“Adversity, if used properly, will buy you a ticket to a place you couldn’t have gone otherwise”

~Author unknown

Adversity is part of life. Some of us have more than others, yet we all experience it. How it comes into our lives is as diverse as the adversity itself. Finding ways to be resilient in the face of life’s challenges is a measure of who we are.

Conflict and adversity are often considered similar, but they are not. Conflict is a clash or disagreement, and adversity is the state of adverse conditions, misfortune, or calamity.

Growing up, I didn’t like to argue; instead of expressing my opinion, I would go quiet. Always at a loss for words, I was not a good fighter, so I avoided conflict. Yet, I was always confident when catastrophe or mishaps struck. When the shit hit the fan, I was the calm in the storm.

Living in areas where fires, floods, and earthquakes are a matter of course, much of the adversity in my life has come in the form of natural disasters. Often time when these challenges present themselves, self-reliance is imperative.

Competing in my sport of Endurance Riding, racing 50-100 miles on a horse, unforeseen obstacles may arise at a moment’s notice.

During an event in the Australia Outback, the worst storm in 100 years descended upon us.  I was forced to face my mortality as lightning struck three times, inches from my horse and me, caging us within its fury.

I was paralyzed. So loud it became silent, so bright, I was blinded. Time stood still. The world stopped. When my senses returned, survival mode kicked in, and all I thought was, I am alive, get off the mountain. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, we carry on. And that’s what I did.

Adversity = opportunity. The opening for growth is everywhere. We can utilize the moment or fall prey to the suffering. The choice is ours.

4 Ways to Use Adversity as the Catalyst for Change

1. Turn the tables on adversity. When it enters your life, take note and ask yourself these questions.

  • How did I get here?
  • Are there actions I can change?
  • What lesson is this here to teach me?

2. Be open for an about-face.  Knowing we have choices in life frees us from feeling trapped in any situation. An asset of a great leader is knowing they have options when faced with adversity. Be flexible in exploring an alternate course.

3. Laugh in the face of adversity. Laughter is great medicine. It can be an antidote for stress and inspires hope. In addition, laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which can bring calm to any situation.

If I wasn’t laughing I would be crying.

4. Stop, look and listen.  Take a deep breath. Don’t be rash or irrational. Keep your head on straight. The calmer you stay, the sooner the solution will appear.

When facing a great challenge, ask yourself: what is the best possible outcome?

Then ask: what alternative outcomes would also work? What steps do I need to take to move towards the outcome desired?  And, are there any resources or people I can ask for guidance?

Do not be fearful when a challenge comes your way. Make friends with adversity. When lightning strikes, all is not lost; instead, a new course is forged. Every obstacle is a gift— a new lesson learned. So rub your hands together and say, I’ve got this; bring it on and laugh as you jump in with both feet!

“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity 

~Sun-Tzu, the Art of War