How to Think Positively in Tough Times

Sometimes it’s hard to look on the bright side even when things are going fairly well. When you’re going through tough times, gaining the “glass is half full” mentality can be a feat in itself!

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, it’s important to disallow over-anxious and over-analyzed thoughts. You really don’t want to overwhelm yourself with an over-stimulated mind because the added stress will only strain your mind further and you’ll find it nearly impossible to think positively.

Ways To Look On The Bright Side

How you go about transforming difficult situations into positive outcomes will differ each time. Your goal should be to discover a set of strategies that works well for you. It might take some experimenting, but that’s okay!

Consider the following ways to achieve a positive mindset:

1. Avoid feeling sorry for yourself. Feeling sorry for yourself only wastes precious brainpower and it’s not going to help you out in the long run. Instead, strive to gain the wisdom to accept your situation and focus on solutions, instead of sorrow or worry. Everyone has to travel through tough times at some point; it’s just a part of life!

2. Find the life lesson. It may be hard to find the silver lining, but it’s almost always hiding somewhere. All of your experiences – both good and bad – contribute to your life’s knowledge. Be thankful for what you know!

* Reflect on the fact that you’ve gained wisdom and knowledge that may help you make better decisions and cope well in the future.

3. Start small. Take some time to reflect on the difficult situation. If you’re having trouble finding a positive manner of thinking, just start by smiling at yourself in the mirror. You might not feel happy right away, but it sure will be hard not to feel happy when you see a beautiful smiling face staring back at you!

* You can also consider the use of positive affirmations to help you through tough times. The more frequently you repeat your affirmations, the sooner you’ll ingrain the positive beliefs into your subconscious.

4. Stop worrying. When you’re going through a tough situation, sometimes your worries can overtake you. The future might seem scary and bleak and you’re not sure what you should do. As you know, worrying isn’t going to help the situation in the least. Instead, the moment worry creeps in, redirect your mind onto something positive or reassuring.

* Stay calm and start brainstorming some practical solutions.

5. Be brave about change. Change is inevitable and most often you don’t even notice that it’s happening. During tough times, however, you’re likely more sensitive to the changes that are taking place.

* Think about change as an exciting adventure. You’ll never know what you can discover and learn until you’re open to change.

Help From Others

When you’re going through a tough time, your instincts might be to pull inward. Perhaps you don’t want people to see you in a vulnerable state or you want to solve your problems all on your own. However, you must resist this urge to shut people out! Remember, you’re never alone. Your family and loved ones are always there to help you get through any challenging situation, but only if you allow them to!

Of course, your loved ones may not be able to solve your problem outright, but they can provide you with a fantastic support system and help you brainstorm different avenues for problem solving.

As hard as it may seem now, it is possible for you to think positively when you’re enduring tough times. Use these simple positive thinking strategies to help you change your mindset quicker than you ever thought possible!

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How to Take Risks and Abandon Your Fears

It’s quite comfortable to sit back and keep the status quo. After all, if you don’t rock the boat, you can’t fall into the sea. But without risk, there are few rewards.

Abandon Your Fears

You already know that taking risks is risky. To build up the courage, you need to master your fears. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. If you’ve spent the better part of your life with fear, it could be deeply engrained in your subconscious, but it’s not impossible to change. All you need now is the willingness to overcome your fears. If you really want to abandon your fears, there’s nothing that can stop you!

Here are some tips to keep fear at bay:

1. Recognize Your Fears. Recognize your fears for what they really are. You’ll soon discover how your fears are limiting you by your reactions to them. 


* Let’s say you’re afraid of driving, if you’re ever in the driver’s seat your response might be a quick “Oh no! Get me out of here!” If you continue this pattern of thinking you’ll always be afraid. Accept that the fear is real, but challenge yourself to approach the situation with courage and inner strength.

2. Overcome Your Fears. Many times we’re afraid of something because it remains in the unknown. We might label something as risky because we don’t yet know or understand what’s going on.

* An example would be avoiding college because you’re afraid of meeting new people, the workload, and so on. To overcome this fear, you can get familiar with the college, the courses, and the people so you can feel more comfortable and confident. Doing so will ease the fear of the unknown and give you a sense of relief.

