Adrian Volenik
Sooner or later, we all encounter tough situations. This can happen at work or in our personal lives.
Many times, trouble comes in threes, and you’re left juggling multiple setbacks, emergencies, or even tragedies.
It’s times like these that make or break us.
But there are people who always persevere during tough times, and there are many things we can learn from them.
So, let’s discover what unique traits they have and what are their takeaways.
1) They bounce back from setbacks like champs
Survivors know that resilience is something sitting inside of you, ready to get out when needed.
However, some people are better equipped to deal with adversity and tough and challenging times. They’re the ones who’ve built up their strength throughout their lifetime.
Either through their upbringing or by challenging their minds and bodies as they went through life.
People with resilience have an innate ability to spring back into shape. Like a resilient rubber band, they stretch with challenges but don’t break.
They simply view setbacks as temporary and find ways to adapt and overcome. They build back better.
And one of the reasons behind their resilience is the power of positive thinking.
2) They have a positive mindset during tough times
Even when clouds gather, they actively find the good in situations. Positivity is their guiding light, promoting a mindset that looks for solutions and silver linings.
They can even find humor in challenging situations. In fact, they use laughter as a coping mechanism, lightening the mood and creating a positive atmosphere.
Their humor becomes a valuable tool in navigating through trouble.
Now compare that to someone who always thinks bad things happen only to them. They don’t look at how to get out of a situation but dwell on what happened to them.
They stay on the problem for far too long instead of figuring out how to move on and seize life once again.
They throw in the towel and coast through the rest of their life.
3) They have a stubborn refusal to throw in the towel
On the other side, those who always persist never throw in the towel. They’re fueled by an unwavering determination.
Their mindset is a beacon of “won’t give up.”
Challenges may be tough, but these folks see them as stepping stones rather than roadblocks, pushing forward with a relentless spirit.
For example, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, faced setbacks and was even ousted from his own company at one point.
However, he returned to lead Apple to make it one of the most successful tech companies in the world.
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, faced personal challenges, including ADHD and legal issues.
Despite these obstacles, Phelps channeled his energy into swimming, ultimately winning 23 gold medals in the Olympics.
4) They roll with the punches and adjust when things get tricky
Picture someone as adaptable as a chameleon. In different situations, they change colors, or in other words, adjust their strategies.
They embrace flexibility, smoothly navigating through changes instead of rigidly sticking to one path.
Unlike a gambler, they know when to give up and face their losses. They won’t stubbornly continue doing something when it’s fruitless or detrimental to their cause.
5) They stay on track and focused, even when the going gets rough
With the discipline of a self-imposed boss, they stick to their plans and stay focused. They resist distractions and keep a steady course toward their goals.
It’s about having that inner strength to stay on track when temptations or diversions arise.
Picture them with a game plan, like a roadmap for their dreams. No matter how bumpy the road, they keep their eyes on the destination.
It’s not just about setting goals; it’s about laser-focused commitment.
Now that I have less free time than ever, I appreciate thoughtful planning and focus on things that truly matter and really tip the scale.
I don’t have time to sweat the small stuff, and to almost everything I do, I apply the 80/20 principle.
Also known as the Pareto Principle, it suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of actions.
This means you must focus on the most significant factors that can lead to the most substantial outcomes, emphasizing efficiency and prioritization.
6) They make the most out of what’s available
Instead of complaining about what they lack or wishing for more, resilient people focus on what’s already around them.
They make the best of the ingredients they have in their kitchen rather than wishing for a fully stocked gourmet pantry.
They recognize that success doesn’t always come from having the most extensive toolkit or the best opportunities and resources.
Instead, they make do with what’s available – the skills, knowledge, and immediate possibilities – and figure out how to make the most out of them.
7) They understand that good things often take time
In a world that often celebrates instant gratification, these folks appreciate the process and the journey itself.
They understand that building something substantial, like a career, a relationship, or a personal skill, involves a series of steps, setbacks, and small victories.
You don’t just wake up one day with all these things.
They recognize that true, lasting success is a journey instead of a sprint. It looks like this is an aspect of life many people don’t quite understand.
They want everything now. But the thing is, even if they won the lottery, they’d be unhappy again in a few months because they haven’t earned these things, and there was no real journey behind it.
8) They face challenges head-on, even when it’s intimidating
Challenges can be incredibly fear-inducing. Simply thinking of some of my college exams or even one of my jobs I hated that was constantly filled with complexities and obstacles gives me chills.
But guess what? I persisted through all of them, and I think I learned a thing or two in the process.
Instead of being overwhelmed, people who always persevere approach challenges head-on.
They don’t ignore the difficulty or pretend it’s not there; it’s about meeting it squarely. This trait is like having a fearless mindset and enthusiasm to confront adversity with determination instead of burying their heads in the sand.
9) They take the time to assess and learn from experiences
When facing challenges, resilient people don’t just plow through them without reflection. They take a moment to step back and assess the situation.
They analyze what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved for the future.
They ask themselves questions like: What did I learn from this? How can I approach a similar situation differently next time?
They don’t dwell on mistakes or setbacks; instead, they extract valuable lessons that boost their personal growth and development.
How to prepare now to persevere and even thrive during tough times
Tough times are coming sooner or later, so why not start to prepare now and be in the best position when the going gets tough?
Here are the 5 steps you can take right now to be in the best position when the inevitable happens:
1) Develop a positive outlook
Start focusing on the positive aspects of situations. To do that, train your mind to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
When one door closes, another one opens. Start seeing life through this lens, and you’ll stop worrying about what ifs.
Still, for complete peace of mind, you have to go through the other 4 steps too.
2) Build a support network
Strengthen relationships with friends and family and surround yourself with people who are encouraging and understanding.
That way, you’ll be able to bounce back much easier if you, say, lose a job or need help of any sort.
3) Learn and grow continuously
I don’t get people who stop learning after they finish high school or college. How can they go through life like that?
People who always persevere stay curious and embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. They see challenges as chances to acquire new skills and knowledge.
4) Be ready financially
When something bad happens, one of the most crucial deciding factors in how fast you’ll bounce back is money.
Without the ability to take a couple of days, weeks, or even months off when you have to, you’ll be in a bad position. Almost an impossible one, in fact.
Start by creating an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and create a simple budget that allows you to have financial flexibility.
5) Prioritize your well-being
Take care of your physical and mental health through regular exercise and adequate sleep, and practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress.
That way, you’ll be better equipped for tough times both mentally and physically.
