Some people are better able to deal with perceived adversity than others. Psychologists and mental health specialists have studied coping, adjusting, and adapting, all the mechanisms of dealing with the inevitable changes that occur in life. Experience has shown me that deciding one can and will cope is about 90 percent of the solution. A specific way of dealing with the problem- will emerge if a mind-set of optimism is first adopted.
You have only to look to see that the world is full of examples of situations that seemed hopeless. But when they became hopeful, they were finally resolved. More often than not, the outcome puts the individual in a better position than they began with in the first place.
One of my mother’s philosophical coping mechanisms is this: “Things have a way of working out for the best.” And this simple truth has been passed on to her children and friends with positive results.
• Hope, a deep-seated belief that one can and will find solutions to problems, often separates those who lead happy and gratifying lives from those who don’t.
• Maximizing your potential to meet challenges is greatly enhanced by examining your lifestyle and making necessary positive changes. Worriers and negative thinkers are often physically unfit, don’t get enough rest, don’t practice good nutritional habits and abuse their bodies with harmful substances. The mind and body function in partnership. Handicapping one can adversely affect the other.
• Learn to take one day at a time. Take the inevitable ups and downs in life in stride. Looking at the down times as opportunities to learn and adjust increases the probability of up times in the future.
An aged rancher, whose life is filled with hope and happiness, recently told me that hard work was the secret to his long and happy life. Life without hardships would be one that didn’t require hard work, he said. No problems would make life dull, boring and uneventful, he believed.
• Finding healthy escapes from frustrations can increase hope and optimism. It often is easier to focus on solving problems if you find outlets that allow you to change the pace and quiet the intensity often required in reaching goals, and back away from situations that require emotional, prolonged immersion in work-related activities.
Burnout decreases the ability to think creatively. A fresh perspective is often achieved after diversion, especially when your work focus is mentally and emotionally draining. Find something that takes your mind off the problem. Reading, listening to music, participating or observing a sport are diversion activities.
• Most authorities feel that belief in a spiritual power greater than ourselves provides the basis for increased hope and optimism. Faith and prayer sustain many during time of intense struggle. This source of strength is often overlooked, but it is the bedrock for many.
If you are struggling to adapt, cope or adjust to some change in life, decide that you can accomplish what you need to do. You just have to have increased hope and optimism.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright © 1992
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I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
