Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One day, everything seems to be falling into place, and the next, we’re wondering how we’ll find the strength to get out of bed. I’ve been there too – we all have. Those moments when the weight of challenges feels too heavy to carry, when that voice inside whispers, “Maybe it’s time to give up.”
But here’s what I’ve learned through my own journey and from countless stories of resilience I’ve witnessed: it’s precisely in these difficult moments that we discover what we’re truly made of.
The Hidden Gift in Our Struggles
Remember that promotion you worked so hard for but didn’t get? Or that relationship that fell apart despite your best efforts? These experiences hurt – sometimes deeply. Yet almost everyone I know who’s weathered significant storms will tell you the same thing: those difficult chapters often become the most transformative parts of their life story.
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YES! I Want a CopyMy friend Sarah lost her job during the pandemic after fifteen years with the same company. “It felt like losing part of my identity,” she told me over coffee last month. “For weeks, I was angry, scared, and completely lost.” Today, Sarah runs her own consulting business that brings her more joy and financial stability than her previous career ever did. “I would never have taken that leap without being pushed,” she admits with a smile that reaches her eyes.
The truth is, persistence isn’t just about gritting your teeth and pushing through. It’s about growing through what you go through.
Practical Ways to Keep Moving Forward
1. Be gentle with yourself first
When we’re struggling, we often become our own harshest critics. “I should be handling this better” or “Others would have solved this by now” are thoughts that only add to our burden.
Try this instead: Talk to yourself as you would to a dear friend facing the same situation. Would you berate them for struggling? Or would you offer compassion and encouragement? Give yourself the same kindness you’d extend to others.
2. Break it down to the next small step
When my brother was recovering from a serious accident, the physical therapist didn’t ask him to run a mile. She asked him to try standing for ten seconds. Then twenty. Small victories built his confidence and strength.
When life feels overwhelming, ask yourself: “What’s the smallest possible step I could take today?” Maybe it’s making one phone call, writing one paragraph, or simply drinking enough water. These tiny actions create momentum that gradually builds into significant progress.
3. Find your “why” and keep it close
Viktor Frankl, who survived Nazi concentration camps, wrote that “those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how’.” Your “why” is your purpose – the meaningful reason behind your efforts.
Keep physical reminders of your purpose where you’ll see them daily. One client of mine keeps her children’s artwork above her desk as she works toward her degree. Another has his grandfather’s watch as a reminder of the legacy he wants to build. These touchstones help ground us when the path gets rocky.
4. Create a resilience routine
Resilience isn’t just an attitude – it’s a practice. Research shows that certain daily habits can significantly strengthen our ability to bounce back from difficulties.
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Consider building a simple morning ritual that might include:
- A few minutes of meditation or prayer
- Writing down three things you’re grateful for
- Physical movement, even just a short walk
- Reading something inspiring
These practices won’t make your problems disappear, but they’ll help build the emotional reserves you need to face them.
Learning from Those Who Persisted
History and our own communities are filled with stories of remarkable persistence that can fuel our own.
J.K. Rowling was a struggling single mother on welfare when she began writing Harry Potter, facing rejection from 12 publishers before someone took a chance on her work. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa’s president and a global symbol of forgiveness. But you don’t need to look to famous examples.
Look around at the quiet heroes in your own life – the parent juggling multiple jobs to provide opportunities for their children, the friend who’s rebuilding after loss, the neighbor who faces chronic illness with dignity and humor. Their stories may not make headlines, but they show us what’s possible.
Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Perhaps the most important shift we can make is to recognize that persistence isn’t just about reaching goals – it’s about who we become along the way.
Every time you choose to get back up after falling, you’re developing strength. Every time you face fear and take action anyway, you’re building courage. These qualities become part of who you are, serving you long after the current challenge has passed.
As you navigate your own difficult times, remember that you’re not alone in your struggles. We’re all figuring it out as we go, doing our best with what we have. Some days, persistence might look like major strides forward. Other days, it might simply mean holding on.
But as long as you keep showing up – for yourself and for what matters to you – you’re already succeeding in ways that truly count.
What small step will you take today?
