21 Powerful Ways to Overcome Struggles in Life
Life often feels like climbing a towering mountain, where the peak seems out of reach, and your path feels your lonesome. It can leave you wondering how do you overcome difficulties in life.
I have had more life experiences that feel like I’m barely treading water, and each time it felt like I would never overcome.
These daunting periods can be some of the most challenging phases of life. However, the wisdom I’ve gathered has taught me that you can overcome these difficult times and thrive through them.
In this guide, I’ll share practical strategies to tackle life’s obstacles and emerge stronger from the experience. I know you have everything you need to overcome obstacles in your life through this.
21 Powerful Ways to Overcome Obstacles in Your Life
1. Shift Your Perspective
How you perceive your struggles can significantly impact how you handle them and how swiftly you can overcome them.
Several studies suggest a positive mindset can dramatically improve even the most trying circumstances.
I can personally attest to how difficult it can be to view a challenging situation positively. But it’s possible and requires mental strength, or as I like to call it, “mind-muscle,” to train your brain to think differently.
Consider this challenging situation as a lesson in what you don’t want in life. It allows you to focus more clearly on what you do want. It provides a fresh perspective on your destination and the journey to get there.
2. Connect with Supportive Friends and Family
As humans, we are social creatures who flourish on connections.
Leaning on others for emotional support during tough times is not just okay; it’s crucial. Reach out to a couple of trusted friends who can offer positive encouragement, attentive listening, and non-judgmental support.
If supportive relationships are lacking, consider seeking assistance from support groups or therapists.
3. Cultivate Optimism
The direction of your thoughts shapes your journey. A fact proven over and over by science that optimism leads to better outcomes.
Embracing optimism means you’re actively moving towards positive outcomes. On the contrary, dwelling on the negatives can trap your mind in a cycle of despair, preventing it from seeking beneficial solutions.
As a practical tip, stand in front of the mirror each morning and tell yourself that your current situation is a moment and not your forever.
Assure yourself that you will conquer, thrive, and emerge stronger. Repeat this affirmation or any other that resonates with you.
4. Keep a Daily Journal
One effective way to unload persistent thoughts that anchor you in adversity is by jotting them down in a journal.
Journaling practice can serve as a mental decluttering. Begin by writing down your thoughts without self-editing and continue until you feel a sense of relief.
Once you’re more at ease through the journaling, ask yourself what you need and jot down the responses that come to mind.
Writing your thoughts can bring clarity and relief.
5. Get Moving
Physical activity releases hormones that boost your ability to navigate through challenging times.
I understand how unappealing it may seem to exercise or join a yoga class when life feels heavy. But trust me, you’ll always feel better after each session.
Don’t wait for motivation—it might not come. Just start, despite the lack of motivation.
The more you reward your brain with endorphins and other feel-good hormones, the more likely you will feel motivated.
6. Connect with Nature
Nature has a unique way of clearing your mind, showing life’s abundance, and inducing tranquility.
You can start your nature rituals with a morning walk or visit a local park or beach to watch the sunset after dinner.
Make it a point to sit in nature at least once daily on your low days. The healing aspects of nature can be fantastic for grounding and bringing clarity.
7. Celebrate Your Wins
Each small step toward overcoming adversity is a significant leap toward happiness.
Celebrate your achievements, whether going out into nature, choosing a positive thought, journaling, or taking any other step.
Consider the things you love and celebrate those. Every achievement, no matter how small, is worth recognizing.
8. Stop Comparing
You are unique, and your journey is uniquely yours.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Maybe you’ve seen everyone on social media living their best lives and wondering why it’s so much harder for you.
It’s natural to feel a twinge of envy or to question why you’re not experiencing the same success. But remember, comparing yourself to others is comparing yourself solely and only to the best in others, not considering that they, too, have low points in life.
Celebrate your victories, no matter how small they seem compared to others. They’re yours, and that makes them significant. Trust in your process and celebrate your unique journey.
9. Avoid Pitying Yourself
Sometimes we all fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves when things aren’t going our way.
However, staying in that state of self-pity won’t help you overcome your challenges. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, focus on as many good thoughts as possible.
The truth is that every problem is an opportunity in disguise. By focusing on solutions, you’re taking control of your mind and moving forward.
When you find yourself going down a rabbit hole of pitying thoughts, observe them, but don’t let them settle and make a home in your mind. Choose to shift the focus towards thoughts that make you feel good.
10. Feel the Pain
Pain is a part of life. It’s okay to feel it.