3. Change Your Thinking. If you can alter the way you think about a certain situation, you’ll then act differently. Your fears may overwhelm your thoughts at times, but your job is to put a stop to this.

* For example, if you think you’ll never be able to achieve your goals, you won’t. But if you believe in yourself, you’re far more likely to succeed!

How to Take Risks

Once you overcome your fears mentally, it’s time to take risks. Whether you realize it or not, you take risks everyday. Most risks are quite minor, but risk accompanies nearly every decision you make.

Follow these pointers to help you get into a risk taking mindset:

* A “risk” may sound negative; instead, think of it as more of an “adventure” or “journey.”
* Visualize a positive outcome.
* Consider the reasons why you’re hesitant to take a risk.
* When you have a set plan in place, taking a risk is a whole lot less threatening.
* When you’ve taken the leap, evaluate your experience so you can improve in the future.
* Self-confidence is the most important ingredient to success.

Putting it all Together

If you’re feeling tentative about the whole thing, get your feet wet with small steps. You can’t expect yourself to change drastically overnight, but at the same time you have to believe in yourself and believe that change is possible.

Overcoming fears and taking risks go hand in hand. Start small and dream big. You only have one journey on this earth, so you might as well make the most of it!

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How To Bounce Back From Tragic Situations

Unfortunately, tragedy touches us all at some point in our lives. In the moment, it may feel like nothing can lift your spirits and pick you up, but as time goes on, there are certain coping mechanisms you can adopt to move forward.

Moving on is a critical step because if you don’t accept what has happened, you may be holding onto the grief forever.

The Stages of Grief

It doesn’t matter what tragedy has happened in your life, grief tends to follow a certain sequence of stages. While you may not experience all stages, you’ll likely experience a few of them.

When you allow these stages to run their course, you’ll be able to go on with your life:

1. Denial. In the initial shock of a tragedy, your first reaction might be to deny that it even happened. At the time it may be the best way for your body to avoid the pain. Depending on what happened, this stage can last from moments to weeks. However, staying at this stage is detrimental since you’re never really facing or accepting what has happened.

2. Guilt. Guilt is usually a part of grief whether or not you even have a reason to feel guilty. When you look to a situation after it occurred, it’s easy to point out the things you “should have done.” Take the time to feel the pain if you have to, but make sure you strive beyond this stage as well.

3. Anger. It probably won’t be long before anger sets in. You’ve realized that you have no control and there is nothing you can do to repair the tragic situation. It’s important to feel your anger, but at the same time you mustn’t allow yourself to be controlled by it. You don’t want to cause lasting damage to yourself or someone else.

4. Depression. This stage will often last a long time. While you might not feel like talking with friends, it’s an important thing to do when you’re feeling depressed. You may discover a lot of things about yourself during this self-reflective time, which is why it’s an important part of the grieving process, although you mustn’t dwell in your own worries or anxieties.

5. When Things Get Better. You’ll soon notice that your life and outlook gradually improves. You may not be back to yourself quite yet, but you’re starting to feel better. It’s important to keep your lines of communication open and remember that your loved ones want you to have a long, happy, and healthy life.

6. Acceptance. This is the last stage. This is where you have truly accepted what has passed and you now feel hope for the future. Although things may have changed, your life is feeling back to normal otherwise.

When You Feel Stuck

It’s common to feel stuck in a certain stage of grief. This is especially true when it comes to depression. The best thing you can do is to keep trying.

If you feel like things are taking longer than they should, you always have the option of seeking professional help. Grief counselors are able to help you with your unique situation and may have some simple strategies to help you move forward.

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How to Boost Your Self-Esteem During Difficult Times

Attempting to boost your self-esteem during normal times is hard enough, but what happens when you’re dealing with a difficult period in your life?

Stressful issues like job loss, broken relationships, or sickness can lower our self-esteem. We tend to take the blame and feel that, if we were “better,” these things wouldn’t have happened in the first place. When thinking rationally, we may realize that this is untrue, but it’s harder during times of struggle to feel good about ourselves!

Here are some simple strategies you can use to give your self-esteem a boost during trying times:

1. Focus on the positive. Yes, negative things can happen in your life, but this must not be your only focus. As I’m sure you’ve heard before: “Things could be worse.” Try to turn your attention onto what you have that is good.

