It always gets worse, before it gets better
In this world where instant success and smooth rides are what people like to celebrate, it's so easy to get frustrated when everything goes the other way. We've all heard the phrase, "It always gets worse before it gets better," but when you are actually in the middle of it, that's a really bitter pill to swallow. Yet, understanding the inevitability of bad times is just a great motivator for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
The Psychology Behind Struggles
Why does everything seem to break apart at the worst time, right before something improves? That is the "darkest before dawn," psychologists would say-the time that forces us to confront those kinds of adversity in core conflict. This is mainly because personal growth is not something accomplished by remaining comfortable but rather through advancing head-on into adversity. It can sometimes feel like you are moving backward, but you are actually building up emotional and mental resilience.
Buying into the Process of Growth
Accepting setbacks as part of the journey may help you keep things in perspective. Consider that significant change in life is a process that commences with a beginning, has a middle, and ends with an end. The beginning stage is usually filled with excitement and hope, but problems begin to creep in as the journey continues. True growth happens in the middle-the hardest part.
When you find yourself in this middle challenging phase, ask yourself:
- What can I learn from this experience?
- How can this situation make me stronger?
- Who can I reach out to for help?
SUCCESS STORIES: HOW ADVERSITY LEADS TO GREATNESS
Many of the most successful people have faced the "it gets worse before it gets better" scenario. Think of Steve Jobs, who, after being given help to build the company, got fired, and only then returned to take Apple to unparalleled heights. Or J.K. Rowling, who witnessed poverty and rejection before scribing one of the most beloved book series ever. If these stories are any indication, then success rarely runs straight but dark times often precede significant breakthroughs.
Practical Tips for Navigating Tough Times
1. Break Down Your Goals: Focus on manageable steps rather than getting overwhelmed by the big picture.
2. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, and remember that struggling does not mean failing.
3. Seek Support: Find a friend, family member, or mentor who can offer you perspective and encouragement.
4. Resilience: Keep in mind that resilience is built in challenges and serves as a skill for other obstacles in the future.
Conclusion
The idiom "It always gets worse before it gets better" should remind one that hard times are not permanent; rather, they are just parts of the journey to becoming a stronger, wiser, and more resilient version of yourself. You'll get there. Living with the pain, learning from it, and moving on will eventually get you to that place of growth and fulfillment. And whenever you are faced with a setback, remind yourself: this too shall pass, and the best is yet to come.
