Ever Been on the Struggle Bus?

The Struggle Bus. The first time I heard that term I laughed, but I think we can can all relate. Life is unpredictable with twists and turns, and just when you think you’ve got it under control, Bam! The struggle bus has stopped and is taking you away. From unexpected setbacks to new challenges, it’s easy to give into feelings of overwhelm or defeat. But what if I told you that there’s a way to not only weather these storms but emerge stronger and more resilient? That’s where cultivating a resilient mindset comes into play.

I wanted to cover this topic, because if you are working towards your vision, you will encounter setbacks. Not everything will go your way, and that might actually be a good thing. You might learn that the path you were on wasn’t the right one for you. Or you might discover something new that lights you up that wasn’t even on your radar. Whatever you find, having strength in resilience will only help.

All Aboard

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about thriving in the face of it. It’s the ability to adapt, grow, and learn from life’s challenges. And the good news? Resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

According to research, resilience plays a crucial role in mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of resilience are better equipped to cope with stress, experience fewer negative emotions, and have a greater sense of life satisfaction.

The research has found that individuals with higher levels of resilience are:

• 47% less likely to experience symptoms of depression
• 33% less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety
• 50% more likely to report high levels of life satisfaction.

Additionally, 90% of adults believe that building resilience is important for mental health yet, only 56% feel confident in their ability to bounce back from adversity. This gap highlights the importance of proactively cultivating resilience skills. Resilience keeps you moving rather than feeling stuck. And that’s important when your future is at stake.

Getting off the Struggle Bus

So, how exactly can you build a resilient mindset and hop off the struggle bus? Let’s dive in:

Create a Vision

Cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life by aligning your actions with your values and passions. This is the whole point behind having a vision. Having a clear sense of purpose to drive you provides direction and motivation during challenging times.

Challenge Accepted: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embrace the belief that challenges are opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to see setbacks as temporary and as opportunities for learning and development. This takes an intentional practice of pausing and inspecting the lessons. They might be painful and it’s ok to feel that pain, but don’t allow yourself to get stuck there. Identify the next right step to keep moving.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself, especially during tough times. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend facing a challenge. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. But again, look for a bright spot, a learning opportunity and take a step in that direction. Your path will never be a straight one. Embrace the twists and turns.

Struggle Through Together

Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, and mentors who lift you up during difficult times. Having a strong support network can provide comfort, encouragement, and perspective when facing adversity. Also, keep in mind that not everyone will understand your vision. Having people to lean on doesn’t mean they need to know every detail of what you’re up to. It’s good to have a handful of people who will cheer you on even if they don’t get it, but many many not until you get to the end. Be intentional with who you share all of the nitty gritty details with.

Challenge your Strength

Just as physical exercise strengthens muscles, facing and overcoming challenges can strengthen your resilience muscle. Each time you navigate a difficult situation, you become more adept at handling future setbacks. So find the lesson and keep going! And then celebrate yourself for getting through it.

Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of dwelling on things beyond your control, shift your focus to what you can influence. Channel your energy into taking proactive steps toward positive change, rather than ruminating on the things you can’t change. Only focus on the past to learn from it and then take a step forward.

Conclusion

Building resilience is an ongoing practice, not a destination. It’s about embracing the ups and downs of life with grace and patience. And while it’s natural to occasionally find yourself on the struggle bus, remember that each challenge is an opportunity to grow and evolve. So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember: Challenge Accepted. You’ve got this. It’s all part of the journey toward becoming the most resilient version of yourself and living the vision you’ve created for yourself.