Greg Gelineau, CLTC
~Executive Vice President at American Senior Benefits/Integrity Marketing Group~ 
Top 1% LinkedIn voice /Coach and Business Consultant. #IndustryExpert/#LeadershipExpert
June 30, 2024
When faced with a crisis, it can be difficult to imagine the experience will eventually lead to growth. Resilience is a person’s ability to bounce back from adversity and grow from the challenge, and research now shows that past adversity can help you persevere in the face of current stress.
What is Adversity?
Adversity refers to events or conditions where a person experiences extreme challenges, hardship, or problems that are difficult to overcome. These are not everyday problems but catastrophic events or personal tragedies that can shape the course of someone’s life. Overcoming adversity demonstrates strength and resilience.
You can’t let the circumstances of life define you. While you may face many examples of adversity, those challenges aren’t who you are. Having a firm sense of identity and self gives you an unshakeable foundation whenever tragedy arises. Knowing your identity also helps you pinpoint your purpose or why you are on Earth. When people don’t know their purpose, they often experience depression and hopelessness.
How to Find Your Identity and Purpose:
– Figure out what motivates you and fills you with passion.
– Set aside time for prayer and meditation.
– Stay focused on your goals and avoid distractions.
– Identify your core values.
– Discover what brings you lasting joy, not just momentary pleasure.
– Plan out what you would like to accomplish over the next 5-10 years.
At the same time, search for others who have had similar experiences. Reach out in your personal and professional networks to connect with those who can offer advice to you. Such influences can provide helpful perspectives when dealing with adversity.
Stay Disciplined
When tough times hit, it can feel like your life is out of control. Stop yourself from spiraling out of control by establishing strong rituals. Creating and actively practicing positive habits like reading, meditation, and daily exercise prepares your mind and body for adversity. Sticking to a daily routine through good times and bad will bring order and empowerment to your life, making you feel more grounded in your ability to overcome adversity and achieve your goals.
Find the Lesson
Realizing that life happens FOR you, not to you, is key to overcoming adversity. Every event in your life can teach you something. Those who find the lessons will succeed; those who blame their circumstances on others will fail. Take responsibility for what has happened to you and how you reacted. Evaluate what happened and why, come up with a plan to prevent it in the future, then move on. Dwelling on mistakes and failures only takes time away from achieving your goals. As Steve Jobs said, “It’s best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.”
Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and it is in the face of adversity that we often discover our true strength and resilience. Adversity comes in various forms, such as personal setbacks, unexpected hardships, or even global crises. While it may seem daunting at first, adversity presents valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and transform.
Growth Through Struggle
Adversity often acts as a catalyst for personal growth. It forces us to confront our weaknesses, question our beliefs, and reassess our priorities. Difficult times encourage self-reflection, allowing us to gain insights into our actions and choices. This introspection opens doors to self-improvement and personal development, leading to personal growth and maturity.
Adversity has a way of putting things into perspective. When facing challenging circumstances, we realize the value of what we have often taken for granted, cultivating gratitude within us. Expressing gratitude for the little blessings in our lives helps shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a positive outlook even in the darkest times and reminding us of the silver linings that can be found amidst adversity.
