Undoubtedly, and unavoidably, there will be tough and challenging times in life. Financial struggles, loss of a loved one, failure on an exam, missed job opportunity, or being let down by others can all take a toll on our mindset.
If we allow ourselves to stay in the dark space for too long tough, it'll feel like the sun is shining less, and we might not see a way out. There will be dark seasons, that's unavoidable, however, a dark life - that's avoidable!
So, how best do we stop a tough season from turning into a tough life? Or, stop a dark season turning into long-lasting depression?
Understand and accept there will be tough periods of life. Life isn't always sunshine and roses, and aiming for unachievable, constant happiness can be toxic (and, a let down). Ever heard to Toxic Positivity? (That's a topic for another time!)
Ecclesiastes (from the Bible) 3 says it this way:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate.
2. Maintaining a balanced perspective during a tough time is important. In any bad day, there is always something good. At the end of each day ask yourself: "What is one thing I am grateful for from today?", "What's one goal I am looking forward to achieving now?", "What am I proud of myself for?"
3. Reach out for support. Lean on a friend, a mentor, coach, or therapist. Speaking to someone with experience in mental wellbeing is going to be able to give you more value and progress compared to bottling in up, or trying to deal with it by yourself. What you resist persists, and if you don't deal with the emotion or pain now, likely it will pop up again in the future. So you may as well deal with it now, to have a better tomorrow!
4. Don't lose hope. Healing from the toughest diagnosis' does happen. Restoration, revival and re-growth happens. Whilst in a dark period, don't let your light turn off. Knowing this hard phase of life will be just one season, and keeping your eye on the bigger vision will make it easier to get through.
5. Use the rear-view mirror. After passing the tough season or moment, reflect and ask "What did I learn through that time?", "How can I improve for next time or prevent it from happening again?"
If you would like some assistance with improving your mindset, please send me a message as I do offer mindset coaching (online and in-gym), or if you'd like to develop a stronger mindset and gain more self awareness, purchase the "Unlock Your Mind, Free Your Potential" Mindset Journal here: www.freedomlifestyle.fitness/mindset
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