What Do Tough Times Say About You? – From Pity to Praise
It’s one thing to have a bad day yet quite another to fall on tough times. These are the days when it’s hard to get out of bed, not knowing how you’re going to make it through the day. Or what the day will even bring. These are the days when it feels like the world is crumbling around you and your so weary you feel like you’ve been hit by a two by four by the time you go to bed.
Many of feel weary and low because what is going on in America right now.
Yet, these are the times that shape character and show what you’re made of. So what do tough times say about you?
Unfortunately, for most of us, there comes a time when we all experience a major setback. Whether we’re confronted by personal tragedy, faced with a serious financial crisis, or struck by an uncontrollable event, these are the times that will test your spirit.
Everyone reacts to these situations differently. Some people get angry, feel sorry for themselves, and cast blame, other people remain calm, create an action plan to move forward, and look for a trace of light in the dark skies ahead. The fact is, the way you respond to these situations in the short term can impact your long term happiness.
George S. Patton said, “The test of success is not what you do when your on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.”
I Pastor told me once: it’s okay to be angry, it’s what you do with that anger.
Take that anger and put in to good use through your prayers.” God wants prayers from your heart. To that anger you feel into your heart and pray them out.
Accept Support. There are wonderful people who care about you. Don’t shut them out, or worse take your problem Luton them. They’re trying to help.
Learn From You’re Past. Have you faced a similar situation in the past? Or maybe someone older has faced what you going through. Ask them. Apply the learned lessons or heard from others. There’s no need to suffer things twice.
Face Reality. Don’t run away from your problems. Run toward it. Accept reality as it is, not as you want it to be.
Own The Problem. Don’t waste precious time and energy making excuses or casting blame. More forward rather the dwelling on the problem.
Make Tough Choices. Don’t procrastinate or hold out for the perfect answer; there may not be one. Identify your options and create a plan of action. You’ll gain more from moving forward in a deliberate fashion that from running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off.
Set Priorities. Don’t treat every option or activity equally. It’s smarter to do the important things rather than to complete every item on your list
Built Momentum. Big problems are best solved in small pieces. Tackle short-term items to achieve wins while you address the root cause.
Remaining True To Your Values. This is no time to comprise your integrity. Listen to your conscience. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.
Be Loyal. Don’t throw anyone under the bus to safe your hide, putting the needs of others first may supply the positive energy you need to move forward.
Find An Outlet For Relaxation. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Identify ways to relax and reduce stress. That will help you complete the mission with your sanity intact.
Be A Leader. There are times when real learners show their character. Lead by example. Be the first to “take a hit” before asking others to do the same.
Never Quit. A man or woman is not finished when they quit.
Keep The Faith. When nothing seems to work faith and prayer does.
Learn From Your Experiences. Make sure to learn from the experiences. You may have to apply this lesson another day. One thing this teaches us is that life if filled with “ups and downs,” so make the most of the “in- betweens.”
Believe in yourself. This too shall pass. This isn’t the first or the last time that you’re going to face tough times. If the situation is within your control, do something about it; if not, accept it for what it is and try to make the best of it. You survive the last time you faced a crisis, and you will this time as well. Remember, it’s not going to get better by sitting around. In fact, left unattended, smack problems often become bigger ones.
It’s easy to look like a star when times are good, but when times are tough, your true character comes into full view. Be strong. Don’t compromise your integrity; don’t lower your standards; and above all, don’t quit. You’re better than than that. You owe it to yourself to overcome the problem, as you have so many times before.