“If you are going through hell, keep going.” -- Winston Churchill

“Do what you can where you are with what you've got.” -- Theodore Roosevelt

“For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.” -- Mary Kay Ash

Tough times can knock the wind out of you.  They often occur without warning.  Any aspect of your life is a possible target for adversity; personal, social, professional, or economic.  What are some typical reactions to challenges?  What effective strategies can you employ to keep going?

When first hit by hardship, a feeling of discouragement is common.  You don’t know how to respond.  You may wonder why this is happening to you.  You question why you are being singled out.

Experiencing a loss of energy and enthusiasm is common.  You may be resigned to waiting for a problem to resolve itself.  “Things will get better at some point,” you say to yourself.  You initially feel powerless to do anything.  Although these are normal reactions, they have no positive effect and actually do you a disservice.

When knocked down, you must get back up.  The more battering you take, the more determined you need to become.  Waiting for a situation to improve or for you to be rescued will only result in disappointment.  It’s imperative for you to keep plowing forward, resolute to overcome whatever you are facing.

Irene and her husband, Jim, both worked in order to cover their monthly expenses.  During an economic downturn, Irene was laid off from her job as a department manager.  This was a big financial blow since both their incomes were essential.  Additionally, they had very little in savings.

Understandably, Irene and Jim were apprehensive.  The ranks of the unemployed were swelling as many businesses were laying off workers.  The unemployment rate was at 8 percent and rising.  After several months of searching, Irene had no success in finding another management position.

Irene realized she had to formulate some plan of action and keep going.  Even though it wasn’t an ideal solution, she took two part time jobs.  Still, her income was less than it had been. However, Irene brought home more money than if she did nothing.  By cutting back on non-essential expenses, Irene and Jim were able to scrape by and make ends meet.

Harold and Carol had been married 26 years.  They had two daughters, one in college and one in high school.  One day, out of the blue, Carol announced that she needed her independence and wanted a divorce.  Harold was devastated.  He was happy with the marriage and did not want it to end.

There wasn’t anything Harold could say or do to change Carol’s mind.  For months, Harold was dejected and downcast, spending most of his free time alone at home.  He finally accepted that Carol didn’t want to be with him and there was nothing he could do about it. 

Harold started getting out and socializing.  He joined a health club and enrolled in some adult education classes.  One of his close friends, who had been through the same circumstances, told Harold that the direction of his life was up to him.  Other people had found happiness after divorce and Harold could also.

Regardless of the hell you might be going through, the only way out is to keep going.  Inaction leaves you stuck where you are.  No one is going to fix your problems.  Waiting doesn’t work.  Decide where you would like to be and then take action to get there.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2009 Bryan Golden

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