* Whether it’s wonderful children, a terrific spouse, or a roof over your head, focus on what is positive and special in your life.


* Not only will this make you feel better about your current situation, but you’ll also realize that these good things would not have been possible without you.

* It’s time to understand that you are a positive influence in the lives of many. Realistically, everyone has to deal with difficult times as a part of growing and maturing. Try to remember that “this too shall pass” and keep your chin up.

2. Take time for you. With all that’s happening in your life right now, you’re under a lot of stress. This obviously isn’t helping your feelings of low self-esteem. More than likely, you’re not taking any time out for the most important person in your life: you.

* Allow some time to relax and regroup. It will do wonders for your mindset! Make the time to do something that you thoroughly enjoy doing. It can be alone or with family or a trusted friend – whatever relaxes you the most.

* Read a book, take a bubble bath, make some cookies, or dance around the house to your favorite music. Anything that can relieve some of that stress you’re feeling will make a big difference.

3. Believe that things will get better. The power of the mind is amazing. If you’re in a situation that you truly believe is hopeless, your chances of changing that situation worsen greatly. If you believe things can and will get better, your chances of improving the situation are greatest.

* Knowing that things will improve will also help you feel more confident about yourself. You’ll feel more positive heading into the right direction, and your self-esteem will increase.

Life sometimes presents us with difficult situations that we’re not prepared to deal with. During these times, consciously redirect your feelings away from the negative and towards the positive. Your self-esteem will be strengthened, along with your belief of a better outcome.

When you can see a light at the end of the tunnel, things don’t seem as dark. Use these tips to find your light and feel better.

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Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking

Do you start sweating at the very idea of delivering a speech? Many people suffer from some form of anxiety, including panic attacks, when asked to stand in front of even a few people.

Studies have shown that many of us are more afraid of public speaking than death!

Unfortunately, there are many occasions where we simply can’t avoid delivering a speech. Whether it’s a business presentation, community event, or just a family gathering, there will always be times when you have to stand up and speak, so you might as well sharpen your speaking skills!

Learning to speak in front of a group is very beneficial. Conquering that fear of public speaking could mean a raise at work, a more prominent role as a community leader, or more fulfilling relationships.

Here are the top five reasons why people fear public speaking:

* Fear of failure
* Self-doubt
* Feeling vulnerable
* Fear of judgment
* Being unprepared

Conquering your fear of speaking in front of a large crowd will certainly take some time and practice, but it’s not impossible!

Follow these tips to help you feel more confident about public speaking:

1. Prepare yourself. Prepare a game plan for your presentation. Choose your desired outcome and visualize your successful speech.


2. Get familiar. Learn everything about the area where you’ll be delivering your presentation. Familiarize yourself with the stage, microphone, staff, the room’s features, seating layout, and more.


3. Release your nervousness. You should be energized and focused on your presentation when you enter the room – not on how nervous you are. Begin by taking a few deep breaths to rid yourself of your tension.


4. Get personal. Imagine having a conversation with just one person in your audience. This will allow your presentation to become more personal to your colleagues.


5. Make eye contact. Always make sure to look the audience in the eye so you can forge a stronger connection with them. Make eye contact with one person at a time – as if you’re speaking directly with them.


6. Keep moving. Avoid standing behind the podium while giving your presentation. This could lead to the feeling of being disconnected from your audience. Walk around the stage or stand beside the podium when presenting your speech.


7. Know your audience. Research your audience while preparing for your presentation. This way, you’ll know who’s going to attend so you can better prepare yourself.


8. Stay positive. Keep a positive attitude when asked questions. If you don’t know an answer to something, don’t try to fake your knowledge. Just say: “I don’t know,” offer to find the answer after the presentation, them move on.


9. Accept invitations. When you’re invited to speak at an event or meeting, always accept the offer no matter how nervous you feel. Remember: practice makes perfect!


10. Find a coach. Find a coach to help you strengthen your public speaking skills before the big day. This personal guidance will help you gain confidence and blast past your fears.

Becoming an effective public speaker doesn’t have to be stressful. Following these tips will empower you to overcome your fear, while building strong personal skills that can unlock many new opportunities.

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