How to handle difficult times of life? 5 tips from a corporate leader
Life is a roller coaster ride, and you are bound to face obstacles and difficulties. But, in times like this, your choices and decision decide your future path. Thus, here are tips to handle five difficult times that anybody can face in their life:
1. How should a person stay positive, and what kind of mindset should he/she have when not able to find a job?
Firstly a person must tell himself that there is no other choice, but being positive. I have a formula that I use when negative thoughts enter my mind. The formula is E + R = O, whereas E= Events, R=Response, and O=Outcome. According to this formula, no one has control over the event it’s uncontrolled. On the other hand, there is full control over the response. Hence if anyone wants to change the outcome, then they must change the response to the event only. Let me paint the picture and explain it with the help of a true story:
In 1994, the Northridge Earthquake left Los Angeles in a devasted state, and many roads and highways were severely damaged, causing standstill traffic across LA. TV Reporters were passing by and asked people with cars who were standstill due to traffic congestion about infrastructure and city council planning. A person came out of the car and kicked the car tire, cursed and abused the government. He was upset and looked terrible.
At the same time, about ten cars away; a gentleman was sipping a coffee and reading a book, reporters asked the same question to him. He was calm and composed and responded, “What has happened is extremely unfortunate. City council can learn from here and ensure any future disaster can be dealt with more efficiently and effectively.” He also smiled and said, “I came prepared, I saw the news, and I knew I might get into traffic jams. Hence I came with a coffee in my flask and a book. In case I am stuck, I can finish my book.”
Look at the mindset comparison, one has a fixed mindset, and another person has a growth mindset.
Not getting a job is an event, something one cannot control, though how you respond to that is 100% under your control. If you have the grit to keep a healthy emotional intelligence, you will change the outcome. Also take time to pause, reflect, and make the necessary change once you spent a good time understanding yourself.
2. How to overcome the mental trauma of suffering a huge financial loss?
Let me share a study, which stated that respondents who suffered financial losses reported higher levels of depression, which made them consume more anti-depressants than their peers. Financial and housing distress also increase the risk of suicide. Economic crises have a relation with increased suicide rates, especially in countries having weaker labour market programs. This trauma is severe stuff, and my simple and straightforward answer is to seek professional help, 45% of Indians in the workplace are depressed, and only 2 to 3% seek professional help.
Here is another true incident: Parag Patil (a senior Olympian who won many awards for India), his passion for sports kept him on the grounds practising, there was zero support from Government. He was in a deep financial crisis. However, the simple act of reaching out to people made a difference. Once he posted a LinkedIn message and sought a job. There were more than fifty comments, and many tried their best to help him. Here is the link.
The moral: When under pressure, be it a loss, remember that it is only temporary because money can be earned later. Firstly, take care of your mental health, seek professional help if needed, and also reach out to family and friends for emotional support.
Also Read: 15 Feel-Good Quotes to Freshen Up Your Mood
3. How to handle work stress?
The primary and only source of work stress comes from getting obsessed with results and getting highly competitive. Being competitive is not bad. However, having an overly competitive nature and obsessed with results/outcomes certainly takes a significant toll on mental health. Thus, have a long term vision. Have a sense of purpose, which will help you stay grounded at times of stress.
Recently, I heard Medha Patkar. She is such a wonderful person who dedicated her life to the poor tribals. She was asked a similar question, “how do you handle stress and criticisms?”. To that, she responded, “I have a vision, and I know there will be a massive hindrance. All I have to do is solve one by one, and keep taking baby steps.”
4. How to keep going and not quit while facing continuous failures in life?
Never call it a failure, that is very negative and depressing. Reframe the word and call it feedback, which means there is something to learn from and not repeat the same mistake. If you focus on the process of the journey and not obsessed with the results, then every feedback will be welcomed, analyzed, and used to progress towards improvement.
Recommended: How to boost confidence at work: Top tips for young professionals
5. How to boost confidence when feeling down?
Feeling down is mostly related to fear, fear of loss, fear of missing out, fear of failure, fear of negative perception, and so on. The opposite of fear is Courage. In life, one progresses well, if he or she is courageous. Courageous to face difficulties, courageous to decide, and courageous to face feedback. Courage also develops self-confidence.
So, are you ready to face these difficulties with the right approach and positivity? Do comment below.
Parthibhan is a corporate leader who has 20+ years of experience in various multinational companies. Currently, he is leading Leaderonomics India operations as a CEO. Also, he has worked in reputed companies like Intel (10+ years) and HP (5 years).
