7 Ways to Overcome Discouragement

One of the tests we’re all going to have to pass before we achieve our goals, dreams, and visions is discouragement test. On the way to getting what you want, you will encounter obstacles to surmount and problems to solve. Too many people, however, allow these circumstances to keep them from moving forward because they easily become discouraged.

Here are 7 ways to overcome discouragement:

1. Think positively

It is so easy to think negatively when we are discouraged. For example, we start looking at what we don’t have or thinking that our dream cannot become a reality because we have too many obstacles to surmount and so on. To solve this problem, always keep your mind on what you want. 

2. Learn from your experiences

No matter how successful you have been in the past, or how many victories you’ve had so far, there is always going to be another opportunity to get discouraged. The key is to learn from your past experiences and develop the winning state of mind that will enable you to go through difficult times without getting discouraged. Once this is achieved, you have to remind yourself when the spirit of discouragement knocks on your door that you have what it takes to overcome it.

3. Rise above self-pity

Blaming other people, complaining, or feeling sorry for yourself will NOT change the circumstances you find yourself in. It is just a waste of time and energy. You cannot borrow strength as borrowing strength creates weakness. We must acquire strength. Character cannot be made except by a steady, long, continued process— the way to build character is to learn from our lessons in life. Only in the crucible of experiences can a depth of character be strengthened.

It is worth noting, however, that under your own strength you will quit. But if you allow the Spirit of God to empower you, giving up won’t be an option. Boldness comes from knowing that God is always with you.

4. Seek alternatives

If one option doesn’t work out the way you expected or you worked hard but you didn’t get the results you want, don’t get discouraged and give up. Instead find a way to improve your results by focusing on the things you have to change in order to get the results you want. Perhaps you need to learn a new skill or gain knowledge in a particular area before you’ll get the results you want.

5. Develop a sense of humor

Many people believe that happiness is dependent on things and people external to themselves, yet when we look for happiness outside of ourselves we make an unhappy mistake. We feel powerless to attain happiness and devote our lives to the pursuit of things that we know won't necessarily bring happiness. Instead, make yourself laugh as often as possible. Practice smiling in front of a mirror every day for at least 30 seconds. Putting a smile on your face can do wonders for your attitude and will help you to overcome discouragement.

6. Develop a strong desire to succeed

Desire when harnessed is sheer power. Rather than cowering in the face of adversity and challenges, see them as an opportunity to develop your character, and a strong desire to succeed. Always remember that we are built to solve problems, achieve goals, and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve.

7. Separate self-worth from performance

Just because you have failed doesn’t make you a failure. Just because you may not like your behavior or performance in a given instance, it has nothing to do with your self-worth. Your worth is determined by you and does not require you to justify it to anyone. It is natural that in our learning process, we will make mistakes and experience failure.

The Bottom Line

Always resolve in advance that no matter the setback you will never give up.

Gerard Ndzebir