Adversity is a part and parcel of our lives. There is not a single soul on this planet who has not faced adversity. Even if you are very successful, moderately successful, or not so successful, handling adversity in life determines you. It is not that successful people have not faced any adversity (as perceived), they have, but they have handled it with elan. This way we see that adversity is an integral part of our lives and we should know how to deal with it. This will make our life easier.
As I mentioned earlier, most of the time, it is perceived that successful people do not have challenges because they have a lot of wealth, power, and status. They can choose to buy anything they want, live anywhere, and possibly do anything they choose.
Yet, it has been seen that successful people are what they are, because of the way they handle things. They have more challenges than we do because the world is on them to deliver the best services, develop innovative ideas, always portray their best, attend this conference, etc. However, they have learned to master the art of handling adversity.
These people have accepted that life will always give you lemons and it is up to you to make your lemonade.
Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Francis of Assisi
So, how can you overcome adversity? Here are a few tips:
- Stop making excuses. Elaborate excuses and denial are two common responses to failure.
- Sometimes it is freeing to write your thoughts down on paper.
- Change your state of mind.
- Stay disciplined.
- Use your sense of humour.
- Have faith.
- Let each success energize you.
- Do not take no for an answer.
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. -Booker T. Washington
As a first measure, you should start believing that you will be able to handle and overcome any challenge rather adversity in life. No adversity is bigger than your determination. The buck stops with you.
Imagine, you are overweight and because of that you fear that you may face some serious health issues. Right? The doctor has advised you to lose weight. Right? But can anyone else in your place take charge of the situation to lose weight? Can you hire someone to go to the gym every morning, and sweat it out on the treadmill so that you lose weight? No! Howsoever rich or accomplished you are…you will have to handle this adversity. You may even be a doctor a gym owner or a fitness instructor, you will have to work on your weight yourself.
Like Jack Canfield said, “You can’t hire anyone to do your push-ups for you.”
It is important to remember that everything that has happened in your life – the good, bad, and the ugly – is all shaping you into the person you were born to be.
You must believe that the situation you are going through is for a purpose and God has given you the power to overcome it.
Another way you can address adversity is by keeping a positive attitude – All is well.
Remaining positive during adversity is the biggest challenge. You tend to become negative. This is something people find hard to do when they face adversity. It is human nature to overreact, worry, and complain.
But that does not do anything; instead, it causes heartaches and panic attacks.
Think to yourself…When did last worrying ever solve a problem? Never has and never will. It is your responsibility to face every adversity with the right mindset and the right attitude.
The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work. -Harry Golden
It is noticed that most people deal with adversity with negativity rather than positivity, hence making the situation more complex. So much so that sometimes they need a therapist to come out of the adversity. But it always helps if you rebound from adversity. You can start by believing that you can find a way forward. If you feel hopeless and powerless, it is unlikely you will find a way to be successful. You must have self-confidence and a strong belief in your capabilities to overcome difficult times.
It is often said that life’s biggest lessons are learned in difficult times.
Always bear in mind that your resolution to success is more important than any other thing. -Abraham Lincoln
Any adversity brings life’s invaluable lessons. As I say that, you get to know who are the people who stood by you during difficult times. Which friends or family helped you? Which acquaintances lent a helping hand? You come to gauge your willpower to overcome the situation. This you always have been thinking, that you cannot do this, you cannot do that…
Adversity can make you stronger and more resilient, help you to develop new skills and perspectives, and give you a greater appreciation for what you have. Research has shown that people who have faced significant adversity in their lives are often more successful than those who have not.
This way, adversity helps! Remain HappyHO even during difficult times.
