Are you weary from rejections or other complications in life? I’ve been there! That’s how I learned (the hard way, of course) how to fight discouragement and win!
Have you ever had days—or even seasons—when you’re getting sucker-punched by life? Those times when all your friends look at you and think, “Dang, at least I don’t have it that bad”???
It could be that your car blew up and you got fired, or you racked up another rejection. It could even be that the sink is leaky, and even though it seems like something insignificant, it’s just one more thing you didn’t need.
Yeah, I know the feeling.
But it doesn’t have to end there. Discouragement doesn’t have to end in defeat, because we were designed for something bigger and better, and we’d better not stop until we get there.
Of course, knowing the truth is one thing, experiencing it is another.
Because I’m a take-action kind of person, it’s in my nature to Do Something rather than waiting for the so-called tide to turn on its own. I’ve had my seasons where I hand out invitations to my pity party, then sulk when no one comes—but gentle reminders from God and loved ones pull me up and get me going.
And that’s what I want to do for you, because when you’re in the middle of a battle, it might be hard to think of how to fight discouragement on your own.
Tweet ThisHow to fight discouragement:
Step Back and Get Your Bearings
Don’t panic! (I’m really good at panicking, so I need to remind myself to knock it off.) Step away from the situation and try to get some clarity. Things are often not as bad as they seem, if only you can take a few deep breaths and relax.
Assess the Situation
Find the source. Is the discouragement due to a singular incident, or is it from a long-term source? Has it been building up, or did it land on you all at once? Identify the source. Once you know the root cause, you might find an easy fix, or you might have to continue to press through the situation.
Take Time to Refresh
Depending on what’s causing the discouragement, you might be able to do something easy, like take a walk or take a nap. If it’s a long-term issue or situation, now is a good time to check your health and make sure you’re sleeping enough, eating healthy foods and getting some exercise. If you’re like me, this is a good time to pray. (Well, it’s ALWAYS a good time to pray!) Seek God for answers, or be content with where He has you.
Get Encouraged
If you’re DIScouraged, it’s time to be proactive and get ENcouraged. Do something fun, or something you’re good at. Maybe cut out social media and surround yourself with the people you care about in real life, who know your situation in full. Engage in activities that have NOTHING to do with whatever it is that has you down.
Make a Game Plan
Once you have some clarity and perspective, when you’re well rested and fresh, determine what adjustments you need to make. Do you need a job change, a change in your relationships or maybe a different routine? Is it time to go a different direction? What steps can you take to impact your situation? After all, we’re not helpless. We all have choices.
It looks so easy-peasy when it’s written out like this, and I know from heaps of personal experience that it’s a lot harder when you’ve just been ambushed. But you can take steps that make a difference, and life will not always be this difficult.
If you’re a believer, remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. If you’re not, there is still much grace for you, and I’d love to be an encouragement.
How do you fight discouragement?
Great tips! I actually have a similar post in my drafts folder đŸ™‚ Discouragement is the worst!
Rachel, it really is the worst! Discouragement used to have a terrible hold on me. I still have off days, but for the most part I’m ready!
I have a whole FOLDER full of stories of discouragement, but then there’s another full of encouragement. I’m a little discouraged today, in fact – not about writing, but something else in my life. Thanks for the reminder to take action – if I only knew what action to take!!!! (:
Such a great idea to keep a folder of encouragement! Love this, and think I will implement this, myself đŸ™‚ So glad you are encouraged today, Gail!
There are so many things to discourage us, but we can fight back. Satan is real and God gives
us beautiful scriptures to lean on. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit
dryeth the bones.” I repeat that little verse I learned in second grade when I feel down or anxious.
Then I grab some chocolate and type away!
Diane, I LOVE that verse–it’s so refreshing. Thank you! And yes, chocolate is always a good option đŸ˜€