Adversity doesn’t define us. However, the way in which we handle it does. It is vital to be aware of the various forms of challenges that we face in our lives. Furthermore, it is critical that we understand the tools and methods that we can employ to overcome said challenges. Adversity takes any one of a number of forms. However, I’d like to focus on six specific types of adversity that one might face and what you can do to advance to the other side of any such obstacle.
6 Types of Adversity
Physical Adversity
Of all the different types of adversity out there, a physical disability is arguably the most obvious example of adversity. A quarterback who breaks their back, such as Jason Street from Friday Night Lights, is a prime example of an individual who has to look adversity in the face. The shift from leading the offense to finding oneself bound to a wheelchair presents a wealth of new challenges. One such challenge is the drastic shift to the way in which one lives their life.
While the above might be an extreme example, there are less drastic instances of physical adversity. However, they are nonetheless just as problematic in almost every case. Physical handicaps, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and obesity force individuals to fight for a sense of daily normalcy. Individuals who live with any form of physical adversity face barriers that are not easily overcome, whether they’re unable to exercise how they want to, have to keep a keener eye on their health, or have to deal with other limitations that most of us could never dream of facing.
Managing Physical Challenges
This leads one to wonder, what can people do to manage their specific situations? There are a lot of options when it comes to coping with physical limitations and these options come in a wide range of varieties.
One of the top priorities should most certainly involve coming to terms with one’s condition. It is critical that one accepts that said condition is now a part of their life…at least for the time being in some cases. Furthermore, it is vital to acknowledge that they’ll face struggles that most others simply will not have to overcome. When all is said and done, don’t obsess over how it’s not ‘fair’. Instead, learn to live with the adversity without a chip on your shoulder.
On a similar note, you need to make an honest effort to take good care of yourself. Whatever steps you can take to better manage your health – both physical and mental – you should take them. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and positive thinking are all essential components to living a healthy, well-rounded life.
If the above isn’t enough, you can always seek out support groups made up of individuals dealing with similar situations.
Mental Adversity
Similar to how a physical handicap might limit you, so can a mental obstacle.
Seeking treatment from psychiatrists and psychologists is a crucial step toward managing your mental health. However, there are steps you need to take beyond going to see a doctor on a regular basis. If you’re facing this type of adversity head-on, routines are your best friend. Get in a habit of waking up, exercising, and taking your medication at the same time each day.
Another vital aspect of managing mental health issues is to never give up on the idea of getting better. Things can be rough for extended periods of time – sometimes quite a while – but there’s always something new you can try to improve your overall well-being.
Work with a doctor on adjusting your medications and adding supplements. Keep trying different kinds of meditation and mindfulness techniques until you find something that works for you. All in all, you simply need to confront your problems.
If something doesn’t work quite as well as it used to, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board to figure out something that will do the trick. Keep looking and you’ll eventually find your natural center again.
Emotional Adversity
Many of us desperately need to learn how to express our emotions without letting them overcome us. Emotional maturity comes from experience and a state of mind that is effective. Those who do not have that sense of maturity often face more difficulties in life.
A far too common, very human problem is for people to undervalue themselves. These individuals need to improve their sense of self-worth.
Another emotion that can overwhelm even the strongest of souls is that of rage. Our current education system fails to teach us how to forgive, even when this should be a prime pillar of our education system. Sadly, you need to figure this one out on your own. If need be, you can always seek guidance elsewhere when it comes to forgiveness.
Every emotion, no matter how fierce it may seem, can be tamed. It is critical that you learn to tame yours through the resources at your fingertips and by keeping a watchful eye on them in case they flare up.
Social Adversity
How we interact and engage with people is a key indicator of our ability to succeed. Life can be extremely lonely without friends at your side. If you need this spun a different way, think about it in a professional sense. You cannot get a promotion at work if your boss doesn’t enjoy being around you.
This means that anyone who doesn’t have certain social skills is at a severe disadvantage. People who are ‘awkward’ (such as those who fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum) face major and sometimes insurmountable obstacles to succeed in either their personal or professional lives.
What Can People Do to Handle Social Problems?
There are many creative and surprising things that you can do when you’re feeling lonely. On a similar note, there are programs and self-help books that will help you improve your social game. Almost anyone can benefit from studying and practice on how to improve one’s people skills.
Spiritual Adversity
Faith in some kind of higher power is generally an advantage in life. This higher power doesn’t even have to be a God, though it is for many people. Individuals who strongly believe in the human spirit, the power of community, or something of equal importance will typically attain a sense of peace that a lot of others simply fail to grasp.
If you don’t have this – find it. Enrich your life by embracing something that you think matters. If you already have some kind of faith but feel it slipping, return to the central core of why you put your faith into it.
Financial Adversity
One of the most common forms of adversity is when you simply don’t have the financial means to afford a certain lifestyle. There is no quick way to advance from rags to riches. However, there are steps you can take to improve your overall financial well-being.
Learning new skills doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Many times you can make more from a trade school than you can from a university.
Furthermore, there are plenty of ways to learn new skills! Night school at a community college is typically quite affordable. Lynda.com is a wonderful service that teaches you marketable skills at a reasonable price. If you make a small investment and spend a few hours a week learning, you can easily head down a whole new career path.
There are also effective means to set a budget. One of my personal favorites is Mint.com due to its versatility, ease of use, and ability to track your spending habits. In all honesty, any kind of budget plan can get you a long way.
In short, it’s not easy. No one is saying it is. However, if you have the willpower and mental fortitude, you can move beyond your current means. Improving your financial literacy is also a great way to improve your financial well-being.
Closing Thoughts on the Different Types of Adversity
Sometimes your adversity is too complicated for any single category to contain. Physical symptoms might accompany a mental health issue. At times you may have financial problems specifically because of your difficulty socializing and/or networking.
Even if your adversity is multi-pronged, look at the suggestions that I’ve offered above. See how they can apply to your specific situation. Keep in mind that there’s a lot of crossover between the strategies to fight different struggles. Mix and match them until you find a way to face and surpass the challenges that are holding you back from success.
