Each of us faces difficulties in the course of life. Even those for whom everything seems to flow smoothly. How are they overcome? What is holding you back from giving up and moving to Antigua? We will help you change your view of things, putting some strategies in place and we will guide you through the steps you need to follow to face the challenges of a true champion.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Addressing the Problem
Step 1. Recognize that you are facing a problem
Many people dismiss the difficulties that arise. They convince themselves that the problem is less than it really is or they pretend it doesn't exist. You need to be aware if you start thinking this way, because the saying "the first step to overcoming a problem is admitting you have one" is true.
This is not a pleasant part of the equation. Accepting that this challenge is real and that you have to face it could be really scary. If you are scared of what the challenge might entail, simply remember: so far, in life, you have faced any difficulty that has come your way and you have managed well. There is no reason to think that this time is different
Step 2. Take action
It is important, with any difficulty you find yourself facing, to start acting as soon as possible. Any moment of inactivity becomes an action in itself. By doing nothing, you do something anyway. And that something probably doesn't help resolve the situation. Problems usually multiply like rabbits when left to fend for themselves. The sooner you start facing the challenge, the easier it will be to overcome it.
Step 3. Evaluate the facts
So, are you ready to take on this challenge? Perfect! The best way to start is to evaluate the facts. What do you really know about what's going on? Are you sure you understand the situation? Don't just address what you think is the problem; the real difficulty may go beyond what you think. Take some time to make sure you understand the situation perfectly.
- Usually this involves talking to other people. Of course, depending on the situation, you will need to target different individuals. Having trouble at school? Talk to the teacher about it. Trouble at work? Talk to your boss or a colleague about it. Relationship problems? Talk to your partner about it. Health problems? Talk to your doctor. Now you have got the idea.
- It may be helpful to make a list. A difficulty rarely involves a single problem; on the contrary, it is the sum of several issues. Make a list by talking about problems, minor challenges and what you will need to do to combat them.
Step 4. Take into account what you have
Now that you know what you are facing, you will need to evaluate the tools and resources available to meet this challenge. The most important resources need to be considered according to the problem, but there are many things you can look into. Think about your strengths, people who can help you, and any material assets you have (like money). You should also consider the areas in which you are weak. This will help you plan ahead so that you can compensate or at least be prepared in areas where something might go wrong. Be realistic about the positive and negative aspects to be drawn from this situation: optimism is not on your side in this case.
For example, suppose you are facing difficulties in your marriage. What do you have available that can help you deal with them? Well, you are good at expressing your feelings. This is important for achieving understanding in interpersonal matters. You also have your parents available - they've managed to stick together despite some serious quarrels, so they might give you some advice. You also know that you are unwilling to change your lifestyle, so you will know that you need to pay special attention to this aspect
Step 5. Search for more information
Now that you know the facts and what you have at your disposal, you can start researching information that can help you. Find out more about the challenge you are facing. Talk to people who have faced the same challenges. The more you know about the facts, similar situations and experiences of others, the easier it will be to make intelligent decisions about how to meet your challenge. It will also help you not feel alone.
- You can find a lot of information online, using Google to find sites that talk about your specific problem.
- For example, let's say you are facing a challenge at work; you are about to be evaluated and worry that your performance has been poor. Go to Google and do a search on performance ratings. You will learn the process and you will learn how things went for other people. You can also find out what to do to increase your chances of keeping your job if the rating is negative.
Step 6. Explore all possibilities
When we are worried, we have a tendency to see only a few ways out. You might think of the solution to the situation as "either I do this or I do that". However this is rarely an accurate view of the problem and thinking in this way can often harm your decision making. Ask yourself what is really needed to resolve the situation or what your options really are. Find the middle ground between those clearly delineated in your mind. You may find that a moderate attitude or a radical change of direction would be preferable in the long run, although it does not correspond to what you thought would be the solution.
If you have difficulty analyzing the situation and finding an alternative route, one of the simplest ways to clarify your ideas is to talk to someone you trust. Get advice. However, if you are alone, identify your main goal (what you are trying to achieve). Evaluate the real function of the objective. Is there another way to achieve the same thing? This could open up another way for you to go
Step 7. Communicate, communicate, communicate
If the challenge you are facing in some way involves other people, then much of it can be addressed by talking to them. Most of our problems stem primarily from the fact that we fail to communicate the way we should.
- For example, let's say you have problems in your relationship. The best way to resolve them is to discuss with your partner. Be honest about how you feel, what you want and encourage him to do the same. If he doesn't talk to you, then you've already found the answer, right?
- Here's another example: If you're having trouble at school, talk to your teacher or a school counselor. No matter what the matter, one of them should have some ideas to help you. You may fear that they are angry with you, that they judge you, or that you will make things worse, but that's probably not true. It is difficult for you to tell them something that will surprise them and they are much more experienced in dealing with problems, so they will be able to help you.
Step 8. Find a mentor
When facing a challenge, one thing to do to truly transform your experience is to find a mentor. It could be a person, a site, a book - anything that can give you advice in your specific situation and inspire you to face it as a champion. Having a point of reference can make your experience more positive and help you change the way you deal with what's happening.
