How to Get Through Tough Times

By Susan Begeman Steiner

Recently I had some tough times. Weeks went by and potential clients were not returning my calls and then a big job came up and someone else got it instead of me. I started to question my abilities, doubting myself and wondering who I was to think I could actually help anyone with my coaching. I was in a slump and not at all happy about it.

Enter Bill McRaven, former Commander of Special Forces for the United States Navy. Here’s a guy who can really talk about getting through tough times, having survived Navy SEAL training.  In his 2014 Commencement speech at the University of Texas which has been viewed over 2 million times on YouTube, he tells lessons from SEAL basic training. Spending the 20 minutes to view this video altered my perspective.

One thing he said was, “Know that life is not fair and you will fail often.” This is more profound that it might seem; it is an inoculation for the tough times.

When you have tough times, remember these things:


A.     It’s not personal: Life isn’t fair and so the tough times might actually not mean anything about you personally.

B.     Strengthen your goal: Failure isn’t even a problem unless you are up to something you care about. Remember what that is.

C.     Learn from the experience: You can learn more from failing than from succeeding.

D.    Don’t give up: The antidote to failure is to keep going.

Of course, you will feel bad sometimes. I know I do. You may feel sorry for yourself, get discouraged or even think about quitting. However, the important thing is: How long will you be let those feelings keep you from doing the next thing?

I appreciated the “toughen up” message from McRaven, who I consider to be an American hero. If you want to not only get through tough times, but also make a difference in the world, you need to find a way to keep going. The sooner you get over yourself, learn what you need to learn and get back into action, the better.


The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.
                                                                                                                            -- Nelson Mandela

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