This has been a rough couple of years for our country and our world. Record unemployment, a tight labor market, and dwindling resources have led some to a sense that they won’t be able to survive this time in their life. People have lost their homes, their savings, and their retirement. There are too many stories about those who thought they were safe in their jobs, only to be laid off for the first time in their lives. What do you say to those who have been impacted so harshly? What I want to say is, “You are tougher than you think”
The reality is that life can be harsh. It can really kick you in the teeth when you are down. But here’s what is true: You’ve been through hard times before and you are still here.
What you can do to help yourself through difficult times is to put this moment into the context of your whole life. Tap into the resources, your internal wisdom, your family, and community that helped you get through your last hardship. Look back at what you did to get through that time and apply those solutions to your current situation.
Hard times will test you. It will also provide you a chance to demonstrate your creativity, internal strength, and resiliency. You will learn about yourself in ways you never would in good times. Some things you learn you may not like, but they will be lessons that will help you through your next rough patch.
Here are a few things I’ve learned when my life has been hard:
- Isolation during hard times is brutal. Surround yourself with good people.
- Be open about your difficulties to others. You’ll be amazed about how helpful others will be to you.
- Reflect on the last hard time you went through. It didn’t last forever, this one won’t either.
- Focus only on the things within your control. Give up on those you can’t.
- Do something everyday that will move you forward, even if it is a small act.
Here’s the truth: You and I are tougher than we think.
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