Let’s Talk: Getting Through a Rough Patch

We all get turned down, rejected, and feel unsuccessful and inadequate at times. It can be difficult to know when and how to pick yourself back up to try again, move in a different direction or start fresh. Today I’m opening a conversation on getting through a rough patch, how to remain optimistic throughout and still achieve what you’re striving for after a series of setbacks.

This topic has been on my heart lately since it’s something I’m currently facing myself. It seems as if all my doors keep closing and I can’t get any answers as to why this is happening. It’s frustrating when you can’t quite grab onto what you’re reaching for after a series of no’s, so I felt compelled to write a post on this to share some advice I’ve been given, as well as some tips that have helped me feel a bit better through this rough patch.

It’s a rough patch, not a rough life. Remember everything is temporary.
I’ve had to remind myself of this every single day because it’s so easy to feel as if there’s no end in sight when it’s already gone on far longer than you ever anticipated. This has left me fighting against feelings of discouragement and stress. Remember that absolutely everything in life is temporary and one day you’ll look back at this time in your life and be so proud that you pushed through and didn’t let any of these setbacks dull your shine.

Consider that a series of no’s may mean you’re going in the wrong direction.
Maybe you’re getting these no’s for a reason. Maybe these setbacks are life’s way of telling you to go in a different direction, try a new route or regroup. Maybe you’ve unknowingly dodged something that wasn’t meant for you. Consider that maybe your heart lies elsewhere, and the rejections you’re getting are pushing you in a new, better direction.

Stay busy.
I can’t even explain how much better I feel when I stay busy while I’m going through a rough patch. Schedule time to spend with friends and family, run errands, clean your house and take time to pamper yourself. Staying busy will prevent your mind from focusing on what’s stressing you out and will force you to give attention to other areas of your life that likely need it.

Talk it out.
Vent about how you’re feeling to a friend or family member. Holding in your thoughts will only make them stir inside you, so letting out what you’re feeling will allow you to release those emotions and move past them. A loved one can help you refocus and remember how great you really are, that this is only temporary and you have so many other things in your life that are good and worth focusing on during this unsavory time.

Direct your energy elsewhere. 
Turn your anxiety and stress into drive to accomplish other things in your life, whether those be small tasks or larger projects. Make to-do lists that will leave you feeling accomplished and successful at the end of the day, despite trials you’re facing that may be out of your control. I suggest doing things that better yourself and those around you to reset your focus and emotions on a positive note.

Never ever give up or dwell. 
This is a tough one. Don’t take rejection as failure or a reason to give up. It can be so difficult for me to not throw myself a private pity party when I repeatedly don’t get something I feel like I earned, but doing so isn’t going to get me anywhere. The series of no’s you’re facing are making you stronger and more resilient every day by refusing to dwell, and always picking yourself back up to try again.

How do you get through a rough patch? I encourage you to share your thoughts in a comment below, or pass this along to someone in need. If you found this post helpful, you can read my previous “Let’s Talk” posts here. Have a great weekend everyone & stay positive! 🙂