10 Ways to Overcome Adversity and Thrive During Hard Times

Imagine the scenes: You’ve just lost your job, your significant other has given you the big “goodbye,” your investments aren’t paying off as planned, the tax authorities are on your case, you’re facing health issues, your house has burned down, no one takes you seriously, and even your dog has bitten you. Adversities like these can seem endless.

But how will you respond to such negative events? To paraphrase a line from Al Pacino in the film Devil’s Advocate, under pressure, some people “focus” while others “fold.” Directly addressing you, how will you react to life’s challenges? Will these adversities break you, or will you rise above, recover, and triumph? Though it’s easier to talk or write about overcoming hardships than to actually do it, there are strategies to help you succeed.

Elizabeth Perry (https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-overcome-adversity) suggests ten methods for facing adversities. Will you accept defeat when told you’re “not good enough,” or will you work to prove the naysayers wrong? The good news is that the choice is yours: will you focus, or will you fold?

Ms. Perry advises that altering your mindset is an excellent first step. Recognize adversity as a generally temporary state and replace feelings of self-doubt with strength, conviction, and, if possible, optimism. Overcoming adversity often requires a systematic process of self-analysis, reflection, and action. Remember, everyone is different; what works for one person may not work for another.

When adversity strikes, Ms. Perry emphasizes letting go of your previous expectations. If your initial plans failed, clinging to them while expecting different results is counterproductive. Start anew and view the problem through a fresh lens. Keep in mind that you can’t control everything. This positive mindset is essential when facing adversity. Self-pity and stubbornness to move forward won’t help.

Ms. Perry’s ten strategies to confront and directly address adversity are:

1. Stop Making Excuses: It’s human nature to create excuses for our failures, often blaming external factors and denying our own responsibilities. As tempting as it may be to pin the blame on someone else and ignore our role in the failure, it rarely helps.
2. Write It All Down: Organizing your thoughts on paper can bring clarity and perspective. In a private, safe space, engage in self-reflection and record your thoughts. This process encourages honesty and provides a record for future reference, showing how much you’ve learned over time.
3. Change Your State of Mind: Your mindset shapes your reality. Viewing the world through a lens of negativity can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Conversely, a positive outlook can pave the way for success. Train your mind to view situations differently for better outcomes.
4. Develop Self-discipline: Apply discipline to your work ethic, relationships, and personal habits. Good habits in daily exercise, meditation, diet, sleep, and self-care are crucial. You can’t effectively tackle adversity if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
5. Cultivate a Sense of Humor: Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially for mental health. It releases hormones that counteract stress and boost the immune system. Finding humor in life’s situations can refresh your perspective and aid in overcoming adversity.
6. Maintain Faith in Success: Avoid succumbing to fear or self-pity. Believing in your ability to develop and execute a successful strategy is more than half the battle. Remember, surrender is not an option.
7. Build on Success: Celebrate each success and view it as a stepping stone to the next. Confidence gained from minor achievements can lead to a trend of upward success, turning you into a powerhouse capable of overcoming adversity.
8. Persistence in the Face of Rejection: Don’t accept «no» as a final answer. Persistence, discernment, and flexibility can turn an initial rejection into an eventual «yes.» Patience and faith are your allies here.
9. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Your social circle influences your outlook. Spending time with negative people can drag you down. Choose to associate with those who have a positive outlook, especially during tough times.
10. Embrace the Healing Power of Nature: Nature offers a natural remedy for a troubled soul. Prioritize self-care and relaxation, whether it’s a walk in the forest, gardening, or a trip to the gym. These moments of respite can rejuvenate your determination to overcome adversity.

Everyone faces difficulties, but our response to these challenges defines us. Some people focus and grow through adversity, developing strength and adaptability. Others may fold under the pressure. Embrace the opportunities presented by challenging times to enhance your coping skills.

Written by

Harold Eugene O'Neal