15 Realizations of Adversity That Can Lead To Success

1. Realize adversity is a learning experience. You need to be tested or challenged in order to learn and grow. Every adverse circumstance is a lesson learned that helps you grow and develop your capacity to deal with future occurrences.
2. Realize challenges as opportunities. Adversity will challenge you in new ways resulting in experiences you otherwise would not have encountered. Facing these challenges head-on, coping with them, and developing a recovery strategy emboldens you and gives you the confidence to face the next obstacle.
3. Realize that you are building resiliency. These experiences develop your capacity to maintain resolve and determination through the tough times. Being able to effectively cope with the stressors associated with adversity enables you to cultivate a range of skills which make you stronger, better equipped, and more resilient for future events.
4. Realize adversity allows you to gain perspective. Times of adversity makes us more appreciative when things are going smoothly. You will acknowledge adversity is also a state of mind, have a more positive mindset in the future knowing you survived once and will do so again.
5. Realize adversity helps with planning. Another benefit of adversity is you are better prepared for the future. What you have learned about yourself, others around you, and even the organization, can be the basis for well- developed alternatives and contingency plans that can be expeditiously and confidently executed during the next unforeseen or untoward event. When adversity strikes your mindset is your primary weapon. It is how you react, how you decide to respond, and what you do that determines your ability to overcome the obstacles you face. As you face these inevitable challenges adhere to the following steps:
6. Realize the need to accept it. Accept what has happened, what’s done is done. You can learn from this experience but for now, you look for ways to solve the problem. Focus on finding solutions instead of excuses. Accept responsibility instead of casting blame. Face the challenge head-on, view it more of an opportunity than an obstacle, move forward, understanding that every problem has a solution.
7. Realize the need to understand. Get the facts. Often times problems are compounded by inaccurate information or misunderstandings. Making decisions based on bad data will only compound the problem and make it worse. Ask questions instead of making assumptions, drilling down to the basic issues, and underlying causes of this predicament. Once you have defined the problem determine which factors are in your control, and those not in your control. Determine what choices you have, what resources to use, focusing on what you can do versus what you cannot.
8. Realize and respond. You want to avoid a knee jerk reaction while at the same time launch an initial response to the crisis. Focus on what steps you can take in the short term, however small, to exhibit movement and show action is being taken.
9. Realize the importance of keeping your composure. Project a confident and calm demeanor, regardless of the circumstances. Set the tone by reinforcing your commitment and belief in what you are doing and what you are about.
10. Realize the importance of having the proper mindset. You are defined not by the crisis, but how you deal with it. Your mindset will play a key role in how things turn out. A confident demeanor and a positive attitude, laced with enthusiasm, is contagious. Exhibit a can-do attitude, focusing on what can be done, instead of anticipating the worst.
11. Realize your strengths. Focus on your strengths and what you do best. By concentrating on your strong suits you will realize quicker progress. Trust your instincts and trust those around you who are there to help you.
12. Realize it is okay to ask for help. What you are going through is not unique. It may be to you but it has happened before, in some way, shape, or form. Do not be hesitant to ask for help or view this as a sign of weakness. Seeking advice from someone who has gone through similar circumstances can be helpful and give you a different perspective.
13. Realize your values. When going through an adverse event a compelling factor in someone’s ability to effectively deal with the crisis is their unyielding faith and belief in what they are doing. Do not lose sight of what you are about and why you are doing it.
14. Realize you need to plot a course. Once you have all of the facts and have considered the options you should develop a plan. Be consequent and deliberate in carrying out this plan, paying special emphasis to the process, since it a series of steps all properly executed that will enable you to emerge from this crisis.
15. Realize you must be aware of your health. Everyone handles stress and anxiety differently. Be mindful of the impact the situation is having on your health and even those around you. Do not develop bad habits as a coping mechanism to get you through the crisis. Remember, there is a direct correlation between fitness and productivity, do not abandon your fitness program. If anything, ramp it up a bit during this trying time. Remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

--Adapted from an article written by Fred Stuvek, a consultant, speaker, and author of the book It Starts With You. After serving in the US Navy, Fred transitioned to the business world where he has held senior leadership positions in private and public companies, both domestically and internationally. Fred has also been inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for achievements in football, basketball, baseball, and track.