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Triumphing Over Tough Times
by: Della Menechella
Right now many people
are facing tough times. Life as we once knew it has changed and we
may find ourselves confronting situations we have never dealt with
before.
While we might not be
able to control things that are occurring in the world, we can
control how we react to what is happening. Specifically, we can
control how we use our minds and thoughts to get through difficult
circumstances. The following are simple steps that will not only
help you handle any challenges, but will allow you to move through
them to achieve success.
Remember this too
shall pass – Sometimes when we are faced with tough times we feel as
if they will never end. We can’t see ‘the light at the end of the
tunnel’ to that time when our problems are resolved. It seems as if
we will always have to deal with the difficulty. This can be a very
negative attitude to adopt because it leads to a sense of
hopelessness – why bother trying to change things because it won’t
make a difference anyway. Now is the time to remember that, as with
most things in life, this too shall pass. You will find another job,
business will pick up, the pain and grief will subside. As you
realize that this challenging time will be replaced by a brighter
tomorrow, you will find it easier to take the necessary steps to
resolve your situation.
Consider past
successes – Often when we are dealing with a difficult situation we
develop amnesia about our past. Unless you are one of a privileged
few, you have successfully overcome prior challenges in your life.
Think about past events when you’ve been tougher than your problems.
It will help you realize that deep within, you have the strength and
fortitude to move beyond this demanding time.
Determine your
personal success strategy – As you recall those times when you’ve
triumphed over trouble, consider what strategies you used to
accomplish it. Each of us has many successful strategies that we’ve
used in our past. However, we often forget to pull out those
strategies during those times that we can most benefit from them.
Determine what worked for you before and apply those successful
ideas now. You will find it much easier to handle any adversity you
may be facing.
Handle day-to-day
challenges, but envision your goal – When we go through difficult
times it is easy to get bogged down in the minutiae of the situation
and forget where we are headed. Take time out to envision what life
will be like when the situation has reached a successful outcome.
Handle the day-to-day details such as making follow-up phone calls,
finding new ways to market yourself or your business, solving daily
problems, but always remind yourself of how things will look and
feel when you are triumphant. This will provide you with the
motivation to continue taking action and it will also help you
maintain a positive attitude.
Find a support system
– When we are struggling with major challenges it is very difficult
to consistently stay upbeat. We don’t get the position, we lose the
sale, the expenses continue to pile up as the money gives out. This
is the time when we need others to help us remain focused and
optimistic. Call a confidante who can see the bright side when you
can’t. Talk to a trusted friend who will help you leave your ‘pity
party’ and take action once again. There are times when even the
strongest and most positive of us need others to help us navigate
through the trials of trouble.
Focus on what is right
in your life – When we are confronted by problems it is very easy to
let them control our perspective on life. We spend much time and
energy focusing on what is wrong and very little time thinking about
what is right. On a daily basis, come up with a list of things that
are good in your life, things for which you can be grateful even as
you travel this tough road. It will help you realize that even
though the world may seem to be falling apart around you, you still
have many positives in your life.
Follow these steps
whenever you find yourself facing life’s bumps, detours, or valleys.
They will not only help make the journey easier, but they will lead
the way to your ultimate triumph.
About The
Author
Della Menechella is a
speaker, author, and trainer who inspires people to achieve greater
success from the inside out. She is a contributing author to
Thriving in the Midst of Change and the author of the videotape The
Twelve Commandments of Goal Setting. She can be reached at
della@dellamenechella.com.
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