9 Ways to Overcome Challenges
There is a profound truth that we must accept.
Life doesn’t always go perfectly.
It’s not always a bed of roses. Struggles come.
Crisis raises it’s ugly head. Trials and tribulations beat down our door.
Sorry I’m not more upbeat and positive, but it’s something you (WE, ME) have to hear!
But, it is during these challenges, or quickly after, that we must decide that the challenge will make us stronger or we will let it defeat us.
We grow or we wither.
It truly is our choice.
9 ways to overcome life’s challenges.
1. Motivate yourself
I promise you, if you are constantly having those conversations with yourself and saying the words “I can’t”, “I won’t make it”, “I can’t do this” then you will NOT overcome. Hands down. Guaranteed. You have to become your biggest supporter and your biggest fan. Motivating yourself with the “I CAN DO IT” attitude and spirit will be the most potent fuel you can have.
2. Be cool
When you are in your challenge you have to remain cool and level headed. I know it’s easier said then done. But, it’s important to remain cool and calm. Take a deep breath. Focus. Remain calm. And then move into action.
3. Be positive
This almost is the same as #1, but not quite. Remaining positive is a critical component to overcoming challenges. You have to find the silver lining around the dark cloud and remain positive about your ability to overcome. In fact, I love the scientific fact of what truly causes silver lining around clouds. In nature, when you see the silver lining around a cloud in the sky, it’s because the sun is directly behind the cloud causing the top layer of the cloud to look lighter because its thinner and less dense than the rest of the cloud. What’s beautiful is that sometimes the silver lining can be slightly blinding to your eyes because the light can reflect off the water droplets so that when you view it, it is blinding. There is a silver lining.
4. Have a support team
Friends are important. Family is important. We aren’t made to live life in a solitary world. (Loneliness call kill you). So, it’s critically important that when you are going through challenges you must reach out to others for support, if for nothing else for someone to listen to you and give you a hug.
5. Write in a Journal
I am a huge advocate to the power of writing in a journal. Writing in a private journal is the perfect way to get all your emotions and struggles out into the open. Write down your thoughts. Be truthful with yourself. Allow the emotions to spill out onto the paper. I am a HUGE advocate of hand-writing your journal on paper. This is a connection between the words in your head traveling through your body to the physical paper.
6. Celebrate your successes
Give yourself credit for past successes. When you are going through a life challenge, reviewing your list of life successes will help fuel your spirit of the “I CAN DO IT” attitude. I mean ANY success. If you managed to pull off cooking a huge holiday feast 15 years ago where you and you alone fed 40 people crammed into your house, THAT was a success. If you are able to clip coupons and feed a family of 4 with $50 a week, THAT is a success. Write down your success in a notebook and keep that page handy to give yourself a “pat on the back” when you need it. Because, we all need a pat on the back!
7. Connect with nature
Many studies have been done and are being done to prove that our environment impacts our psychological welfare. In other words, being in nature positively impacts our psychological and physical body. One of those studying this is Mark Berman.
8. Lean On God
Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?”
This first suggestion may seem so trivial, but it has been my greatest strength to overcome life’s challenges. When I didn’t feel I could take another step and when the future seemed less than rosy I had to lean on someone stronger than myself. Because of my personal relationship with Christ, I was able to use His strength to move forward. When fear and doubt slammed against every cell of my being, I had to reach out to the awesome power He could give me.
9. Seek out challenges
WHO in their right mind would seek out more challenges. Just like people who want to build muscle must lift weights, we must strengthen our resiliency to challenges, but overcoming challenges. Have you set a recent goal that pushes you out of your comfort zone? Nothing will help you to feel stronger and more capable by stepping out of your comfort zone, pushing the limits and succeeding in a “planned” challenge.
I recently completed a Video Blogging Challenge where I filmed 60 videos in 60 days. I overcame the battle of slow internet, slow uploads to YouTube, and a family crisis that blindsided me and knocked the wind out of me. I could have thrown in the towel at any time and said “I quit”. But, I didn’t. I finished. Now I have this HUGE feeling of accomplishment and, YES, am VERY proud of myself!
I encourage you to believe in yourself that you WILL overcome the challenge you face!Β I believe in you. You CAN do it!
Hugs and feathers from the nest~~()~~
Kim Steadman is the COOP (Chief Online Operating Person) for The Re-Feathered Nest. A place of encouragement for moms entering the Empty Nest Zone who are ready to RePurpose and ReDesign according to God’s purpose for their lives now that the kids have flown the coop. Kim can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheRefeatheredNest and on Google+ at +Kim.
8 Comments
Daniela Pesconi-Arthur
Hi Kim!
I’ve just seen the link to your blog on the Ultimate Blog Challenge Facebook page. It’s really interesting and it matches greatly with the topic of my last post, which is weight loss! I’d like to post a link to your post in my blog if it’s ok with you. π
Excellent work here!
Dani.
Corinne Rodrigues
I have found journaling to be a great way of overcoming challenges, and all the other ways are good too.
60 videos, Kim? I bow to thee! π
Mary
Thank you for your words…They came at the perfect time!
Lori Ferguson
Awesome list, Kim!
I’m one of your audience – an empty nester – who has gone on an adventure with her hubby. We’re traveling for 18 months around North America in our F150 & Fifth Wheel.
I especially can relate with #5 – writing in a journal. It’s helped me move forward in life for many years. As we packed up our “must haves” into a 10 x 10 storage unit, I took time to read through those journals. I saw that young mom with young kids, that mom who homeschooled, that mom who moved away from her oldest, and then that mom who said goodbye to homeschooling when her youngest entered college, and he didn’t “need” her anymore. It’s been a ride!
I applaud you SO much for addressing the issue of those years after constant mothering must finish. I floundered for about 2 years, until God made clear the next steps.
Thank you for what you do!
(and congratulations on completing one challenge, and beginning another!)
kimsteadman
Lori – such a pleasure to meet you! How exciting the journey you are on, both physically, emotionally and mentally. So exciting! I’m so honored you would stop by during your busy day! I’m going to be following you and I hope you share some of adventures (and misadventures) along the way! Sounds like we are kindred spirits. <3
kimsteadman
Mary – thank you for your kinds response. I truly hop you were helped!
kimsteadman
I’m a journaling nut! There are so many ways to journal and each way provides such a release and insight…and FUN. YES, 60 videos…FUN but wow, what work to keep pace!
kimsteadman
Hi Dani!! Thanks for stopping by! Of course you can share my post! I’m honored and I do hope it helps those on the journey of weight loss! I’ve been on that journey before and it IS a challenge at times! {{HUGS}}