How to overcome adversity and regain control of your life.

Growing up and going through many phases in life, has given me the opportunity to learn many lessons. One of my discoveries was that life is not constant, it is like a rollercoaster. We all go through good times, bad times and a series of ups and downs. I don’t believe that I have met anyone who can say “life has plain sailing”. Everyone experiences adversity, what matters though, is how we respond to it. The big realisation is that life happens for you, not to you, and this is key to overcoming adversity. Every event in your life can teach you something.

Are you facing adversity in your life? Join the club. Life is constantly handing us challenges to overcome. A big part of living is dealing with adversity. While it’s not enjoyable, it’s a part of life that you can expect to encounter on a regular basis. So, learning how to deal with adversity is worth your time and attention.

There are several factors that determine your ability to deal with adversity effectively. Firstly, your experiences. If you have successfully dealt with adversity in the past, you will be more capable of dealing with it in the future. Going through experiences can also give you more self-confidence. When you believe you can handle a challenge, you’re more likely to do so. Self-confidence helps to reduce your stress and maintain a positive mood. When you believe in yourself and your capabilities, challenges are easier to overcome.

Secondly your social network. Life is easier when you don’t have to face your challenges alone. A strong social network can solve a lot of life’s sticky situations. Is your car not running? That’s easier to deal with when you have 10 different friends and family members that can give you a ride while you get your car repaired.

Thirdly your ability to focus on solutions. When you focus on your adversity, your challenges become bigger and scarier. Focusing on solutions is much more effective and will resolve your issues quicker.

Lastly your ability to manage stress. Are you easily overwhelmed by stress? If so it’s going to be a bumpy ride. However, if you can manage your stress, you can rise to challenges more effectively. Meditate, pray, listen to music, or participate in other activities that release your stress and relax you.

If you work at and enhance these qualities, your ability to face your challenges successfully will multiply.

The best time to work on yourself and adverse situations, is when life is running smoothly. It’s not easy to build self-confidence when you’re facing challenges. A good example to demonstrate this would be of the guy that decides not to fix the leak in his roof because the weather is sunny and the rain isn’t coming into his house. However this would certainly be the best time to work on the problem. We need to work on our lives during pleasant times. While this is easier said than done, if we discipline ourselves we will experience less adversity.

Realising that we must take responsibility for your own life, let us deal with adversity effectively and regain control over our lives. Here are a few pointers that may help you.

Understand that adversity is a part of life, so is the need to deal with it well. When have you ever not had a challenge of some sort, probably never. There’s always something popping up. When one issue is solved, another one will take its place, such is life.

Look on the bright side. Adversity is good for building your internal resources. You become a stronger person and more capable of handling adversity in the future. You might not appreciate this fact now, but it will prove helpful down the road.

Focus on what you can control. Most of the things you worry about are out of your control. What’s the point in fretting about them? Spend your resources wisely and address those things you can change.

Use your time effectively. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and waste your time on worthless activities. Now is the time to use your time intelligently. Spend it on changing your situation.

Remind yourself of the good things in your life. It’s not all bad. There are plenty of good things and people in your life right now. You’ll feel better, and be more capable, if you remind yourself of this fact. Be grateful for what you do have.

You’ve dealt with adversity in the past and you’ll have to do it again. Managing and overcoming adversity separates those that are highly successful and those that struggle.

Those who are able to find the lessons in troubled times will succeed. Those who blame their circumstances on others will fail. Learn to enhance your ability to overcome adversity. Build your internal resources and learn lessons from your past. Focus on solutions rather than the challenge. Manage the adversity in your life effectively and you’ll enjoy greater success.