Suppressing it is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater—it will pop up sooner or later, often when you least expect it.
Acknowledge the pain. Sit with it. Understand that it’s okay to feel hurt and that it doesn’t make you weak. It’s part of being human. And remember, after every storm comes a rainbow.
Pain is temporary, and better opportunities often arise from hardships.
11. Stay Committed and Focused
Commitment is the bridge between your dreams and reality.
Life will throw obstacles in your way, but every barrier is a chance to prove how much you want to succeed.
Staying focused amidst distractions is challenging, but remember, the sun’s rays only burn once brought to focus.
Make it a game, stay committed to your personal growth, and the rewards will come.
12. Give Yourself Compassion
Hard times can often lead to self-doubt and criticism. But remember, you are your biggest ally.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend.
Self-kindness is not just about pampering yourself—it’s about accepting your flaws and acknowledging your efforts, no matter the outcome.
During tough times, rely on yourself. Believe in your abilities, trust your journey, and remember that it’s okay to stumble.
You are human, and humans are perfectly imperfect.
13. Enjoy Peace and Solitude
The world can be a noisy place. Sometimes, stepping back, finding a quiet space, and reflecting are essential.
Take breaks from the world to recharge your mental and emotional batteries. Enjoy the tranquility and let your mind wander.
You often find the best solutions to your problems in these quiet moments.
14. Never Stop Trying
Resilience and persistence are the keys to overcoming hard times.
Think of a tree during a storm—it bends but doesn’t break.
Even if you stumble, stand up, and keep going.
Your mistakes don’t define you, but how you bounce back from them does.
Every effort, every attempt, brings you one step closer to your goals. Knowing you never gave up on yourself is the reward regardless of the outcome.
15. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings.
It’s about acceptance and not judging what you’re experiencing. When you’re facing challenging times, mindfulness can help you stay grounded, reducing anxiety and stress.
Practicing mindfulness could be as simple as focusing on your breath, eating mindfully, or attentively listening to the sounds around you.
By focusing on the present moment, you can let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past and respond to your current situation more rationally.
16. Learn from Others’ Experiences
Consider reaching out to people who have faced similar challenges.
Other people’s insights and experiences can be invaluable, providing fresh perspectives and practical advice.
Reading autobiographies, watching interviews, or listening to podcasts featuring people who have overcome significant challenges can also be inspiring and informative.
Remember, you’re not alone in your struggles; a wealth of wisdom can be gained from others’ experiences.
17. Embrace Change
Change is an inevitable part of life.
Often, our resistance to change causes distress rather than the change itself. Embrace the possibility that what’s happening now could lead you to a new and potentially better situation.
Consider the butterfly: it must endure the challenging metamorphosis to transform from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly. Similar to this natural process, personal growth often involves change and discomfort.
However, trust this can result in a stronger, more resilient you.
18. Practice Self-Care
During difficult times, it’s easy to neglect your needs.
Self-care is crucial for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health. It could include ensuring adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities that feel good to you.
Activities like reading a good book, resting, or doing a hobby can also help reduce stress and improve mood.
Do more of the things that nurture you inside and out.
19. Cultivate Gratitude
Even in the most challenging times, there are things to be grateful for.
Cultivating gratitude can shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going well, providing a more balanced perspective.
Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for daily. They can be as simple as having a bed to sleep on, a beautiful sunset, or a kind word from a friend.
Over time, this practice can help you identify the positive aspects of your life, boosting your mood and resilience.
20. Seek Professional Help
If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate challenging times, providing tools and strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
There’s no shame in seeking help; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. Remember, you don’t have to face difficult times alone. Support is available, and it’s okay to reach out for it.
21. Stay True to Yourself
In times of difficulty, you may find yourself swayed by the opinions of others or feel pressured to conform to what you think is expected of you.
It’s crucial to remember your values, interests, and beliefs and stay true to them. This is the essence of authenticity.
Authentic people are happier, more resilient, and better equipped to handle adversity.
To foster authenticity:
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Reflect on your values and what truly matters.
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Make decisions that align with these values, even if they’re not the most popular choices.
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Surround yourself with people who appreciate and respect the authentic you.
Remember, the journey of life is uniquely yours. When you’re authentic, you live with integrity, which can be an empowering and liberating experience.
You have everything you need to overcome this difficult time in your life. I know how it feels to feel that life is heavy. But I also know that even at your lowest, you have it in you to overcome. I believe in you, and I know you can.
