Are you going through some especially tough times? Do you wish they would just end about now? Then this article might just change your perspective towards your troubles. Read on below to learn about some of the ways this period has been making you a stronger individual and How Challenging Times Create Strength
How Challenging Times Create Strength
When you are in the middle of an exasperating situation, it is not easy to keep a positive outlook towards life. Whether it is financial trouble, a bad breakup, or you just got turned down from your 25th job interview – hardship does not go hand in hand with an optimistic approach. In fact, you might become so negative in these negative times that your attitude makes the experience even harder than it needs to be. And so, a little faith in this situation goes a long way towards making your life better,
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
This is something we have all heard some time or the other in our lives. No matter how hard times may get, we are told that we will definitely emerge from the other side stronger than we were before. Each troublesome encounter is said to add something to what we are, and make us better individuals. Today, we will see how correct this theory really is.
To quote Muriel Stacy from Anne With An E, sometimes adversity can be a blessing. Here are only some of the reasons why I believe this phrase to be true.
Failure teaches you what does not work
I once read somewhere that there is no such thing as failure: you either win at something, or you learn. This is because when you ‘fail’, you get to know at least one way that you should not proceed further in your life. Making mistakes is inevitable for a human – but they do not mean that you have to give up on yourself now. Instead, they should be as treated as an opportunity to learn what does not work. So, if a slip up has led you in an unfortunate situation, know that there is a lesson in it.
There is always a sunrise after the darkest of nights
Think back to all of the worst times of your life. Do you notice a similarity between them?
If you failed to think of it, here’s the thing that’s common with all of these situations: they passed. Being through hardship teaches you that there is always a sunrise even after the darkest of times. No matter how worse things seem to get, they will always get better with time. You have overcome hundred percent of all the challenges that life threw at you, and this should give you the faith that you will get past this one too. This belief in your own survival is the greatest strength any individual can hope for.
It is in hard times that you realize your true potential
How many times did you surprise yourself with your abilities when all was well and you were having a wonderful time? How many times has that happened when things were not so good?
In my experience, I have always noticed myself peaking while I was going through the worst possible things. If I never lost my first job that paid pennies and worked me overtime, I might never have applied for my current job that is so much better for my wallet and my time. I would have simply thought of myself as too incompetent to even try for it. However, it was my desperation that forced me to try everything I could, and learn that I indeed have greater potential than I thought I did.
Challenging times also teach you about your limitations
While you really learn about your abilities and grow them during hard times, these challenges also make you aware of your own limitations. Of course, there is not everything that you will be good at. When you are faced with a difficult situation, then you will truly understand the extent of shortcomings.
Now, here is why knowing of your own weaknesses is necessary. This knowledge allows you to ask for help when you need it. When you are aware that something lies beyond your capabilities, you go for the next best way to deal with it – consulting somebody who holds expertise in the matter. Many times, doing this is just what you need to get out of the difficult situation that you are in.
In hardship, you learn who really is a true friend
When you ask others for help, you are naturally likely to turn towards your friends and family first. These are the people that you thought will always have your back. But unfortunately, some might not really be ready to offer their services.
Like the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. It is during this time when people will reveal their true selves to you. You might learn that someone you considered your best friend was only with you as long as they were benefiting from you in some way. Conversely, someone you never regarded as a good friend might come to your rescue in your time of need and offer the support that you so desperately need.
It is during this time that you will learn who is better clinging on to, and who you should let go from your life. After your troubled times are over, the friends you are left with will be the most loyal and true that you can ever imagine.
The Final Word
Hoping that you soar through life without ever encountering hard times is just not realistic. However privileged a life you may lead, it is still going to be a roller coaster of happy and bad times. The best thing to do is to learn how you can navigate through life’s challenges without them putting out the fire in your heart.
Hopefully, reading about the many ways hard times are good for you will have changed your perspective a little. Always remember that every challenge has a little bit of good in them, even though you might not be able to see it at first. Until then, here’s to wishing you a wonderful life ahead!