Bouncing Back From Adversity

As we move through this season of renewal – at least here in the northern hemisphere – and expectations of new beginnings are as vibrant as the daffodils and camellias, setbacks can seem overwhelming. Today, I want to talk about how to bounce back from adversity.
When adversity strikes, whether it be loss of your job, an illness, a natural disaster or when you take a big hit that really knocks you off your feet for a while, how fast you get up again depends on a number of things, such as: how good your support network is; how solid your self-esteem is; the extent to which you believe that you can control your own destiny, and your experiences at overcoming adversity in the past.
If you want to shorten the time it takes to get back on your feet, try this: Ask yourself how it will look when you no longer have your current problems. Spend time visualizing yourself in that picture and imagining how you’ll feel; do it over and over, day after day, week after week. In addition, list your strengths and past accomplishments and add to this list on a daily basis.
At the same time, set and prioritize some immediate, short-term goals to improve your situation; and write a detailed plan of action for the top three, including day and time.
Once you’ve accomplished a few short-term goals, you may feel ready to do some long-term visioning and goal-setting. Finally – and this is so important – no matter how much you’ve lost, take time to help someone else who is struggling. Even the worst adversity can be used to learn and grow.
Lou Tice
The Pacific Institute

I’ve never been very sure about the whole ‘visualization’ thing. But I have tried some of the techniques Lou Tice advocates in a small way recently. Perhaps it’s time to try them with something bigger, and this might be a good place to start. Life has certainly knocked me flat recently, with the way my health has been. But I think I might be starting back on the upward journey after what has been a long and protracted downward spiral. In that time, there have been a few times when I’ve thought I could detect signs of recovery, only to have hopes dashed again. I hope, and pray, that this time will be different. And, maybe, if I’m successful with Lou’s techniques, I might be back on my feet a little quicker.
Another great post from Lou Tice at the Winners Circle, one that has given me some ideas for how I might get back on my feet a little quicker. His posts are always a great help, and encourage me to think differently about things: If you think you might be helped my reading many more of them, do please consider subscribing for the daily emails yourself.