Whether it’s a business problem, the end of a relationship, or the inevitable foreclosure of a home, some circumstances are simply beyond saving. There are some situations that have to run their course and other plans need to be made. But hopeless events don’t exclude the possibility of better days ahead.
If you’re in a hopeless situation, letting go, learning, and moving on can be a great solution.
Try these strategies when it appears all is lost:
1. Let it go
If the outcome is inevitable, does obsessing over it ever help? This might feel like giving up, but how intelligent is it to continue with something that can’t possibly be won? Make the decision to let go and get on with the rest of your life.
Purge your emotions. Hopefully, you already know several healthy ways to make yourself feel better. Perhaps you feel better after a long exercise session. Others feel relief after a good cry. Maybe having dinner with a friend will boost your spirits.
The key is to find a healthy solution. Drinking, drugs, and spending money irresponsibly are a few examples of unhealthy alternatives. Choose wisely.
2. Try to learn something
In most cases, hopeless situations are at least partially the result of poor decisions. Think about how you contributed to the situation at hand. Did you procrastinate on a business project? Did you ignore warning signs when you first started dating your partner? Did you take out a larger mortgage than you could afford?
It’s common to repeat our mistakes. What can you learn to avoid a repeat performance in the future? Imagine how great your life would be if you only made each mistake once.
3. Enjoy yourself
Now might be the perfect time to visit your favorite restaurant, take a walk in the park, or see a movie with a friend. Just because life has thrown a curveball doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Have a good laugh and forge ahead.
4. Keep up with your responsibilities
Although you may be facing a difficult situation, there are still things that need to be done. Your children still need your love and attention. The bills still have to be paid. Avoid letting the other areas of your life suffer because of the seemingly hopeless situation you’re facing.
5. Create a plan for the future
Looking forward to an interesting and exciting future may be the best way to move forward. If the future seems bleak, it’s hard to be happy. Allow yourself to be open to the possibilities and create a compelling future for yourself. Then take one small step towards making that future a reality.
6. Make a list of all the things that fill you with gratitude
It’s likely there are many people in the world with far more challenging circumstances. It can be easy to forget this fact. If you think about it, you have lots of things going for you. Make a list and add to it often.
7. Remember other times in your life that felt hopeless
Odds are you survived and ultimately came out on the other side more resilient and knowledgeable. Think about how you overcame that past situation and remember that you will be able to overcome this, too.
You can overcome any hopeless situation.
Hopeless situations happen. Not every situation is salvageable. Letting go and moving forward can be the best solution. Worrying has never changed the actual outcome of any situation. Allow yourself to enjoy life and create a future that keeps your eyes facing forward.
Discover more ways to keep a positive attitude during hard times in our blog, 7 Ways to Maintain Enthusiasm When Facing Difficult Business Situations.
Are you struggling with a business situation that seems hopeless? Let’s schedule a free meeting to discuss more strategies that can help you rise above it.