Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Adversity defined – hardship and suffering; an extremely unfavorable experience or event. Other words associated with adversity include “hardship, difficulty, danger, misfortune, harsh conditions, and hard times.”

Learning to overcome adversity, that is, the ability to turn adversity into an opportunity to grow and learn, is one of the main ingredients to being successful. Turning adversity into opportunity is what defines you.

If you can break the habit of habitual despair, you can start growing and climbing towards success.
Dr. Shirley Lim
Research Communication Inc.

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)

How can we turn adversity into opportunity?

First, listen to your reactions. Self-awareness is the first step in understanding what is happening around you and within you.

Second, establish the whole story. Make sure you get a bird's eye perspective on your adverse situation. Look to establish your responsibility in the story.

Third, analyze the situation and see which things are truly beyond your control and which things are within your control.

Fourth, do what you need to do to regain control over what you can.