To survive tough times, it takes going deep and going long

Are you going through tough times? It may be time for some reflection to refocus toward your goals.
For the prisoners of war in the Vietnam War, facing serious trials became a way of life. In that bleak existence locked up and isolated in a communist prison camp for five, six, seven and even eight years, every day had its challenges. Yet the POWs emerged stronger, becoming successful military leaders, congressmen, teachers, lawyers, doctors, counselors, businessmen and even a U.S. senator and presidential candidate. They learned to treasure the trials of their hardship.
Everyone faces hardships and disappointments, and it isn’t easy to see the treasure in your trials. Here are some tips to help you secure the true gold found in trials.
Go deep — find meaning and make changes
Adversity builds character by forcing us to face our deepest beliefs and values. In the crucibles of life, when all the pretend stuff melts away it’s much easier to clarify what is really important and what is not. We have the opportunity to find meaning in our suffering and meaning is a treasure worth finding.
The transformation that we most need isn’t very inviting in good times, but in difficult times our pain can give us the energy and motivation to change our attitudes and behaviors. Personal growth is the only path to genuine leadership development.
Go long — gain wisdom and experience
Leadership research confirms that the experience of overcoming difficulties is not only transformational; making us stronger, but it also makes us wiser and better suited for the challenges of leadership.
On the other hand, leaders devoid of crucible experiences are likely to be overly confident about their ideas and surprisingly more susceptible to fears. Difficult trials generate strong emotional memories that stay with us longer and are more easily accessed — gold that we don’t have to search so hard to find.
Don’t go it alone
When you are in a battle, you don’t want to be alone — you need supporters in your corner — people who care about you and have your back. They can provide encouragement when your spirit is down and your hope is sagging.
Encouragement can provide vital energy for bouncing back and continuing to persevere. Sometimes a shared idea or a new perspective on a problem can make all the difference. We must stay connected to be resilient and bounce back from trials.
Next steps
More than likely, you have already passed through some tough times in your life. It may be helpful to look back and see the treasure that you gained from those past challenges. What was the meaning you gained through those trials? What did you learn about yourself that may be helpful now? What changes did you make then? Who walked with you?
You have a choice. You can let your trials bury you or you can dig for the treasure in them. If you follow these tips, someday, looking back, you will see enormous value in your trials.
Lee Ellis
President
Leadership Freedom® LLC
Lee is a nationally recognized consultant, presenter and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. He shares his expertise in the areas of leadership, team building and human performance. His latest award-winning book about his Vietnam prisoner of war experience is entitled “Leading with Honor®: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton.”
www.leadingwithhonor.com