"This Too Shall Pass" - A Valuable Reminder for Bad, and Good, Times

There's a phrase people repeat to themselves when they're going through a difficult time...

"This too shall pass."

It's a calming reminder that the challenging time they're experiencing will pass, and that better times lie ahead.

It's also a valuable reminder when things are going well.

"This too shall pass."

Just as good times inevitably follow bad times, bad times always follow good times.

It's the natural cycle of life, but we lose sight of it because we tend to be short-sighted.

When things are going bad, we think they will always be bad. And when thing are going good, we think they will always be good.

It's every bit as important to remind ourselves that things will get worse when they are going well as it is to remind ourselves that things will get better when they are going badly.

Why?

Because it helps us to be prepared.

Unpleasant surprises hit harder when we are not prepared for them.

The Stoic philosopher Seneca said:

"Everyone faces up more bravely to a thing for which he has long prepared himself, sufferings, even, being withstood if they have been trained for in advance. Those who are unprepared, on the other hand, are panic-stricken by the most insignificant happenings. We must see to it that nothing takes us by surprise."

If you don't prepare for bad times while times are good, the bad times will only be worse when they arrive.

But, if you're prepared, your future challenges will be easier to manage, and potentially avoided if the right plans are in place.

Now, I'm not recommending that you go through life ruminating on everything that could possibly go wrong.

That's just depressing.

However, both myself, and the Stoics, recommend that from time to time, you reflect on where things could go sideways.

What will you do if you lose your job? What will you do if you get sick or injured? What will you do if this wave of motivation and happiness disappears?

How will you bridge the gap between good times?

Put your contingency plans in place.

Be prepared.

And get back to enjoying the good times!