Navigating Difficult Times: Finding Growth Through Hardship

communication courage mindset May 07, 2024

Author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said:

"Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful."

This quote perfectly aligned with a thought I had just the other day about going through hard times. What if we shifted our perspective from "I'm going through a hard time" to "I'm growing through a hard time?"

I've gone through hard times like everyone else, but lately, I've been reflecting on how I have grown so much through those experiences. When I think of those times in terms of growing, it is so much more motivating! Those seasons of my life don't feel as if they were for nothing when I look back and see the growth that happened.

I don't reflect on a difficult season as a time I could not get through or was too weak to handle. When I choose to see all the areas where I learned, despite it being a challenging time, I can clearly see all the areas where I am better now than before!

Here are some simple ways to start shifting your mindset to start growing through hardships:

Embrace the Journey of Growth

When you take time to dig into growth instead of running in the opposite direction, big things happen! Whether you're in the throes of hardship, or you are reflecting on how far you've come, I guarantee you can see snippets of courage, resilience, and inner strength you never knew existed. Hard times will continue to come––will you embrace the journey and turn it into a positive?

Find Meaning in Adversity

Adversity has a way of stripping away the superficial layers of our lives, revealing our true selves. In the face of challenges, we have to confront our fears, insecurities, and limitations. But it is through these struggles that we discover our core values, priorities, and purpose. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity for introspection, self-discovery, and personal growth. When you come against adversity, take time to find value in what you are experiencing!

Cultivate Resilience and Strength

One thing is certain; experiencing difficulty is a testament to our resilience and strength. When we choose to see each setback as a stepping stone, it propels us forward. No matter how small, each step forward builds our reserve of resilience.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself during difficult times. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same care and understanding you would offer to a friend facing a similar situation! Give yourself grace when you experience setbacks and allow for mistakes.

Conclusion

When you choose to see that growth comes with hardship and difficult times, you can wake up to your life in a brand new, different way! The next time you start thinking, "I'm going through a hard time," shift it to: "I'm growing through a hard time" and see what comes up for you.