Bad Year? How to deal with overwhelming challenges

Sometimes, life presents more challenges than you bargained for or you can handle. At the peak of these conditions, you might be tempted to slip into a state of discouragement or worse still, depression. Here are some tips to help you get back on your feet.

One of the best ways to remain afloat is to stay positive. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Overtime, various psychologists have supported this assertion. In this case, it seems safer to agree with him. Indeed, what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger. so, believe in yourself and that you will make it out of the situation a better person. This shifts your focus from a problematic mind-set to a solution-oriented one, that way, it becomes easier to think through the issues objectively and find solutions.

Another way is to keep the vision of your ‘best self’ in mind. Your best self is your ideal self from your perspective. Who you want to be, what you really want to do and so on. It makes you ask yourself certain questions like, Do I want to remain sad or pull through the challenges before me? Do I want to conquer this or let it conquer me? What would I say to someone else in this same situation? This provides renewed energy to press on.

By stepping back and picturing year 2017, it gives you a new and happier perspective of handling the situation. It helps you to figure out what you need to do to get to where you would rather be.

Finally, a mind-set of selfless service can help you look beyond yourself and see how you can be of assistance to others, for example, consider what you can do to add value to the lives of less privileged people around you. You can choose to engage yourself in a good cause that positively impacts on the lives of others. Another example can be charity and other humanitarian services. This gives you a feeling of fulfillment and self worth.

Focus on your strengths, making an impact and creating positive change. Endeavour to stay motivated and be your own source of motivation when the need arises.

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