity No. 1 - Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

When you are in the face of adversity, it's hard to feel optimistic. But if you were to go back in time and read some of the stories of people who have triumphed over adversity, you will discover that hardship and difficulties made them stronger. Some examples of famous people who overcame adversities and personal challenges and achieved victory include Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln and Viktor Frankl.

Overcoming Adversity No. 2 - Search Your Soul

Stephen R. Covey stated that only through silence would we find the truth of ourselves, our source of creativity, to restore our dull senses and clarify and reorder our priorities. He further stated that we must return to solitude again and again if we hope to hear the voice of inspiration and if we want to live fully realized life.

So find solitude and have a talk with yourself during the difficult times. Listen to your heart. You can gain insights by putting yourself in a relaxed state of body and mind. The simplest way to do that is by doing deep breathing exercise and going within. If you try once and can't quiet your mind, try again.

Overcoming Adversity No. 3 - Exert Self Control

When you are going through great difficulties, you have to exercise self control in order to avoid excessive stress. Stay calm and keep your cool. What's important is to manage your emotions. Your emotions are powerful. They can trigger you to take positive actions or paralyze you.

Make a conscious effort to "catch" your thinking. Stop yourself when you notice any of the negative beliefs, thoughts and feelings. Command your mind to stop. Cancel them. Replace immediately with positive words and empowering thoughts.

Overcoming Adversity No. 4 - Get Up and Bounce Back

Imagine what would happen if you remain in a daze, afraid to move? Most likely you are going to experience more pain and sufferings.

When you are knocked down by adversity, dare to get up again. Take the situation as a lesson. Have the will to try again, have faith and believe that it's possible to start anew and make it better.

Overcoming Adversity No. 5 - Focus on What to Do Next

One of the ways to find the answers on what you can do next is to start asking many new or different questions. The answers depend on your questions. Here are some questions for you to ponder.

1. What do I really want?
   
   
   
2. How can I take immediate control of my life?
   
   
   
3. What have I been thinking and picturing in my mind?
   
   
   
4. What are the possible alternatives that I can take today that will affect my personal growth?
   
   
   
5. What can I learn from this adversity?
   
   
   
6. What will holding on to negative emotions and feeling bad do for me?
   
   
   
7. What lies in this experience that I am not aware and can discover if I search?
   
   
   
8. What are some of the habits, attitudes and behaviors that I should drop?
   
   
   
9. What is it that is causing my problem?

Overcoming Adversity No. 6 - Take One Action at a Time

Remember that the future comes one day at a time. Push yourself forward and do at least one simple action. You must develop the disciplines to make yourself do what you should do, whether you like it or not.

Don't be afraid to take action today just because of what happened yesterday. Don't let doubt, worry and indecision stop you. Push them aside in a corner. Any positive action no matter how small has an effect on how your future will turn out.

Overcoming Adversity No. 7 - Think Positive and Be Optimistic

Don't complain because you will attract more of what you are focusing on. Don't brood over the past and give yourself more pain. It's over. Learn from it so that you won't repeat the same mistakes. If you keep feeling the pain, you may lose hope and it will weaken your faith.

Affirm to yourself that this too shall pass. Start dreaming about something better. Recall times when you have made things happened, when you have solved your problems or started something. If you have succeeded once, you can do it again.

Overcoming Adversity No. 8 - Ask for Help

Ask for help from people who care. You may have to ask several people, or in a different manner. Just keep on until you find what you are seeking.

If you can't find anyone, read about people who have dealt with adversities and tragedies. An example is Viktor Frankl's book on Man's Search for Meaning. Read it and you will realize that your problem is small compared to the pains, hardship and sufferings that Viktor Frankl went through.

If you are a believer, ask for God's help.

Overcoming Adversity No. 9 - Get Support

Things will look more difficult if you feel so alone. Don't isolate yourself. Join a supportive group or community. There are people who can provide guidance, advice and inspiration.

Read The Seasons of Life. You'll be able to understand how life relates to the season and how you can make use of challenging times in your life and reap the rewards in spring.

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