Obstacles and challenges are an inherent part of life, and there’s nothing you can do to ensure everything will always go smoothly. You can’t control the world or other people; however, what you can do is learn how to react and control your responses.
Of course, problems can vary significantly in severity and size, and there’s no one-size-fits-all technique for overcoming every single obstacle. There are some coping strategies, though, that may help you take a step back when necessary to reflect on the situation and find the best solution. And when there’s none, they will make it easier for you to simply go through the rough patch.
Here are some of the best things to do whenever facing a challenging situation:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
One of the biggest challenges people face is feeling like they have to be strong and independent all the time. Asking for help can be seen as a sign of weakness, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, seeking support can actually be a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that you need help, and it can show that you’re willing to do what it takes to get through whatever you’re facing. Depending on the situation, you can either talk to someone who’s been through the same as you, vent to a friend or a family member, or go to a specialist.
No matter who you reach out to, talking about your problems is always a good idea. It can help you process what’s going on and come up with a plan to address the challenge.
Take a step back to gain perspective
In some cases, it might be necessary to take a step back and assess the situation from a distance. This can help you gain a new perspective and come up with a more effective plan. And as one of the Kobe Bryant quotes states: ‘Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.’ So, take your challenges and use them to your advantage.
Indeed, it’s not always possible to do this right away. When you’re in the thick of things, it can be difficult to see things clearly, especially if the challenge is urgent, but it can be helpful to take some time for yourself to clear your head and come up with a new plan. During this time, you can also gather more information about the challenge to understand better what needs to be done or simply process what’s happened.
If you’re in a dangerous or threatening situation, for example, it’s not safe to take a step back and assess the situation. In these cases, it’s best to take action and find a way to get away from the danger as soon as possible.
Develop a strategy
Once you’ve taken some time to assess the situation and understand what you’re up against, it’s time to develop your strategy for overcoming the challenge. This strategy can vary depending on the problem you’re facing.
If you’re dealing with a difficult person, for example, your strategy might be to set boundaries or stick to a script. If you’re trying to overcome an addiction, your strategy might be to find a support group or avoid trigger situations.
It’s important to have a plan and be aware of the available resources to you. This can make it easier to stick to your strategy and find ways to cope when things get tough.
Give yourself time to heal
Many challenges come with some form of loss or pain. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve and heal before trying to move on.
Ignoring your pain or trying to push through it will only make things worse in the long run. It’s okay to take some time for yourself to process what’s happened and to feel your emotions.
Know that you can do this
One of the most important things to remember when facing a challenge is that you can do this. No matter how difficult things seem, it’s essential to believe in yourself and your ability to overcome the obstacle.
Of course, this isn’t always easy, but there are things you can do to build your self-confidence. You can start by focusing on your past successes or building a support network of people who believe in you.
Reminding yourself of your strengths and reminding yourself that you’ve faced difficult situations before can also be helpful. These things can help you feel more confident and give you the strength you need to keep going.
Learn some breathing techniques or meditation
There are many benefits to be gained from learning some breathing techniques or meditation, both in general and when specifically trying to overcome a challenge.
Breathing techniques can help you relax and focus, which can be helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Meditation can also help you find inner peace and feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.
Both of these practices can take some time to learn, but there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Once you’ve learned some basic techniques, you can start to practice them whenever you’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Final thoughts
No one can avoid challenges entirely, but there are things you can do to make them easier to deal with. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re facing a difficult situation, and remember that you have the strength and the ability to overcome any obstacle.
No matter how difficult things seem, you can do this, get through the tough times and come out on the other and brighter side stronger than ever.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg.