- For example, if you are having trouble with a friend, talk to an older sister about it. He has likely faced similar problems at some point in his life, so he will be able to give you some helpful advice. It will also be able to support and comfort you.
- Online communities can fulfill this function too, so don't worry if you're not good at talking to people or asking for help face-to-face.
Step 9. Keep working hard until you find a solution
The key to dealing with difficulties in life is to simply keep trying. You have to be persistent. If you don't insist, you won't be successful in the things you experience. We don't suggest you try the same approach over and over, but you shouldn't stop looking for a solution. It is possible to face any challenge and improve any situation, as long as you maintain a certain open-mindedness.
Sometimes the solution to a problem is to accept the inevitable. Let's say your challenge is a chronic illness. Now, you shouldn't give up on fighting to get rid of the disease. The reality is probably that you can't get rid of it. However, the solution would be to find a sense of belonging to a group of people who share your situation, learning to better embrace and appreciate the positive things in life
Part 2 of 2: Changing Your Perceptions
Step 1. Understand that this too will pass
You are facing an incredible challenge: now you must truly face it. How do you handle a situation that troubles you very much and how do you get out of it? It is important to remember that time passes and things change. All time. The only constant is that the sun rises every morning. Whatever you're going through, no matter how terrible and permanent it feels, it's important to remember that you won't always feel the same way. Your challenge will not last indefinitely. There will be a new reality and you will find a way to continue living. You simply have to repeat to yourself: "this too will pass".
For example, your boyfriend, who you have been with since you were young, may have left you. You feel destroyed, you believe that you will not be able to be happier and find someone else to love in the same way. But time will pass, you will be at a party, and suddenly… your prince will walk into the room. He will be nice, charming and will think that you are simply the most extraordinary being in the world. It will happen. You just have to be patient and give time to time
Step 2. Remember the good things in life
When negative episodes occur or when we are stressed, we tend to forget about the wonderful things that exist in our lives. Regardless of how bad it all seems, the world is truly a wonderful place. Consider the positives in your life. Spend time enjoying them and communicate your affection to the people you love. Not only will this not drive you crazy during this time, it may also help you find a way to meet your challenge.
Sometimes people have a hard time recognizing the positive aspects of their lives. Don't let this happen to you. Don't have an important person by your side? You still have friends and your family. Don't have friends and family? You are still alive and have the opportunity to explore the world to make new friends and live new experiences. There is always an incredible experience that awaits only you
Step 3. Be flexible, always
Regardless of the challenge you're facing, being able to adapt will make a huge difference in facing it. Imagine that you are a tree that has fallen into a river. You can try to go against the tide, but you will end up smashing yourself and crashing into every rock you come across. On the contrary, if you go with the current, you change direction according to that of the river, and you will glide smoothly until you are led to a place of rest.
Step 4. Give your life meaning
When you have a goal or find a purpose in your life, you realize that facing any challenge is easier. This happens because you will have something to strive for, hope for, or just get inspired by, and it will make you happy. There are many ways to do this. You can set a goal, like buying a house in five years. Some people become more religious and find comfort in their religious community. Others engage in volunteering and find strength in helping others. Find something that works for you.
Finding a purpose, if you don't have one, can be difficult. The best way to do this, as with most things in life, is to try. When you find the right thing for you, you will know. Keep yourself open to all possibilities, don't stop going out and trying new things
Step 5. Accept the challenges
Managing stress takes practice. You will find that it will be easier to deal with difficulties if you face more of them. If you always live in cotton wool and always take the easy way to avoid challenges, you will never prove to yourself that you can face a challenge. Take risks that come with benefits. You will find that you can do more than you imagine.
It is a bit like learning to ride a bike: you risk getting some scratches and bruises while you learn to keep your balance, but every staggering will teach you how to stay upright. If every time you stagger, get off your bike and don't get back on it for a few years, you'll never learn
Step 6. Be grateful for the difficulties you have
When you face challenges in your life, be grateful. Each challenge you face will teach you something more about yourself. It will become a part of you, and you are an amazing person. You are unique and wonderful, but it is the challenges that have forged you this way. You are struggling now, but remember, even while you are worried and upset, that this challenge will make you a better person.
Step 7. Believe in yourself
The most important thing to do to face any challenge is to believe in yourself. If you doubt yourself, you will stagger. You will make poor decisions. If you don't trust your abilities, you could also dramatically transform what you gain from this experience. By believing in yourself, you will draw positive lessons from it, but if you don't trust yourself, this experience will be completely negative because you will experience it as a failure. What experience would you rather have?
Sometimes life can be so hard that you no longer want to believe in yourself. Don't let your experiences degrade your wonderful soul. You are so strong. Look at the things you've done so far! We know you can take this challenge and do it gracefully. We believe in you and are proud of who you are. Just keep trying and don't forget you're awesome
Advice
- Recognize that you are most likely not the cause of a particular situation (such as bereavement or job loss).
- Realize that not all negative situations are directed at you (or just you!). Some occur for many reasons, and they are only there to annoy you. Don't dwell too much on why and how something happened.
