Overcoming Discouragement: 5 Strategies to Persevere in Tough Times

I was on a call with a friend who asked a simple question,"how are you?" and frankly, I didn't have an immediate response to that. Most times, it's very easy to say "I'm good," but in that moment I wasn't, and had to decide quickly what I wanted to share. Some people do get a basic response because it depends on the level of vulnerability I have with the person, that determines how deep I go within the conversation. I took a deep breath and said " I want to be mindful of what I say, but truthful about how I feel." I believe in the power of words and really didn't want to speak negatively about the space that I am in, because I know that things will change. However, making decisions to change your life, take accountability, grieve, be a friend, a daughter, a sister, honoring my creativity, and even writing this post is HARD. There are many times where I want to just give up and not do anything at all, and this is when I know I need to push the most. In this space of pushing, this is where I really not only understand what perseverance is, but what it feels like, and truthfully, it's not glamorous.

Perseverance is defined as: persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. What stands out to you when reading this? For me it's "despite difficulty or delay," because it signifies the fight to push despite the tears, hard nights, confusion, compromised confidence, and the presence of imposter syndrome. You know what else pops up when you want to persevere? Thinking of past mistakes, comparison, doubt, and overcoming limiting beliefs. With all of this, we STILL have to keep going?! Well...yes. I am currently on perseverance road and do not know all of the answers, but I did want to share what has helped thus far. Being in this space is 100% challenging but what other choice do we have? We can give up, but that won't change anything, especially when you are in a space that requires movement. The road may be bumpy, but I'm hoping that the below strategies will help make it a bit smoother.

Here are 5 Strategies To Persevere:

1. Define Your Why: Understanding your "why" will elevate and confirm purpose. It is important to know why you need to do what you have to do. Remembering the end goal adds a different layer of motivation.

2. Get Rest: Sleep is vital. It is not easy to do anything while being mentally and physically exhausted. Reading before bed also helps.

3. Use Organizational Tools: It really helps to keep all tasks organized and finding a method that works for you, whether it be a planner, phone calendar, post its- use something to jot down and schedule all that you have to do. I love using a mix of my planner and phone calendar. Also write down all that you have accomplished in the day, you will be surprised on how much you really get done.

4. Walk It Out: It is very true that walking helps clear the mind. Take a mindful walk and repeat the story you would like to come true. Let the tears fall if they do. Do a minimum of 30 mins but if your spirit leads you to more, keep going.

5. Talk It Out: Prayer works. I always have to remind to myself to lean on God and tell him all the ways I need his help. I also have to remember the many times he carried me out of the storm, and know that he will never leave me. Even in my failures. I also find that being vulnerable with friends, family, and my life coach has helped.

It has to get better right? It will get better. It will get better. It will be better than I imagined. I sometimes say this when it gets extremely overwhelming, even when I don't fully believe it in that moment. I have no idea what the future holds, as I am currently on perseverance road, but I know that I want change and with that comes the fight to keep going. Before making the decision to write this post, I was scrolling and while mid video, I decided to write. Something I decided I wanted to do despite feeling off. I hope this was a good source of inspiration to keep trying. You deserve many chances and many new beginnings.

Photos take in : Sweet Fire Cafe, located in Brooklyn