How to Become Your Best When Life Gives You Its Worst

become your best

Life is full of challenges and obstacles, and no one is immune to adversity. However, what sets successful people apart is their ability to overcome adversity and turn it into an opportunity to grow, learn, and become a better version of themselves. It is the ultimate test of character, and those who are able to rise above adversity are the ones who achieve true greatness.

This post will explore six strategies for overcoming adversity and becoming your best self. From the power of acceptance to the importance of mindset, these tips will help you navigate even the most challenging times. 

  1. The Power of Acceptance

Adversity is typically a challenging circumstance that tests our resilience, strength, and ability to overcome obstacles. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or social, and often comes unexpectedly and without warning. 

Acceptance is a powerful tool for overcoming adversity, yet it is often misunderstood. Many people confuse acceptance with apathy or resignation, believing that accepting a situation means giving up or giving in, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Acceptance is about acknowledging the reality of a problem. We waste our time and energy when we resist what has already happened. We cannot change the past, no matter how much we wish. When we accept what has occurred, we free ourselves from the energy of resistance and open up the possibility of channeling that energy into our next move. That’s precisely what I did when I found myself in a tough spot when I was sentenced to long-term imprisonment for a crime I didn’t commit. At first, I was angry, resentful, and bitter about my situation. I felt like the system had wronged me and that my life was over. However, I soon realized that my attitude wasn’t helping me or anyone else around me. I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to come out of prison stronger than ever before. I had to learn to accept my situation.

Acceptance also helps us to cultivate a sense of peace and calm in the face of adversity. We often become anxious and stressed when we resist a situation, further exacerbating the problem. Conversely, acceptance allows us to step back and view the situation objectively. It helps us to see that while we may not be able to change what has happened, we can choose how we respond to it.

It is important to note that acceptance is not the same as complacency. Accepting a situation doesn’t mean that we are turning a blind eye to our goals or aspirations. Instead, it means recognizing where we are and choosing to move forward. We can still strive to improve our situation and work towards our goals, but we do so from a place of acceptance rather than resistance.

Accepting what has happened can be difficult, especially in adversity. It requires a certain level of vulnerability, humility, and willingness to let go of control. However, overcoming adversity and moving forward with our lives is necessary.

  1. The Difference Between Liberty and Freedom

Understanding the difference between liberty and freedom changed my and my cellmates’ lives. While we were obligated to spend our time in Pentonville, one of the UK’s toughest prisons, recognizing that we were still free, even if we weren’t at liberty, made a huge difference.

Being incarcerated can be a challenging experience, especially regarding the concept of liberty and freedom. While liberty is often seen as a fundamental human right, the reality is that when you’re in jail, your liberty is severely restricted. You are no longer free to choose or live as you see fit.

However, despite the loss of liberty, it is still possible to cultivate a mindset of freedom even when behind bars. This means recognizing and embracing the opportunities that life presents you with rather than dwelling on the limitations that come with incarceration. It means accepting that, even when your choices are limited, you still have the power to choose how you respond to your circumstances.

One of the critical aspects of cultivating a mindset of freedom is learning to be grateful for what you have. This can be a powerful antidote to frustration or disappointment when your liberty is restricted. When you focus on the things you do have rather than what you don’t, you can begin to appreciate life’s many blessings, even when behind bars. This can help you maintain a positive attitude and a sense of purpose, even under challenging circumstances.

Another important aspect of cultivating a freedom mindset is learning to focus on the things you can control. Although your liberty is restricted, things are within your control, such as your attitude, mindset, and actions. Focusing on these things makes you feel more empowered and capable of taking action, even in a challenging environment. 

  1. The Seed of Benefit in Every Adversity
become your best - quote from Dale Carnegie - Two men looked out from prison bars.  One saw mud. The other saw stars.

There is a quote from Dale Carnegie that says, “Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw mud. The other saw stars.” This simple but profound saying speaks to the power of perspective in terms of adversity. Two people can face the same situation but have very different experiences based on how they choose to see it.

The story of the two prisoners illustrates how our perspective can significantly impact our experience of adversity. While both prisoners face the same challenge, their outlook on the situation determines whether they will emerge from it stronger or weaker.

When faced with adversity, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and consumed by the negative emotions that come with it. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of the situation and forget that every challenge carries the potential for growth and development. 

