How do you face up to difficulties? How can we find the courage and resilience within ourselves to bounce back? Life’s problems are often unfair and fall on us without warning, which is why we feel lost. I’m sharing with you 6 things you can do to help you overcome problems with confidence and serenity.

1 – Coping with difficulties: don’t deny them

Not denying the difficulties we face is the first thing to do. Yet it is perhaps the most difficult.

Indeed, our first reflex when we have problems is to pretend that nothing is happening.

Because we’ve learned to run away from problems. We say to ourselves, “If I don’t think about it, the problem will go away on its own.”

Unfortunately, that’s not what happens at all.

In fact, the problem persists, worsens and sometimes even accumulates with another, then another…

In other words, the key to coping with difficulties is not to deny them.

So, what does it mean not to deny difficulties?

In practical terms, it means stopping for a moment to look at yourself in the face and say: “I’ve got this problem.”

It’s not about feeling guilty or even looking for the why behind it. It’s simply becoming aware of the problem.

Because it’s only when we become aware of things that we can take action to remedy them.

2 – Challenging yourself

In fact, all too often, when we have a problem, we tend to blame it on others or on life. We tell ourselves that we’re unlucky, that life is unfair, that people are mean.

Why do we react this way? Because if we don’t blame others, we’ll blame ourselves and suffer doubly.

That’s why, in order to face up to difficulties, it’s essential to understand that it’s not a question of finding fault.

Problems often fall into our laps, that’s just the way it is. And it’s not by finding out who’s at fault that problems will be solved – quite the contrary.

In fact, to cope with difficulties, it’s time to question yourself.

What does that mean?

It simply means realizing that the difficulty we’re experiencing is our own. It’s our problem, and it’s up to us to overcome it.

Only we have the power to do that.

So don’t waste your time looking for the culprits, condemning them and feeling sorry for yourself.

Instead, get to work. Roll up your sleeves! It’s in your power. You can do it. You must do it, because no one else will do it for you.

What’s more, you deserve to get through this, so give yourself the chance.

3 – How to deal with difficulties: think in terms of solutions

“There are no problems, only solutions”
John Lennon

When a problem in life falls into our laps, at first we’re downhearted, and that’s normal.

It’s normal to be scared, angry and sad.

It’s normal to doubt, to lament, at first.

Then we have to bounce back. Yes, we must!

Because no one is going to solve our problem for us.

What’s more, it’s essential to understand that we have everything within us to face up to difficulties.

We can do it!

In other words, to cope with difficulties, it’s essential to think in terms of solutions:

What can I do to overcome my problem? What actions can I take right now? What do I need?

In fact, stop focusing on the problem and start focusing on the solutions.

One exercise I particularly like is to write down my problem in the form of a question and list 10 different ways of solving it. This way, your creativity pushes you to find real solutions.

4 – Search for lessons

To cope with difficulties, it’s also essential to make peace with what’s happening to us. In other words, to find serenity.

Let’s understand that we attract to ourselves what we vibrate, and if we vibrate with anger or sadness, we’ll attract to ourselves more and more situations that will make us vibrate at the same frequency.

In other words, it’s essential to return to emotions such as joy, peace and love.

To do this, I invite you to make peace with what’s happening to you, to understand that life sends you difficulties, not to punish you or make you feel bad, but to teach you.

In fact, life is pushing you to grow, to evolve, to become stronger, but also more humble.

Remember that life isn’t all roses, it isn’t easy. Life is a school.

And understand that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Life is beautiful every day, even in difficult times.

5 – How to face difficulties: rely on yourself

Often, when we encounter problems in life, we feel alone and helpless. We don’t know where to turn, yet there’s someone out there who can help.

It’s you.

In fact, we forget that we can be our own friends, even our best friends.

That’s why, when facing difficulties, take time to come back to yourself and encourage, reassure and comfort yourself.

To do this, I invite you to sit comfortably in a quiet place and take 10 deep breaths. Calmly.

Then answer these questions:

“How do I feel? Why?”

Finally, imagine what you would say to a friend you love from the bottom of your heart who was in the same situation as you. What would you say to reassure and encourage them?

Then, the same words you would offer your friend, offer them to yourself.

Comfort yourself. Reassure yourself.

That’s what you’re here for, to be your best friend.

Understand that you’re facing a problem and that you’re not here to criticize yourself, quite the opposite. You’re here to learn to love yourself with all your heart.

6 – Seek help

Some problems can’t be solved alone. Yet many of us don’t seek help, don’t dare ask for it.

Out of pride, fear too.

What if it were time to learn to ask for help?

Today, we’re extraordinarily lucky to have access to essential information on the Internet. Make the most of it.

Find associations and professionals who can help you with what you’re going through.

They are there to help you. Give yourself this gift.

Because that’s what it’s all about. It’s about giving yourself the gift of getting through it, thanks to others who have been in the same situation as you.

It’s also about trust. So trust.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Temporary depression: 5 things you can do to come out of it smiling
Discover Coping with change: 6 tips to help you feel more Zen

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body by Ross Edgley

The author offers a comprehensive guide to coping with difficulties by combining physical and mental strategies. Drawing on his experience as an endurance athlete and adventurer, Edgley offers insights into how to forge an unshakeable mind and body. The book explores the science of resilience and offers practical advice and exercises for overcoming difficulties and emerging stronger. It is a resource for people looking for effective coping mechanisms to overcome difficulties and thrive in the face of adversity.

I was very inspired by the book and the lessons Ross talked about throughout. I thought they were very applicable and came from a different perspective than I had heard before.
Great book!

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself