![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.harveker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/4\/files\/2017\/08\/How-to-Stay-Optimistic-When-Times-Are-Difficult.png\")
<\/p>\n\n
It can be difficult finding ways to stay optimistic when life seems to be throwing you curveballs left and right. With the right tools and a positive mindset, you can learn to work for the life you want, be grateful for what you have, and find optimism to carry you through tough times.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Think back to a time in your past \u2014 five, 10, 15, or even 20 years ago. Maybe you envisioned a happy future making more money, having more fun, a family of your own, or living in a bigger place.<\/p>\n
Few things turn out perfectly, but chances are your life saw some growth and improvement in at least one area. A 30 or 40-something-year-old adult’s standards are going to be different than those of a teenager. In that sense, most of us have undergone economic, personal, and career upgrades, even if you might be disappointed with the outcome thus far making it hard to stay optimistic.<\/p>\n
All life on this planet goes through seasons. We\u2019ll experience spring-like blooms, the reaping of summer, the preparations of fall, and the chill and severity that winter brings. These cycles affect us individually and globally. At times, even the world as a whole experiences something like a severe economic winter.<\/p>\n
However, it’s important to keep in mind that we\u2019ve all experienced times of growth and improvement in our individual lives. Even during periods of lack and want, we can look forward to a time of prosperity again. All it takes is readjusting back to a mindset that focuses on the future so we can stay optimistic. That starts with accepting and embracing the now.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.harveker.com\/blog\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/4\/files\/2017\/08\/3-Tips-to-Stay-Optimistic-During-Your-Winter-Times.png\")
<\/p>\n
By far, the toughest cycle we\u2019ll experience is our \u201cwinter times,\u201d whether it\u2019s cold outside or not. Even the grasshopper needs to be told by the Ant to prepare for winter, so the old story goes. The other seasons are often times easier, if not more enjoyable.<\/p>\n
As tough as things can seem during harsh times, winter provides the opportunity to recover and start planning for the next spring ahead\u2014the same kind of spring that gave us relief before and will bring us relief again. With this mindset, we can find ways to stay optimistic despite the cold. These 3 tips for learning how to stay optimistic can help you even in the most difficult of times:<\/p>\n
1. You can do this by defining what you want to create.<\/strong> Be specific. Sometimes luck helps, but there\u2019s no way to get what you want until you\u2019ve defined what you want, and, just as important, why you want it. Your motivations will steer you through any winter storm.<\/p>\n 2. Also, taking inventory. List those attributes that enhance the quality of your life<\/strong> right here and now\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 family, friends, the network of colleagues who might help you take that next step, and resources that are helping you economically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You might be surprised at just how many resources are at your disposal.<\/p>\n 3. Lastly, be grateful.<\/strong> For every \u201cnegative\u201d thing that may be happening to you, someone else is likely undergoing more pressing challenges. Gratitude has a way of dispelling fear, anxiety, and a self-defeating attitude. You can\u2019t focus on what you don\u2019t have when you\u2019re grateful for what you do have. How we progress through the seasons isn\u2019t based on what we don\u2019t have, or what we might\u2019ve done or not done in the past. It\u2019s about how we use what we do have now to stay optimistic and to sow seeds of growth that we can reap later.<\/p>\n I want to leave you with one last thought. Winters can seem to go on forever, but they don\u2019t. That\u2019s as true for the world as it is in our individual lives. When in ‘winter’, use this time to re-focus, heal, enjoy your blessings, and start planning your next spring now.<\/p>\n Give us your thoughts on life\u2019s \u201cseasons,\u201d whether they apply to your personal or professional life. Where are you in your life\u2019s cycle? How do you navigate your seasons? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about these tips for staying optimistic during difficult times. Each and every one of your comments is meaningful and valuable.<\/p>\n For Your Freedom,<\/p>\n It can be difficult finding ways to stay optimistic when life seems to be throwing you curveballs left and right. With the right tools and a positive mindset, you can learn to work for the life you want, be grateful for what you have, and find optimism to carry you through tough times. How to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5395,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,3,5,27,15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-900","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-life-balance","8":"category-mindset","9":"category-personal-development","10":"category-stress-relief","11":"category-well-being","12":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n![\"harvsignature\"](\"https:\/\/www.harveker.com\/media\/harvsignature.png\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"