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Falling on hard times isn’t easy for anyone, and can be more difficult to escape. Some people choose to cope with it by indulging in practices that will set them further behind, while others blame the world for their circumstances and refuse to take control of their life. It’s tough because no one wishes this on themselves and can happen to anyone of us, despite who we are or what we do.
There’s no telling if or when it will hit. But you can be certain there are lessons to be learned. Here are just a few ways these dark days work to make you better.
1. Encourage humility
Anyone can prepare ten times more than the next person, but the inevitable doesn’t discriminate. It could be health, finances, job loss, or divorce, life has a way of smacking you down to earth when you least expect it.
And this is a good thing in an age where everyone is primed to get what they want. Scratching and clawing our way to the top is a part of the game, but too often it leads to selfishness, arrogance, and needless to say – greed.
This much-needed setback is a reminder that you are fallible, just like next person. Because without mistakes there is no growth, and without growth there is no progress. Without progress there is no future.
Once you can admit and accept this, life takes on a whole new sense of purpose that no amount of pride or currency could ever replace.
2. Inspire creativity
Personally, one of the greatest gifts to human existence is the ability to effectively escape dire situations we never imagined. It’s fascinating how intuitively anyone can become creative when the moment calls for it.
Just think back to our examples in the previous lesson. Wouldn’t you be willing to get your life together the doctor delivered a failed medical exam?
Scores of debt and improper uses of cash flow isn’t sexy, which should prompt you to vehemently trim back on all the extras that have no value.
Coincidentally, job loss or divorce are moments to redefine yourself from what was and become the real you. Bad blood may be easier said than done to let go, but is never the way to move on from such loses. You only become better by being better.
3. Build your patience
Society is entirely dependent on a fast-paced be the first mentally. With so much pressure it comes as no surprise stress and depression are often lurking behind those who feel they don’t measure up.
The truth is very few things we accomplish in life come after the first attempt. It takes many cuts, lots of drafts, and countless do-overs before any craft is mastered and your expertise shows.
This is the lesson we should choose to follow because no one person gets everything right the first time, unless it was too easy from the start.
4. Focus on progress
Now that you’re OK with being humiliated, creative juices are flowing, and you understand this process wasn’t generated by random selection, it’s imperative to focus on getting better. Just get better.
Imagine the person you were 10 years ago, compared to who you are today. Yes, there were ups and downs, but if addressed with the right mindset these experiences molded you into the person you are today. Because of it you are stronger, brighter, and more confident than the days of yesterday.
Progress, it’s the thing too many people cast a dark shadow on because they are blinded by life’s frivolities. It’s a game-changer in the challenges we face today and you know has come as my top priority.
5. Develops mindfulness
A close sister to our friend humility, mindfulness keeps you centered in the present. There’s no worry about the future. Doubt is out the window. Failure is a concept that no longer suits you.
What aligns with your purpose is the present and enjoying every moment for what it is. It all comes down to doing whatever it is that you do every day with a sense of pride.
You worry very little about everyone else’s pace because staying in your lane is all that matters. Getting to the destination and enjoying the process for what is has a special place for you and is why you will growth immune to whatever it is that comes your way.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
Excellent post. We all experience setbacks. Learning how to work through them is important for moving forward. Thanks for sharing.