Overcome Adversity by Believing in Yourself

What if you could face any challenge head-on by looking within yourself for resilience?

It sounds like a lofty dream – reaching your goals effortlessly and facing challenges without a second thought. Laughing and learning through mistakes and enjoying great success for years to come.

But what if it were possible? What if the only tools you need are within you?

Here’s why you alone have what it takes to overcome adversity and truly believe in yourself.

Stop caring what other people think

To believe in yourself, you must stop caring so much what everyone else thinks. You will always face adversity from others. You will always have the temptation to measure your own success against someone else’s.

But here’s a great revelation: you have no control over what other people think. Zero. Try as you might to get someone to like you, in the end, it’s up to them how they feel.

Let go of what you think others are thinking. It really doesn’t matter!

Once you’re free of that added pressure, you’ll notice that you’re doing things for yourself and not to please other people. When you do face harsh adversaries, tell yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. And instead stay focused on your vision.

Find passion both in and outside of work

Hopefully, the career you’re committed to is also something you’re incredibly passionate about. If not, you might consider a change. Without that passion guiding you and bringing you motivation, all the challenges that you’ll face will be that much harder to manage.

You won’t be as motivated or as passionate to tell adversity to get lost.

Just as important is doing things you’re passionate about outside of work. Your entire life can’t be work, it just can’t. Whether you decide to volunteer at your local food bank, take up tennis lessons, or go to the theater with your significant other, make sure you have passions outside of growing your business and your brand.

Embrace and learn from mistakes

This is a hard one. But it’s mandatory nonetheless since everyone makes mistakes.

This can be one of the biggest forms that adversity will take in your journey. If you fail at something, it can feel easiest to throw in the towel and forget all the work you’ve already put in.

Instead, be easy on yourself. Part of truly believing in your abilities is knowing you’ll make mistakes and forcing yourself to learn from them. Don’t let your life and your efforts be upended because of an error.

Mistakes make successes sweeter, so tell yourself “it was bound to happen,” make note of how you can avoid it in the future, and move on.

Think about your legacy

If you could pick one thing you’ll be known for after you die, what would it be? Let the answer drive your daily life.

Thinking about the legacy you leave behind can bring you resilience and wisdom in many different challenging situations. Once you commit your life to something, failure, adversity from others, and daily trials will just seem like stepping stones to make your dream happen.

Love the journey

You’ve likely heard it before: it’s the journey, not the destination, that counts. Try telling that to entrepreneurs working endlessly to get a business off the ground!

But, there’s truth to it. What’s the point of reaching a goal if, once you get there, you have to start all over again, and won’t get to enjoy anything until the next summit is reached? That doesn’t sound like a very enjoyable life.

Instead, take a moment each day to think about what you’re thankful for. It could be your loved ones, your pets, your favorite movie, your city. Whatever brings you joy. And make sure you think about those special things in your life regularly. Otherwise, your whole life will be more focused on the future than on the present.

This can be especially hard for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s hard to shake yourself out of goal setting and trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel. But take time to switch on the flashlight and look around that tunnel. Find beauty and activities that bring you joy each step of the way.

Even if you follow these strategies to start believing in yourself, you’re still going to face adversity. It’s, unfortunately, part of life, entrepreneur or not.

But just remember that no one else can give you the right answers. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says or thinks. You have to look within yourself to find the gumption necessary to truly believe in yourself and your legacy.

If you’re seeking more tips from entrepreneurs and business leaders across the globe, Paper Napkin Wisdom is the resource for you. Check out our podcast and blog for more information about moving your business forward.