From Trauma to Triumph: The Power of Post-Traumatic Growth

"A lot of people never reach the heights of their lives without a traumatic event." — Chris Voss (FBI negotiator and author of 'Never Split the Difference')

The human experience is rife with adversity, and there's no denying that the trauma we face can leave a lasting impact. However, what if we could transform this trauma into growth?

In recent years, psychologists have identified a phenomenon known as "Post-traumatic growth". PTG is the positive change that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event, such as a serious illness, a natural disaster, or a violent crime.

The original creators of the PTG framework, Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, identified five domains in which people can experience growth after trauma:

1. Personal strength:

Personal strength refers to the sense of resilience and toughness that develops as a result of surviving a traumatic event. Perhaps you've heard the Bob Marley quote, "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” It's absolutely true.

And if you want the best example of resilience I've seen, join the millions of others who have enjoyed Janine Shepherd's TED Talk.

2. Relationships:

Relationships can strengthen as people learn to rely on one another for support. While you may find that some so called 'friends' abandon you in your time of need, you'll have far greater appreciation for those who have given you their unconditional support.

It also allows you to establish friendships in the purest and rawest form, after the deepest of vulnerabilities come to the surface.

3. Appreciation:

Appreciation of life refers to a heightened sense of gratitude for everyday experiences. When I interviewed Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference, he was very open about saying "I am very grateful for the negative things that reset me."

In fact, starting the day with a gratitude practice — not just thinking it but feeling it — is the most common way that everyone I've interviewed starts their day.

4. New possibilities:

New possibilities arise as people gain a new perspective on their lives and what they are capable of achieving. Specifically, they can become more open to new experiences, ideas, and beliefs that were previously outside of their comfort zone.

For example, Jessica Cox was born without arms, yet became the world's first armless pilot — one of her hundreds of incredible personal achievements. But new possibilities will only reveal themselves to you when you're open to them.

5. Spiritual change:

Spiritual change refers to a shift in beliefs or values that can occur as people search for meaning and purpose in their lives. Janine Shepherd often talks about the importance to saying 'yes' to ALL of life; you can't have the happiness without being exposed to sadness. To love, you have to risk loss.

For example, Janine's initial purpose was to become an Olympic gold medallist. However, a tragic accident destroyed her athletic aspirations. Eventually, she became open to a new path — the one that she is on today — where she helps remind people that "You are not your body, but the defiant human spirit."

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I have hundreds of example like this (and you do, too, if you're a fan of this newsletter and the Win the Day podcast), which is a huge advantage because the more inspirational stories you're exposed to, the more you're sharpening your mindset for when you need it.

It's one of the reasons why I cannot stand to be around negative people — because they're stuck in a cocoon of pessimism that might offer some temporary relief, but completely undermines them in the long-run.

So, next time you're confronted by a situation that can derail the plans you had for your life or career, remember that history's most successful individuals have all gone through significant hardships before achieving greatness. You simply need to view it through the appropriate lens.

And on this crazy journey of life, there's one thing I'm sure of: how you respond to adversity when it inevitably strikes is what separates ordinary people from extraordinary achievers.

Get out there and #WinTheDay...

Onward and upward always,

James Whittaker

PS - Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you Win the Day:

1. Subscribe to the Win the Day podcast ???

2. Join the waitlist for the Win the Day Accelerator program, powered by Success Magazine ??

3. Join me and some VERY special guests this September at the Win the Day Mastermind in Los Angeles, California ??