The expression “When the chips are down ” refers to being in a difficult situation.
There are going to be times in life when the chips would be down. Troubles and challenges seem to be flocking around you.
I’m in such a situation right now and decided to read Shawn Doyle’s article Published on HuffPost.
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Shawn Doyle wrote on 8 Ways to stay motivated when the chips are down.
Just like me, there are so many people out there who are struggling with one challenge, troubles or having to deal with a failure. The following points by the Professional Speaker, Book Author and Coach will help to keep you motivated to deal with however you feel whether You lost a job, have health issues or suffer through a divorce or lost a loved one.
“Here is something interesting to think about — have you ever noticed that some people seem very resilient and they just somehow bounce back? Those people, when the chips are down still seem motivated and don’t give up? This is the big question — how do you stay motivated when the chips are down?” Shawn asked.
1. Take a “this too shall pass” perspective ––
The first thing Shawn said was to take a perspective that no situation is permanent. Bad days will come and go. In his story, he said ” Four years ago, I lost my wife tragically and suddenly. I still remember — even in the middle of the darkest days I would think — “I know I am suffering now but someday, I will be happy again.” Today I am very happy and married to an amazing woman. Think about this — that times may be tough now, but think about the fact that this time will pass and someday it won’t be as hard. I promise it is true and it was true for me.
2. Surround yourself with supportive loving people
Difficult times, are the times you should surround yourself with people who would be there and also support you.
“You need people who will root for you, encourage you, and support you emotionally and socially. People who will hold you up until you can stand on your own again. People who are upbeat, enthusiastic and optimistic. Great friends who will not judge you — but will make you feel better and help you believe in yourself and help you think that you can dig out of the hole you are in now. You need people you can talk to who will listen and let you vent.”
3. Keep moving forward
When the chips are down, one of the things you can do is to keep moving forward. Never looking at the past. Take action and ask yourself what you can do to move forward.
A small step is a step that can help. What actions can you take today? If you lose your job, and today you go on six job sites to register and post your resume, it is taking a small step to being employed again. ” When you are moving forward, you feel like you are making progress and that lightens your heart and increases your feeling of hope. Moving forward has a healing power for your life. Doyle added.
Martin Luther King once said, “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run then walk if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
4. What should you avoid — When the chips are down, you should make a conscious effort to avoid anything negative.
Negative news, movies, talks and anything that could weigh you down should be avoided.
Never mingle with people who kill the little hope you have with their negativity.
5. Write down new goals
“Adversity can be terrible, but it can also allow us to take a step back and reinvent ourselves and our lives. You can build a new life. Take some time and write down brand new life goals. That’s right — in every area of your life — financially, physically, mentally, spiritually, career, family life — you decide on the areas. ”
New goals will get you excited and help you shift your life in a different direction. As Gail Goodwin once said, “Adversity can be turned to opportunity simply by adjusting our perception and our attitude.”
6. Have some fun — Okay, the chips are down so how is it you are supposed to have fun? Well, that is the reason why you should try to schedule some fun.
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