10 Painless Ways To Turn Your Struggles Into Strength

Written By:

Sara Shermis

Written By:

Sara Shermis

turn your struggles into strength 1

Life is hard. Life is unfair sometimes. Life can be painful also. Every time you hit an obstacle or feel disappointed because something you wanted did not work out, it’s life’s way of making you stronger and wiser. You can also work towards turning your struggles into strength with a few practices, that are not only effective but can also change your perspective towards life and hardships.




I remember being fascinated by Buddhism in college. Reading about the belief that life is suffering began to change my perspective and approach to my own hurdles.

However, back then, the underlying wisdom from that Buddhist saying wasn’t quite there for me yet. It would take a few years and crippling lessons to realize that my suffering didn’t happen for no reason at all.



There are reasons why the Buddhist notion is true. With investigation and practice, we can find patterns and change struggles into strength as well as acquire a true appreciation for the process.

Recently I became the greatest detective of my own life; having explored the reasons for some of my greatest falls I found that it was all only ever meant to teach me, and as a result, relieved me from much of the existential pain I experienced.

Below is a list of my own conscious practices, which I’ve learned through introspective navigating: to ease struggles, to help me let go, continue to grow, and to find my own internal strength.




Here Are 10 Painless Ways To Turn Your Struggles Into Strength

1. Get in the habit of questioning everything you do.

Why are you friends with this person? How do you feel when you…? What do you like about…?

People, places, activities, and things all influence us, consciously and unconsciously. Ask yourself questions and pay attention to your answers. You’ll start learning a lot more about yourself and notice what you didn’t always see.

2. Become aware of what you consume.

Whether it’s social media, TV, books, magazines… Why are you listening? What are you paying attention to?

All of these choices influence who we are, how we feel, and what we do. Pay close attention and never stop asking why.

Related: 8 Signs You Have An Unhealthy Attachment To Social Media




3. Get in the habit of learning to change your perspective at the drop of a hat.

Our sight isn’t always 20/20 when it comes to how we want our experiences to be and what we make them mean. Always put yourself in the other person’s shoes and ask how you might be able to see things differently.

The first time I asked myself that… To my own surprise, I actually got the change in perspective I was searching for. As a result, I can now approach people and things with an open mind, a more compassionate heart, and a greater capacity to listen without an automatic reaction.

4. Have a belief in something greater than yourself.

This could be anything, from religion to a philosophy you have about life. The point is to abstract a meaning that shows you your life is more than just about you. It helps us adhere to the idea that by bettering ourselves we can make a difference, even if it’s small.

When we feel we are of use to something greater than ourselves we can access a deeper understanding of happiness. Not only will it help to motivate you to continue on your path, but it will set up the foundation to believe your purpose has meaning for something greater than just you.

5. Find something to ground yourself in.

Meditation, yoga, gym habits, long walks, observing the sunset… When we can find ways to disconnect from devices and dive into the present, we can appreciate more by noticing what’s around us.

Connecting with our own true self/soul/energy not only enables us to connect with ourselves but also enables us to deepen the connection with those around us too.

Related: Brené Brown’s Powerful Quotes on Accepting Yourself Whole-Heartedly




6. Stop keeping tabs on others.

The worst way of robbing ourselves of happiness is by comparing. Even if it’s a crush… going to his/her Instagram page every day will make you crazy. There’s no point.

Let life unfold how it’s meant to, and take yourself out of the suffering game by not competing in it. Don’t compare, don’t compete, don’t focus on any of that if you want to feel relief.

7. Take another look at your personal narrative.

How do you view that past relationship? Have you really let go of those beliefs you once held?

More often than not, the same stories we’ve written before continue to show up so we can change them. Most of it starts with our belief in ourselves. What do you think you’re worthy of?

8. Change your beliefs by replacing them with new ones.

I once thought I wasn’t deserving of living my best life and as a result, I had immense pain in my life: the Universe was only responding to my belief, causing it to show up so I could see it.




I learned the hard way to let that belief go. Sometimes I’ll witness a thought show up and as the observer of that thought, I’ll think, “Mmm that’s a scary belief to have. Replace it.” So without beating myself up for the original belief, I just change it to something better and move on.

9. Learn to let it go. But really, let it go.

Get good at noticing your thoughts by having the intention each day to stay present. When we are present with ourselves we are more likely to pay attention to what we think, believe, and do automatically.

It takes practice to become the observer, to believe that you have the will and determination to follow through. Taking yourself and your reactions off autopilot take time, practice, a whole lot of patience, and constant self-forgiveness. Only when we engage in being mindful are we really our most true, authentic, and connected selves.

Related: 17 Signs You Are An Overachiever and How To Let Go

10. Always try your best.

You can’t suffer when you know you’re trying your best with what you have and the cards at play.

I stopped beating myself up when I started talking to myself like I am my best friend. “Hey, you’re just doing your best here. It’s okay, life doesn’t require you to be perfect.”



The trick to keeping that mindset is noticing where your focus is. Focus on what you’re doing right, be kind to yourself, and notice when you give it your all — you deserve a pat on the back (even and especially when no one’s around).

For more such articles, visit Sarah’s website here.

