How to Overcome Hardship and Live Life to the Fullest

Adversity comes in degrees. Some people must overcome abusive childhoods, the loss of a friend or betrayal. Others may lose their jobs, become ill or not get accepted to college. Whatever form adversity comes in, it can be overcome. Human beings are very resilient. With the help of family or friends, personal insight, patience and a positive outlook, adversity need not trap you or hold you back from living life to the fullest.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose to overcome hardships.

  Take responsibility for your own life. Realize that you have two choices: Overcome your hardship or be a victim forever.

• 2

  Visualize how your life would be different if you overcome hardship.

  Think about what you would like your life to be like. What does living life to the fullest mean to you? Get a clear picture in your mind, including emotions, smells, sounds and sights that you associate with overcoming hardship and living life to the fullest.

• 3

  Make changes to better your life.

  Take stock of your current situation. What do you need to change to get to the life you envision? Try to be as concrete as possible. Then think about how to implement the changes you need to make.

• 4

  Positive people help keep you motivated.

  Surround yourself with positive, can-do people.

• 5

  Develop caring relationships.

  Build a social support system. This can include your family, friends, clergy or therapist.

• 6

  Think positive thoughts throughout the day, no matter where you are and what you are doing.

  Post inspirational quotes at your desk, the bathroom mirror and other places you are during the day.

• 7

  Read books.

  Read books and magazines about overcoming adversity and living fully. Learn how other people turn their lives around.

• 8

  Be good to yourself.

  Take care of your body. Get plenty of rest, exercise and feed your body right.

• 9

  A good therapist can be an invaluable resource.

  Talk to a therapist. The therapist can show you specific techniques you can use to stay motivated and gain insight into yourself. Check with your insurance company or in the phone book to find a therapist in your area.

• 10

  Travel to a place you have always wanted to go.

  Seek out new opportunities and experiences. Travel, volunteer, learn a new language. Do something you have always wanted to do, but have not done yet.

• 11

  Fear holds you back.

  Try not to be motivated by guilt or fear.

• 12

  Stay in the now.

  Be mindful of the present moment.