Struggling
Struggling isn’t a sign that you’re failing; it’s a sign that you’re in the middle of a transition. Whether it’s mental, professional, or personal, the friction you feel is often the "growing pains" of a version of you that hasn't fully emerged yet.
Here is a quick guide on how to navigate those heavy days:
1. Zoom Out
When we struggle, we tend to develop "tunnel vision"—focusing only on the immediate problem. Remind yourself of your track record. You have survived 100% of your hardest days so far. This moment is a chapter, not the whole book.
2. Lower the Bar
On high-struggle days, your capacity is naturally lower. It’s okay to adjust your expectations.
Instead of: "I need to finish this entire project."
Try: "I will work for 15 minutes and then reassess."
3. Change Your Physiology
Sometimes you can’t think your way out of a struggle, but you can move your way out.
Hydrate: Dehydration mimics anxiety.
Step outside: A change of scenery breaks the mental loop.
Breathe: Use the Box Breathing technique—inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.
4. Audit Your Self-Talk
Would you speak to a best friend the way you’re speaking to yourself right now? Replace "I can't handle this" with "I am learning how to handle this." That small shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset changes your brain’s chemistry.
The Bottom Line: You don’t have to figure it all out today. Sometimes, "handling it" just means getting to tomorrow.
From my own experience, I've found that struggling is often a sign that you're on the cusp of significant change. During those tough moments, applying a few simple mindfulness techniques can make a big difference. For example, when anxiety or pressure builds up, stepping outside even for a few minutes has helped me reset my mind and notice new perspectives. I also learned the power of adjusting expectations based on my energy levels. Instead of pushing myself to complete an entire task, I break it up into smaller, manageable chunks. Sometimes, just dedicating 15 minutes to focus and then taking a break lessens the overwhelm considerably. One technique that’s been personally transformative is box breathing. Inhaling slowly for 4 counts, holding, exhaling, and holding again helps calm my nervous system, especially during moments of mental strain. I’ve noticed that staying hydrated significantly influences my mood too; dehydration can sneakily mimic anxiety symptoms. Equally important is how I talk to myself. When negative self-talk creeps in, I remind myself this is a learning process. Instead of saying "I can't handle this," telling myself "I am learning how to handle this" creates a mindset shift that supports growth rather than defeat. In summary, struggling doesn’t mean failure—it often signals growth. Embracing these coping strategies has helped me move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered, reminding me that getting through today is sometimes enough progress, and the next step will come with tomorrow.
