How to get through hard times victoriously.

Whether it’s a traumatic loss, a serious illness, family conflict, or Covid-19 has taken away your loved ones, job, business, or even freedom! There is the hope of brighter days to come and you will bounce back as a victor. All that matters is how you choose to cope with the situation.Unfortunately, many of us resort to ineffective ways of diverting our minds from the problem with drinking, shopping, excessive use of electronics (like watching too much TV),

withdrawal, and self-isolation. So what is the best way to get through hard times? Which strategy should one implement to emerge victoriously?

Best strategies to help get through hard times and emerge victoriously

1. Trust in divine power

No matter what the challenge is, small or extremely difficult situations, just trust in God. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and present in times of need. His heart is touched with our griefs, sorrows, and all our anxiety. Who is like God who opens ways where there is no way, makes a dry road in the middle of the sea, creates rivers in the desert!

Mathew 11:28 “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give your rest”. Dear friend cast all burdens and cares to God, have faith that in Him to see you through the tough time. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by the situation, attacks left, right, and center; No hope, all that you can see is the darkness! Be still, trust in God and He will fight for you. Exodus 14:13-14 “…Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace”. Friend the problems, the situation, the sorrow, the mockery, and the worry you are seeing you shall see no more.

2. Stay Positive

There is power in positive thinking, a power that changes lives, yes power that moves someone from grass to glory, a power that can change your life completely. Therefore staying positive will help in putting yourself in the best position possible to not only make it through those difficult times but also be able to motivate others as well be a super achiever in life.

“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is. The way you cope is what makes the difference.” – Virginia Satir. Do not let your current situation dictate your future, instead take control. You will notice that your mindset will begin to take a turn dramatically, you’ll become more positive, peaceful and you’ll feel better. Once you are in the right mindset and the right emotional state, it will just be a matter of time before you overcome the tough situation, and guess what? Be a living testimony and a positive influencer. You’ll be able to encourage others who are going through similar or different situations.

Every morning, reflect on one positive thing be grateful for in your life and write it down. Whenever you feel discouraged, take that paper, read what you wrote, cheer up, and claim victory in your life.

3. Accept what happened

Denial is a very deadly ‘partner’ to welcome in your life, do not even think about the word denial; avoid it like a plague!

Some people worsen their situation by living in denial and therefore ending up into depression if not suicidal. A few years ago, a relative of mine passed two weeks after being diagnosed with a disease. The disease didn’t kill her; denial did. She refused to accept that she was sick and two weeks were enough for denial to put her to the grave, how sad!

According to Marter, “Let go of that which you cannot control.” To start with, make a list of everything that you don’t have control over, stop worrying about them, and replace them with the positive ones. Focus on what you can control, not what you cannot, accept, and move on.

4. Seek Help and Support from family and friends

Often, we feel alone and forsaken when we are going through difficult times in our lives. Because of this, we keep it to ourselves and therefore suffer so much. Do not be afraid, talk about it, you would be surprised at just how much people will come through for you. Note, this does not mean going around talking about your problems; tell only trusted family members or friends.

Having the right people around you is not only important during tough times to abut also in good times. Surround yourself with people who are genuine, loving, caring, honest, and available for you.

You can also join communities, or groups that offer support to a problem like the one you are going through. You can ask a question, you can get a personal helper to help you get through or even talk to a Psychologist. Community is also important because it is easy to get someone who understands your problem and can relate to your situation.

5. Find inspiration through others

Every successful person has failed at least once if not several times before making it in life. Therefore, it is important to find inspiration from other people who went through a similar or different situation. Research about your problem, relate it to someone you know personally, or have heard about him/her. Read their success journey, write down how they overcame, and strategize conquer the problem.

6. Get Creative

You have accepted your situation and now moving on, good! Now it’s time to be creative and turn the problem upside down. Probably you are asking yourself how can I be creative and I am mourning, I am financially down, sick … and the list is endless, lol! Yes, when we are weak He (God) is strong, and that’s the high time to think of that business idea, or even write poems.

A great example of getting creative during a difficult time is the story of Sindhutai Sapkal affectionately known as the “Mother of Orphans”, who was able to start a children’s home while through a very difficult situation. I wish you had the time and watched her story. It inspired me, I am sure you’ll also be inspired.

7. Seek opportunities to contribute something to others

The phrase ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ is common to many people. One great way to make it through the tough times in life is to give. It may not be necessarily material things but it can be social support or service. Whichever that is convenient for you. When you give your time, service, or donate something else to others, you’re signaling to your mind that you are a conqueror. This eventually helps to give you a sense of gratitude, and you, therefore, start counting your blessings.

8. Learn from the Past

Learning from the past is one of the best things that you can do to overcome the challenge. Ask yourself these three questions:

a) What have I been through in the past?

b) What lesson did I learn from the experience?

c) How did I manage to overcome the problem?

Once you ask and answer yourself the above questions, you’ll realize that you’ve overcome challenges before and therefore the current problem is not an exception. It too shall come to pass.

9. Try to see past the hardship

When you’re in a crisis, it’s not easy to see the positive side of it. Think of it this way, assuming this is not a problem but a race that you are running to win the gold medal. Do you concentrate on bad weather conditions, your opponents who are throwing insults to you as you run in the field, sweating, and many other demerits, or you concentrate and set your mind on winning the gold medal?

I am sure your answer is to concentrate on winning the gold medal. Likewise, when in difficult situations stop wasting your brain thinking about the problem instead of the solution. Think past the problem, start visualizing yourself celebrating and thanking God for the victory.

10. Limit time with toxic people

Toxic people are worse than a deadly disease! What? Yes, that the plain truth; avoid them like a plague. Try to spend little or no time with anyone who is celebrating your misfortune, not supportive or reliable, and don’t have your best interest at heart. This will help you heal and overcome the problem.

Conclusion

“Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. And I’ve been through some tough times, and I know a lot of people can recall tough times, and maybe are going through some tough times right now, but they don’t last.” — Alonzo Mourning. Nothing lasts forever! Whether it’s good or bad, it has to come to an end. So don’t worry too much about the problem just be determined to overcome, try the above strategies and you will be victorious. Remember, you are the master of your destiny, and how you handle a situation will determine your future. Also, note that nothing in life that’s worthwhile will ever come easy, no, not at all! Therefore fight, endure, go for it, and do not give up!