Written by Sara Shermis  
Originally Appeared In Thought Catalog

Every time life throws you a curveball, it might hurt but try to look at the silver lining. Every failure and every setback has something to teach you. It is only when you work towards turning your struggles into strength, will you able to taste life and its lessons in its full glory. These practices will help you to let go of things you cannot control or change, find your inner strength, and also continue to grow.

turn your struggles into strength pin


— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

,
, , , , , , , , , ,

— About the Author —

Sara Shermis

Sara is a spiritual guide, healer, and Akashic Records reader. She also describes herself as an empath, a medium, a channel, a psychic, and an intuitive. She has graduated from the University of San Diego with degrees in Philosophy and Sociology. Sara is currently writing a children’s novel in her spare time.
Leave A Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

How Delusional Confidence Can Help You Succeed (Even If You Doubt Yourself)

5 Reasons Why You Should Practice Delusional Confidence

Society tells us to be humble, to wait our turn, to only claim what we can prove. But what if the secret to success isn’t waiting for proof—it’s acting like you already have it?

Some of the most successful people in history weren’t necessarily the smartest, the most talented, or the best prepared. They were the ones who refused to entertain doubt. They acted as if their success was inevitable—until it was.

Delusional confidence is not about arrogance or ignorance; it’s about choosing belief over fear, faith over hesitation. It’s about backing yourself so hard that the universe has no choice but to meet you halfway.

Up Next

A Gentle Guide To Spring Cleaning Every Part Of Your Life

Spring Clean Your Life in 8 Simple Steps!

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just a little off, you’re not alone. The start of the year can be tough, and sometimes, it feels like we’re just going through the motions. But with spring finally here, it’s the perfect opportunity to reset, refresh, and spring clean your life—not just your home, but your mind, habits, and daily routine.

Think of it as a fresh start, a chance to let go of what’s been weighing you down and make space for new energy and motivation. Whether it’s decluttering your space, breaking free from negative habits, or simply creating more time for yourself, a little spring cleaning can go a long way.

Here are some things you can do over the next few weeks to glow up and snap out of the funk.

Up Next

The ‘Grass Is Greener’ Syndrome: Why You Always Want More (But Never Feel Satisfied)

5 Toxic Signs Of Grass Is Greener Syndrome: Do You Relate?

Do you ever feel like no matter what you have, something better is always out there? That nagging feeling that your relationship, job, or life in general could be more exciting, or just… better? If so, you might be dealing with the Grass is Greener Syndrome.

It’s that restless voice in your head that constantly wonders if you made the wrong choice. You scroll through social media and see people seemingly living their best lives, traveling to exotic destinations, landing dream jobs, or being in picture-perfect relationships. 

And suddenly, what you have feels dull in comparison. This constant chase for something “better” can be exhausting and, more importantly, prevent you from appreciating the present moment.

Let’s learn more about it if you find yourself getting stuck in the ‘Grass is Gr

Up Next

5 Key Mindset Shifts To Make Your Dreams Come True

5 Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Make Your Dream Life a Reality

Mindset shifts are the key to manifesting your dream life.

Every year, I set goals and made vision boards, convinced that this time, things would change. But by the end of the year, nothing had moved. It felt like I was stuck in the same place, no matter how hard I tried.

Eventually, I realized the problem wasn’t my goals—it was my mindset. I had limiting beliefs running the show, quietly holding me back from everything I wanted. My thoughts were filled with self-doubt, and deep down, I didn’t truly believe I could have the life I was dreaming of.

So, I made a change. I started paying attention to my thoughts and replacing negative ones with self-affirming beliefs. I stopped questioning if I was “good enough” or if my dreams were “too big.” Instead, I started acting as if

Up Next

15 Profound Universal Truths To Understand The Human Condition

15 Profound Universal Truths to Understand the Human Condition

Have you ever noticed how some truths about life just hit different? These universal truths about the human condition are the kind that stick with you long after you’ve heard them.

KEY POINTS

Well-written memoirs often share universal truths that connect with readers on a deeper level.

Universal truths are many, and each of us can have our own unique set.

Learning about others’ universal truths can help you find our own way.

In my memoir writing workshops, I always emphasize the importance of each story having a universal truth. While many are w

Up Next

Are You Too Non Confrontational? Here’s How It’s Sabotaging Your Life

Is Being Non Confrontational A Bad Thing? 5 Clear Reasons

Are you the type of person who stays silent even when something bothers you, just to keep the peace? If so, you might consider yourself as a non confrontational personality. But what if I told you that this trait might be doing you harm, more than helping you?

While avoiding confrontation might seem like the best way to maintain peace in relationships and workplaces, it often comes at a high cost. Let’s dive into why being non confrontational is affecting you and how you can strike a balance between peacekeeping and standing up for yourself.

Up Next

7 Surprising Benefits Of Touching Grass (You’ll Want To Do It Daily!)

7 Cool Benefits Of Touching Grass: (You Should Try It!)

Ever heard someone say, “Go touch some grass”? It’s an internet slang often thrown around as an insult, telling people to log off and reconnect with reality. But behind the sarcasm, there’s actual wisdom in those words. So, let us explore the real benefits of touching grass.

We spend hours glued to screens, scrolling or doom scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or getting lost in heated online debates. Spending too much time online can leave you feeling disconnected, drained, and overwhelmed.

The constant floo

— Follow Us —