Strength Through Challenges

Let’s be honest—tough times happen to everyone. Whether it’s a career setback, a stressful project, or just feeling stuck, challenges are inevitable. But the way you navigate them? That’s what defines your leadership.

Meet Mike, an Executive Producer for a hit television show. On the outside, he looked like he had everything under control. But behind the scenes, the pressure was mounting. Tight deadlines, unexpected production challenges, and the constant need to deliver results had him feeling overwhelmed. He started second-guessing himself, reacting emotionally in high-stakes meetings, and questioning whether he was really cut out for the job.

When challenges pile up, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning. But during coaching, Mike learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding tough times—it’s about developing the mindset and strategies to push through them with clarity and confidence. Here’s how he did it—and how you can, too.

1. Shift from Reacting to Responding

Mike’s Challenge: With so much going on, Mike found himself constantly in “reaction mode.” Every issue felt like an emergency, and he was making quick, emotionally driven decisions that often led to more stress.

Why This Strategy Works: When you react immediately, emotions drive your choices. When you pause, assess, and respond intentionally, you make smarter, more strategic decisions. The key is learning to pause before jumping into action.

How You Can Apply It:

• When faced with a stressful situation, take a deep breath and step back—even if it’s just for 10 seconds.
• Ask yourself: Is this urgent or just loud? What’s the best way to handle it long-term?
• If needed, tell your team, “Let me process this, and I’ll get back to you with a plan.” This gives you space to think before responding.

By slowing down, Mike started making decisions that solved problems instead of creating new ones.

2. Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest

Mike’s Challenge: Some challenges were within Mike’s control—like team management and production schedules. Others, like last-minute network changes or budget cuts, were completely out of his hands. But he was treating everything like it was his responsibility, which only added to his stress.

Why This Strategy Works: Leaders waste a huge amount of energy worrying about things they have zero control over. When you focus on what you can influence, you regain a sense of power and direction.

How You Can Apply It:

• Write down your biggest current challenge. Then, make two lists: What I Can Control and What I Can’t Control.
• Put your energy into what’s on the first list and actively let go of the second.
• If something outside your control is stressing you out, ask yourself: What’s the next best action I can take? That’s where your focus should go.

For Mike, this shift was a game-changer. He stopped fixating on last-minute changes from the network and instead focused on leading his team through them smoothly.

3. Shift from “Tough Times Are a Setback” to “Tough Times Are a Setup”

Mike’s Challenge: When things went wrong, Mike saw them as failures. Every production issue felt like proof that he wasn’t good enough, which only deepened his frustration.

Why This Strategy Works: Your mindset during tough times determines how you come out on the other side. When you see challenges as setups for growth instead of setbacks, you approach them with resilience and adaptability.

How You Can Apply It:

• Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What is this teaching me?”
• Look back at a past challenge you overcame. How did it shape your leadership? What did you learn?
• When you face a new challenge, remind yourself: This is preparing me for what’s next. I’ll come out stronger.

Mike started embracing this mindset, and it shifted how he led his team. Instead of getting frustrated, he focused on problem-solving and adapting—qualities that made him an even stronger leader.

You’re Stronger Than the Challenge

Tough times aren’t the problem—how you navigate them is. By shifting from reacting to responding, focusing on what you can control, and seeing challenges as setups, not setbacks, you can build resilience and lead with confidence—even when things feel overwhelming.

Mike turned his challenges into stepping stones, and you can too. The next time you’re facing a tough situation, remember: You’ve handled hard things before, and you will get through this.

Your next move? Take five minutes today to identify one thing you can control in a current challenge. Focus your energy there—and watch your leadership transform.

Know someone that can benefit from these strategies? Share the love and information!

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About Executive/Leadership Coach, Imposter Syndrome & Confidence Expert Phyllis Reagin

I am a seasoned Executive/Leadership Coach and Imposter Syndrome expert with a proven track record of helping professionals overcome self-doubt and build unshakable confidence.

As the founder of At the Coach’s Table, I have coached trailblazers at renowned companies like Atlantic Records, Netflix, Spotify, Warner Bros., Paramount Global, and more.

I specialize in empowering professionals to unlock their unique strengths, embrace their authentic selves, and achieve lasting success in their careers.

With a compassionate yet results-driven approach, I have become a trusted partner for high-achieving professionals striving to lead with confidence and purpose.