5 ways to make adversity your advantage

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
-Henry Ford

Remember this quote the next time you are facing a difficult situation.  It’s only when the wind is against the plane that it is able to take off and soar.  This is also true in our own lives. 

You’re true character shows when you’re facing adverse circumstances.  When you feel beat up and beat down, that’s when you remind yourself that this is your time to shine.  It’s time to turn this adversity into your advantage.  Here’s how:

1. Remind yourself that you can handle this.

Everything you’ve been through has been preparing you for this moment. All of life’s circumstances have been getting you ready to handle this difficult situation.  No matter how negative and overwhelmed you may feel at first, remind yourself there is nothing that can happen to you that you can’t handle.

2. Find the “seed of equivalent benefit”.

I first heard this term from Pat Riley in his book, “The Winner the Within”.  In every problem there is possibility.  But you have to look for it.  You have to avoid the “poor me” mindset and determine to find something positive from the situation.  The worse it is, the more potential there is to benefit you.

3. See yourself in a new light.

Albert Einstein said, “Adversity introduces a man to himself”.  And my father has often said, “Circumstances don’t define who you are, they reveal who you are.”   When faced with a difficulty decide to look at yourself objectively.  Step back and evaluate how you are handling this situation.  Be honest with yourself about what you need to improve.  Your success, your confidence, your self-image, your relationships, your job, your finances may take a hit….however…..there is something you can learn about yourself through this that you couldn’t learn otherwise. 

4. Appreciate the journey.

You’re not appreciating the situation necessarily, but you’re appreciating the fact that life is a journey and there are always uphill battles along the way.  And just like you’ve got through all the difficulties of the past, you’ll get through this one too.  Have gratitude and try naming as many things as possible that you are thankful for.  This will help you keep a good perspective so you can think clearly, process what is happening and make good decisions in the moment.

5. Find something new.

 What is this adversity allowing you to do, to pursue that you couldn’t otherwise do?  Don’t get so hung up on what you don’t have that you miss out on what you could have, if you would just change your approach.   Adversity is a stepping stone not a tombstone!

Overcoming adversity begins in your mind.  Perhaps you need to begin today changing the story you are telling yourself about your current difficulty.  Begin to see obstacles as opportunities and watch your world get better.