I had a conversation with my friend Theo a number of years ago about some intense challenges I was facing. I shared with him what was going on and the underlying fear that I simply couldn’t handle all of it.
Theo listened to me with compassion and then said something simple, but profound, “Mike, it’s important to remember that you have more than this requires.”
This really resonated with me.
Not only did he empathetically acknowledge what I was dealing with and feeling, but he also reminded me that I had what it took to face these challenges effectively. Like most people, I’ve got quite a bit of experience overcoming adversity. Theo helped me remember my strength and resilience, which we can sometimes forget in the face of difficult times.
Facing Challenges Helps Us Evolve and Grow
I love the saying, “circumstances don’t define you, they reveal you.” Challenges are a normal part of work and life. It’s easy for us to forget that facing difficulties directly can help us grow and gain wisdom, even though it can be hard.
In most situations we face in life, we really do have more than is required to not only deal with what’s happening, but to actually thrive in the face of it. As the saying goes, “if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger.”
And while I don’t believe that we have to suffer and struggle in order to evolve, one of the best things we can do when dealing with adversity is to find the gold in the situation as much as possible.
What to do when facing challenges.
Here are a few things to think about and do so that you can remember that you do, in fact, have more than any challenging circumstances require.
Remind yourself of all you’ve done, experienced, and overcome.
Take some inventory of your life from the perspective of resilience. Think about all the times you’ve dealt with change, loss, uncertainty, fear, pain, disappointment, failure, etc. and worked through it.
You’ve also probably had many experiences in life where wonderful things and exciting opportunities showed up for you and you were able to step up and take your experience of life to a whole new level.
Even though we’re all unique and our stories are different, we have all encountered numerous challenges, triumphs, and personal growth throughout our lives. By acknowledging and embracing this fact, we can create an even deeper and more authentic sense of self-confidence.
Remember that you have a great deal of support and you can reach out for it.
Facing challenges isn’t easy – and having a good support system can make all the difference when going through difficult times.
One of the things that can get in our way when life gets intense, is that we sometimes think we’re all alone. Regardless of our circumstances, relationship status, or family situation, most of us have people around us who we can lean on and who would be happy to provide support. But we must be willing to ask for and, more importantly, receive their help.
Remember: a request for help is not a sign of weakness, but a clear indication of courageous self-care and a beautiful opportunity for people to show up for us.
Focus on what you appreciate about yourself.
Self-appreciation is a cornerstone of self-confidence and authentic power. Having a fundamental belief in our own goodness is essential to overcoming adversity and living an inspired life.
While it’s not always easy to do, self-appreciation is essential when it comes to resilience.
Remembering that we are good enough just as we are and have all that we need within us to deal with life’s challenges is essential to our well-being and overall fulfillment.
Regardless of what you’re dealing with right now, you truly have what it takes to overcome adversity and face any difficulties that comes your way. The more you remember this and live from this perspective, the more freedom, power, and peace of mind you’ll experience.
What can you do to remind yourself that you can face any challenge that comes your way? Share your ideas, commitments, thoughts, dreams, and more on my blog below.
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This article was published in 2011 and updated for 2023.
This past year I lost my husband to cancer. A year like I have never experienced. I am now in Hawaii,one of our favorite vacation spots, to deal with another change in my life. You are so right I do have more then required to deal with this past year….God has blessed me in so many ways this past year, he has given me the more in my life then required to deal with my loss.
BEAUTIFUL, Mike.
I use all the ways you described, but LOVE this wonderful, much appreciated reminder.
Sometimes it seems as though despite the decades of my inner work/clearing/shifting, what I’ve received is continued intense challenges!! Maybe it’s called stretching, but hey, I’d love a regenerative vacation of healthy relaxation, too! :-))
…Counting joyful blessings, past and current, of which I have MANY, helps raise or reorient my mood, giving breathing space to keep on keeping on.
Being outside in Nature, and walking my professional talk by noticing the Beauty and Healthy Spaces which surround me, and using the magnificent energy/blessings of Flower Essences are some more support methods.
Alisa Rose
http://www.ambianceeco.com
http://www.greenfengshuimakeover.com
Your messages always come at the right time! I am dealing with a relationship issue and I got inspiration (as always) from your words. Thank you!
We all give away our power way too easily. Why is this? We are either busy making excuses or thinking we can’t do something. You are definitely right in saying, “you truly have more than is required by any of the circumstances and situations of your life.” Keep it simple and embrace it!!
Hi Mike,
Thank you. This is exactly what I neeeded to read today. Usually my laughter meditation practice of almost 30 years is enough but with my current challenge of pain in my body, I needed something extra.
Your words reminded me that the wisdom of my body and my support system will help me resolve this.Wishing you love, laughter and many blessings,
Pragito Dove(across the Bay from you in Marin).
My friend Julie on FB suggested I look at your website. I don’t often look at myself as a very empowered person but your suggestion here: “remind yourself of all you’ve done, experienced, and overcome” made me stop and think about all the adversity I have overcome; all the things I have done in my life and the many experiences I have had. When I do this with the right attitude, I can see that those things that one generally overlooks are my personal point of strength. By not giving in or giving up on my own emotional survival I believe I have, hidden inside me, the tools to continue ( more than is required) to do what I have left to accomplish. I simply need to learn to use it.
I came across your website/blog while recently working on post for my own blog on stepping out of my box. Wow! Then to read your recent message here about believing we have more than is required. For the first time in my life I truly believe those words. My husband at the age of 41 decided to enlist in the Army Reserves and was gone for 6 months of training. During this same time my oldest son also enlisted in the Navy. Immediately I became an Army Wife and Navy Mom and found myself with no option but to believe I had the strength to handle this seperation from two of the people that mean the most to me. My husbands desire to pursue a passion, has inspired me to do the same. It has shown my that I have an inner strength and so much more to offer, “more than is required.” THANK YOU for your inspiring messages.
Thanks for the great comments!
Mike, this is exactly what I need today – while facing a new challenge, looking with the eyes of a great chance at it!
thanks for sharing –