Dare to live without limits Week of 4/20/20

Some advice on getting through difficult times

Successfully getting through difficult times, although challenging, is doable. There are a number of proven strategies which can boost your wellbeing during trying situations. Everything emanates from your mindset. The benefits of a positive attitude can’t be emphasized enough. A can-do, will-do attitude works to your advantage. Conversely, a can’t-do, won’t do attitude makes any situation worse.
People who successfully get through hardships have a mental determination for survival. They focus on what they can accomplish. Instead of fixating on situations beyond their control, they concentrate their efforts on doing what they can control. You can harness this same determination.
The importance on concentrating on what you want, not what you don’t want cannot be underscored sufficiently. You attract whatever you set your mind to. So, think about being healthy, happy, and successful. Avoid thinking that you don’t want to get sick, don’t want to be unhappy, and don’t want to be a failure. Only think about what you want.
Do not focus on doom and gloom scenarios, or worst-case situations. Doing so substantially boosts your stress level, which in turn suppresses your immune system. Minimize, or even eliminate negative input. Avoid obsessing over negative news reports. Don’t fixate on negative news. Doing so only makes you feel worse. You can stay informed without becoming immersed in negativity.
Fatigue, or feeling overwhelmed, increases the tendency to shift to a negative mindset. Getting through difficult times requires constant monitoring of your attitude. Whenever you find yourself slipping into negative territory, realign your thoughts to return to the positive. There is never any benefit to a negative viewpoint.
Fight the inclination to slip into a destructive mindset. A constant barrage of dire predictions is wearing. You can protect yourself from being dragged down by daily recharging with positive influences. One way of accomplishing this is by seeking out others who share your optimism.
Regardless of the challenges you are dealing with, you can look for, and find numerous aspects of your life to be grateful for. Concentrating on these facets is a key factor in remaining positive in a sea of negativity.
Try to avoid connecting with negative people. They are purveyors of doom and gloom which they justify as just being realistic. These people are usually entrenched in their beliefs. They are closed minded with no interest in other perspectives. Discussing issues with them is often a waste of time, which drags you down.
Take good care of yourself mentally and physically. Mental well-being is essential for your physical well-being and vice versa. Remember that an upbeat attitude reduces the stress. Since stress suppresses your immune system, reducing it is imperative.
Avoid participating in panic or hysteria. Don’t join the throngs of people who are immersing themselves in worst case scenarios. Spending time with these people has a devastatingly destructive impact on your psychological health. You never want to be drawn into a mindset of hopelessness.
Physical activity enhances your wellness and immune system. People who succumb to stress tend to become more lethargic. If anything, getting through difficult times requires more exercise, not less. Physical activity reduces stress. Active people feel better and are healthier. So, push yourself to exercise, especially when you don’t feel like it.
Work with what you have. Don’t waste time lamenting what you don’t have. Be creative. Be flexible. Adjust and adapt to changing circumstances. Be willing to alter habits and patterns of behavior.
Be kind to yourself and others. Going through difficult times is not an excuse for incivility. Just the opposite is true; difficult times demand even more courtesy and respect. Regardless of how frustrated you may be, don’t take it out on others.
Difficult times end. You’ve successfully dealt with challenges before. When things turn around, you want to be in the best possible mental and physical condition to move forward. You can, and will get through difficult times.

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper.  2020 Bryan Golden