Just hang in there: Finding strength when challenges feel insurmountable!

Life doesn’t necessarily come with a roadmap. Sometimes, the path forward feels smooth and steady, but other times, it’s rocky, full of dead ends and steep uphill climbs. During these difficult moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, even hopeless. I was recently speaking with a Lean 6σ practitioner at a conference and he indeed had his back against the wall! But when the challenges seem insurmountable and you’re not sure how to keep going, there’s one thing to remember I said to him, just hang in there. Perseverance, even when we are uncertain of the outcome, can reveal strength and resilience we didn’t know we had. Sharing my thoughts on just hang in there with others on LinkedIn as may be helpful if someone you know is facing one of such moments!

Life’s toughest moments are also our most Transformative

It’s often said that our greatest growth comes from our greatest struggles, and this couldn’t be truer. When everything feels difficult, we’re forced to stretch ourselves, to find new ways of coping, and to dig deep for resources we may have forgotten or not even realised we had. These challenging periods often reveal parts of ourselves that we might not have discovered otherwise.

Although it’s hard to see at the moment, as I said to my Lean 6σ fellow practitioner, these times can bring lessons and wisdom that stay with us. We might develop resilience, compassion, empathy, and grit. And as hard as it can be to endure, hanging on through these moments can open the door to a new understanding of ourselves and what we’re capable of.

Tough times don’t last, but tough people do

I am sure you have heard this as many times as I have. When you’re in the midst of a struggle, it can feel as though the difficulty will never end. Time seems to slow down, and hope can feel hard to hold onto. But one thing is certain, no challenge is permanent. Life is always changing, and each difficult period eventually passes. Remembering this impermanence can help make the challenges more manageable.

Remind yourself that, just like the good times, tough times don’t last forever. No matter how dark things feel now, they will shift, and new opportunities will surface. Every storm eventually ends, and the sun does come back out. Sometimes, the key to surviving is simply outlasting the difficulty by hanging in and staying strong.

Small steps forward are still ( a massive) progress

When facing a big, seemingly insurmountable challenge, it’s natural to feel stuck and paralysed. But often, it’s not about taking giant leaps. Instead, it’s about taking small, steady steps forward, even when those steps feel insignificant. When the whole road ahead feels overwhelming, it helps to break it down into manageable pieces and just focus on the next step in front of you. In my Lean 6σ world, it’s often the case that an accumulation of many, many small steps do help my clients achieve that 6σ perfection they are striving for!

Even the smallest actions—reaching out for help, setting a goal for the day, or simply allowing yourself to take a step back—can be powerful steps forward. By concentrating on what you can control on that day, you can slowly and steadily work through even the toughest challenges, step by step.

Seek Support: You don’t have to do It alone!

Hanging in there doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Reaching out to others can provide invaluable support, insight, and comfort. Whether it’s friends, family, mentors, or professionals, connecting with people who understand can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just sharing your burdens with others can help lighten the load.

Often, people around us have been through similar struggles and may have wisdom or advice to offer. And even if they don’t have answers, simply being heard can be enough to make us feel a little more hopeful. No one is expected to handle everything on their own, so don’t hesitate to lean on those who care about you.

Practice Self-Compassion

When life and work feel difficult, it’s easy to get down on ourselves, feeling like we’re not doing enough or that we should be handling things better. But remember, you’re doing the best you can in an incredibly challenging situation. Self-compassion is essential when you’re facing difficulties. Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a friend going through a tough time.

Trust in Your Resilience

Hanging in there through difficult times means having faith in your own resilience. Remind yourself of other times you’ve faced challenges and come out stronger. You’ve overcome obstacles before, and those experiences have equipped you with the resilience needed to get through this as well.

You may not feel strong now, but resilience is often something we only recognise in hindsight. Trust that every moment you continue to push through, even if it feels hard, you’re building a foundation that will help you not only survive but thrive in the future.

And finally, don’t Underestimate the Power of Perseverance!

When challenges feel overwhelming, remember that simply hanging in there is an accomplishment. Life’s toughest moments often bring about the greatest changes and prepare us for growth and success. No matter how difficult things may feel now, believe in your ability to overcome and hold on to the hope that better days are coming. By taking it one day at a time, leaning on support, practicing self-compassion, and finding moments of peace, you can survive this season of life and come out stronger on the other side. Remember, you are more resilient than you realise. Just hang in there.