7 Ways to Stay Positive in Tough Times

When the going gets tough, it’s hard not to wonder, how do you stay positive in a world that seems to be in total chaos? In an ever-changing coronavirus world, circumstances arise that can challenge even the most determined of us.

I have recently had the opportunity to help some people who have run into tough times. One colleague in the meetings industry recently had fourteen keynote speeches cancel. Another acquaintance is scared that she is going to lose her job in this economic downturn. Last, a friend told me today that she had lost over 30 percent of her retirement plan and is depressed she will have to extend her career. As if all this wasn’t enough negativity and bad news to deal with in one week, glancing over at the CNBC ticker on the screen in the airport to see highlights of a 3000 point drop in the DOW doesn’t make me feel any better.

But, as Robert Schuller, the late pastor of the former Crystal Cathedral was so fond of saying, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Here are a few tips that help me to stay positive even in the toughest situations.

Have belief and confidence in yourself. Gloria Gaynor said it best…”I will survive.”  When you think about it, every problem that you have experienced in your life up to this point, you have either solved or survived. This one will be no different. 

Practice positive self-talk. Your words will become your thoughts. Your thoughts will become your beliefs. Your beliefs will control your actions. Whether you tell yourself, “There’s nothing I can do in this situation,” or, “If anyone can figure this out, I can,” your choice will determine whether you take action to improve the situation or concede defeat.

Make a plan. Take the time to make a plan for what needs to be done to improve your situation. Complaining simply doesn’t work. Blaming others around you (even God), will do nothing to change your situation. The only thing blaming will do is resolve you of any personal responsibility for improving your situation.

Take action. Peter Drucker, the late management guru, once said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” In 1979, I was on a United States mountain climbing team that went to the Soviet Union to attempt the ascent of Mt. Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. There were a ton of problems on this climb. The weather, the altitude, and even death were factors we had to contend with. But seven of the seventeen people on our team made it to the top, and I walked away with a powerful and life-long lesson. You cannot improve a bad situation without taking action. As tough as this climb was, I kept putting one foot in front of the other until I got to the top.

Ask for help. Whatever difficult situation you may have, someone has been there before you and most likely has a solution or insight that will help you navigate your own circumstances.

Express gratitude and appreciation. This one is simple. People are motivated to help people who are appreciative and truly grateful. Even better, be so grateful that it brings you joy to help others less fortunate than you.

Celebrate life. My father passed away at the age of 95. At 92, he once told me, “I am so grateful that I lived long enough to enjoy the internet.” What an awesome attitude. If you really feel that today is that bad, just try missing it.

Some people are described as pessimists. Others may describe how they view a bad situation as realists. When it comes to overcoming life’s obstacles, I am betting on the optimists.

Robert Schuller was right. Tough times never last, but tough people do. Put these tips into play. It may not put a quick end to the coronavirus, but it will put your focus on positive actions you can take to improve your personal condition. And, eventually, this too shall pass.