how to bounce back from setbacks, stay motivated, and overcome challenges with a strong mindset for personal growth. Use the tips and tricks below
Resilience and perseverance aren’t easy to cultivate, especially when you feel like the world, yourself, and everything in between are working against you. If you’re feeling like this, know that you’re not alone. Life can be tough, and when it knocks you down over and over again, it’s natural to feel like you don’t want to get back up. It’s okay to feel like giving up sometimes, and contrary to what others might say, stepping back for a moment to catch your breath is valid. The key, though, is recognizing that while it’s okay to take breaks, giving up entirely isn’t the solution.
Take my experience as an example: When I was a sophomore in college, I was in a deep depression. I had zero motivation to do schoolwork, clean, shower, or even eat. I felt like I was drowning, and eventually, I just stopped trying to stay afloat. But instead of finding peace, I found myself overwhelmed by everything I wasn’t doing. I remember telling my therapist that I didn’t care anymore, and life sucked. His response surprised me. He said, “I don’t think you stopped trying because you don’t care. I think you stopped trying because you care too much.” That hit me hard, and it shifted my perspective. I realized that deep down, I did care. I cared about living, about doing better, and about finding my way forward. So, I began to reflect, even in small ways and started saying “I care,” even when it didn’t feel true at first. I’d hum “just keep swimming” when things got overwhelming, and over time, those small acts of self-kindness helped me reconnect with hope.
I’m sharing my story because I want you to know that it’s okay to feel like you don’t care sometimes. But it’s important to pause and reflect—do you really not care, or is it that you care so deeply that it’s hard to keep going? Here are a few tips and tricks that helped me stay resilient, even in the toughest times:
I don’t think you stopped trying because you don’t care. I think you stopped trying because you care too much.
William Peach
3 Tips and Tricks to Stay Resilient:
- Take a Step Back, Not Away: It’s okay to pause and rest when life feels overwhelming. But remember, stepping back is different from giving up. Take the time you need to regroup, then come back stronger.
- Focus on Small Wins: When everything feels too big, find hope in the small victories. Whether it’s getting out of bed or making a to-do list, small steps forward build momentum.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you’re down, your mind can convince you that nothing matters. Question those thoughts. Ask yourself, “Do I truly not care, or am I just overwhelmed?” Shifting your perspective can make a world of difference.
Resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up, even if you need to take your time to do so.
