We’ve all been there before, in the deep valley that is the darkest time of our lives. It seems that all hope is gone and we would like to just roll up into a ball on the floor. We label this as a time of adversity.
How do you deal with adversity? What is your mindset when you experience a major setback in your life? It may be an illness, a divorce, the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job. How do you deal with the hardship that is associated with these situations?
Sometimes, all we need are some words of encouragement, something to motivate us through the deep dark valley of despair. Here are eight motivational quotes that will remind you to persist, even when you feel like giving up.
1. Adversity is temporary
“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.” — Marilyn vos Savant
When going through an adverse situation, we must remember that we are going through a dark tunnel. We are not stopping for a burger and fries along the way. We are moving through as quickly and efficiently as possible — it is not permanent. It does not form who we are, what we’ve done, or what we have to potential to become. It’s a time for rest, reflection and rejuvenation.
2. Stay focused on the positive
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” — Aristotle Onassis
We must stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. Not giving up and not giving in, but persistently moving our way through to the light. When we understand that this is a temporary setback, our minds will be focused on the positive results.
3. Change your attitude, change your life
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” ~ William James
Maintaining a positive attitude while going through traumatic situations can be a very daunting task. However, it is also a tremendous opportunity to create change in our lives. Changing your attitude can change your thinking, which can change your life. This is an excellent time to surround yourself with positive thoughts, positive emotions, and positive people. During this time, we may also want to purge ourselves of negative thoughts, negative emotions, and negative people that bring us down.
4. Understand that obstacles bring opportunity
“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.” — Napoleon Hill
Adverse situations can be deceiving. Our first inclination is usually to blame others or ourselves for the misery that we are experiencing. The simple fact is that sometimes there is no one to blame. However, it’s important to remember that adverse situations offer an excellent opportunity for us to learn and grow. It is all about your perception. Positive mindset is a key to personal growth.
5. Never give up, you are in good company
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me.” — Walt Disney
If you study the lives of highly successful people, you will normally find that they have gone through many adverse situations to get to the point where they are today. They did not quit in the middle of a setback or a tragedy. They pushed through the rough times knowing each step was bringing them closer to their ultimate goal. If we are to get to the next level, we cannot give up in the middle. We should understand that we are in good company — no one who has ever succeeded has done so without going through some great adversity.
6. We can choose how we deal with adversity
“Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” — Henry Ward Beecher
In the midst of adversity, we each have a choice. We can choose to have a pity party for ourselves over a misfortune, or we can take the handle of faith, knowing that these hard times will make us stronger.
7. Practice positive self-talk
“Relentless, repetitive self talk is what changes our self-image.” — Denis Waitley
Adversity provides us with an opportunity to seize the moment for growth. During this time, we must maintain a positive self-image and practice positive self-talk. It must be done relentlessly and repetitively. Don’t miss the opportunity to come out the other side with a stronger self-image.
8. Adversity can leave scars
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Khalil Gibran
When going through hard times, you might find yourself thinking, that will leave a mark. That mark or scar could be considered a badge of courage. It will be a reminder of the adversity that you have faced and will actually make you stronger. This is because of the lessons learned on your way through that dark tunnel.