The key is shifting your perspective and looking for the silver lining. Instead of focusing on the problem, look for the gift wrapped within it. By focusing on the gift, you begin to water the seed within the adversity. You start to see the situation in a different light, understand yourself better, and see the opportunity for growth. This shift in mindset can give you the strength and resilience you need to navigate through even the toughest of times.

It’s important to remember that the benefits of adversity may only sometimes be apparent. Sometimes the seed takes time to sprout, and the benefit may only be realized later on down the road. But by staying focused on the gift and continuing to water the seed, you can rest assured that it will eventually bear fruit.

  1. The Power of a Growth-Centric Mindset

Life is full of challenges, and adversity is a part of the human experience. It can take many forms, such as loss, illness, financial hardship, or relationship problems. We may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or defeated when we face adversity. It’s natural to feel this way, but it’s important to remember that we have a choice in how we respond.

A growth-centric mindset involves shifting our focus from the problem to the solution. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of our situation, we focus on what we can gain from the experience. When we view our challenges as opportunities for growth, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and potential.

One of the benefits of a growth-centric mindset is that it can help us develop resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. When we embrace adversity as a challenge, we create the resilience to overcome future challenges. 

Another benefit of a growth-centric mindset is that it can help us discover our strengths and talents. We may be forced to confront our weaknesses and limitations when we face adversity. When we encounter difficulties or obstacles, we are often required to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and develop new skills or strategies. This process can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

The Importance of a Toolset

Positive thinking can help you maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life. Still, it’s not always enough to help you overcome adversity. Sometimes you need a more practical approach, and that’s where having a toolset can be incredibly useful. A toolset can help you navigate life’s challenges and support you to stay focused, grounded, and resilient.

One of the most powerful tools for overcoming adversity is meditation. Meditation can help you calm your mind, reduce stress, and clarify your situation. By practicing meditation regularly, you can develop a greater sense of inner peace and resilience, which can help you navigate the most challenging times.

Another valuable tool is mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and fully engaged with your surroundings. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to stay focused on the task and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts or emotions. This can help you stay grounded and centered, even in adversity.

Visualization is another powerful tool that can help you overcome adversity. Visualization involves picturing yourself in a positive and successful outcome, even when things seem bleak. By visualizing yourself as already having overcome adversity, you can tap into the power of your subconscious mind and start to manifest positive change in your life.

Affirmations are another helpful tool. Affirmations are positive statements you repeat regularly to help shift your mindset and attitude. By affirming positive beliefs about yourself and your ability to overcome adversity, you can start to reprogram your mind and become more resilient and confident.

Journaling is another valuable tool for overcoming adversity. When you are going through a difficult time, it can be hard to see things clearly. Your emotions may be clouding your judgment, and you may be struggling to make sense of what is happening. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a more objective perspective on your situation. You may start to see things from a different angle or notice patterns that you hadn’t seen before. This can help you gain a better understanding of your situation and develop a plan for moving forward. 

  1. The Impact of Contribution

When facing adversity, it’s easy to become consumed by your problems. You may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious about how you will overcome the challenge you’re facing. However, focusing on helping others can shift your attention from your problems to the needs of others. This shift in perspective can help you gain a new sense of purpose and fulfillment, even amid adversity. 

When you contribute to the lives of others, whether you volunteer your time to a charity, help a neighbor in need, or offer a listening ear to a friend going through a tough time, you create a sense of meaning and purpose in your own life. You realize you have something valuable to offer, even during your challenges. This sense of purpose can be potent, as it can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when things are tough.

Finally, contributing to the lives of others can help make the world a better place. By helping others, you’re positively impacting the world around you, which can be incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that you’re making a difference, even in a small way, can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment that is hard to find elsewhere.

Transform Adversity Into Growth

My time in prison was a turning point in my life. Instead of allowing my circumstances to define me, I chose to rise above them and use my experience to help others. My positive attitude, determination, and resilience not only helped me get through my time in prison but also empowered those around me and inspired people across the world. If I can turn my time in prison into an empowering experience, then there is hope for all of us to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.


By adopting the mindset of acceptance, focusing on your freedom and growth, leveraging the opportunities in every challenge, using a toolset, and contributing to others, you can transform your adversity into a catalyst for personal growth and a pathway to your best self. However, transforming your life requires more than just reading blog posts or listening to motivational speeches. It takes a commitment to learning and growth. That’s why I invite you to join my Elite Mentorship Forum, a six-month program where I will guide you through elevating your mindset and upgrading your peer group. Together, we can turn your adversity into your greatest opportunity for growth and success.

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