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Last Updated on October 19, 2025 by Kevin Collier
Top Takeaways and Key Concepts
- Find humor in difficult situations to lighten stress and boost perspective.
- Set small, achievable goals to create momentum and celebrate progress.
- Seek support from friends, family, or community to share challenges.
- Connect with nature or inspiring spaces to recharge and gain clarity.
- Learn new skills and practice gratitude daily to build resilience.
Let's be honest: life can feel like one of those insane survival shows when nothing goes right. You are in a tight place, and it seems like the walls are closing in on you. You know that sad sound? Yes, it gets noisy.
It could be a personal issue or just a tough time in this crazy world. It can be hard to stay motivated, like trying to climb a mountain in roller skates. Very hard, right? But we can definitely discover methods to stay positive!
First, let's locate something funny. Laughing can really clear the clouds. Imagine this: you're in a tense situation and you trip over a rock. Why not think of the rock as a sly bad guy instead of crying? Making hilarious stories out of hard times might help.
It's also helpful to find modest wins. It may be as easy as finishing that book you've been meaning to read or making a batch of cookies. Enjoy those simple things! You did a terrific job! That surge makes me feel happy within.
Have your cheerleaders around you. Get in touch with friends or relatives who are there for you. When you're feeling low, they can help you feel better. A brief text or call can make your day better.
When you need them, take breaks. Taking a break from the bustle, even for a little while, can help you breathe. Taking a break, like watching a funny program or going for a stroll, can help you think more clearly.
Keep in mind that you're not the only one. We all have days when things are hard. When things get tough, simply take it one small step at a time. You will get to the summit of that mountain, even if it takes a little longer. keep funny and keep in touch. You have the strength to get through this and see better days ahead!
Embrace Your Inner Bear Grylls
*** Shop for Survival Gear - Tools - Kits ***
Survival Gear - Bags and Backpacks - Knives - Boots/Footwear - Communication
Outdoor Cooking - Gloves - Hydration - Dry Boxes - Water Filtration Systems
Tents - Sleeping Bags - First Aid Kits - Multi-Tools - Flashlights - Fire Starters
Navigation - Survival Food - Night Vision - Headlamps - Stun Guns - Binoculars
First things first, think like Bear Grylls! I mean, have you ever seen that guy deal with problems? He eats bugs like they're popcorn and drinks water from animal footprints. If he can live on a diet that includes bugs, we can definitely find the strength to get through our own challenging times.
You don't have to go into wilderness mode to adopt this style of thinking, unless that's what you want to do. Instead, think on the tools you have at your disposal.
Bear looks for water and food in the wild. You should look for support networks in your life, including friends, family, or even local community groups. Get in touch! You'd be astonished at how many folks are willing to help. After all, misery loves company.
And let's be honest: when someone else shares your problems, it feels less like “survival” and more like “adventure.” Who wouldn't want to make their problems into stories that people will want to hear?
Set Small Goals: Take Small Steps Instead of Big Ones
Setting tiny goals is really important when things get too much to handle. Instead of making big jumps over flaming hoops, think of baby steps (unless you're training for a circus act). Make a list of the things you need to do and break them down into smaller, more achievable chores. This way, you won't feel like you've just run a marathon without training.
If you're attempting to get ready for an emergency but don't know where to start, for instance, you may start by getting supplies one at a time instead of clearing out every store shelf in sight.
Maybe today all you need to do is discover that flashlight that is buried under a pile of laundry (really, why does my laundry seem so rebellious?). Tomorrow, you might want to get some snacks that don't go bad, because who doesn't love snacks?
It's funny how celebrating these little wins may help boost spirits! Every little thing you do right improves your confidence. Before long, those little victories will make you feel like you can't be stopped, or at least that you know how to find your socks again.
Nature Is Your Cheerleader: Find Inspiration Everywhere
Speaking about unstoppable forces, nature has a way of giving us strength when things are hard. Have you ever seen trees bend in the wind yet not break? Or flowers growing through gaps in concrete? Nature teaches us how to be strong without saying a word (which makes me question whether they know things we don't).
When you can, get outside and stroll about. The fresh air and sunshine are free therapy! Notice how animals alter to fit their surroundings. For example, squirrels usually seem ready for winter, even if they seem to be in a lot of trouble (I swear they must have secret meetings). We can also do well against odds that are as high as mountains of acorns!
You might also make your own tiny space inside that inspires you, like a vision board with pictures or quotes that remind you why it's important to keep going. Surround yourself with positive people because, let's be honest, nobody wants negativity to stick around like an unwanted guest who won't leave.
Keep Learning: Knowledge Is Strength
Learning new talents that are useful to you is another great approach to stay motivated. Knowledge gives us power amid crises, whether it's knowing how to give first aid or how to cook meals from scratch with only a few ingredients (thanks again for those pantry basics).
Remember camping vacations where I acquired important skills, like how to make fires without matches or how to create shelters out of nothing but branches and my willpower! These experiences gave me confidence that I still have today, even though my fire-starting talents sometimes look more like smoke signals than real flames.
These days, there are a lot of online courses on a wide range of topics, including survival skills, directly or indirectly related to them. Learning new things will not only make you feel better, but it will also help you get ready for what's ahead. And believe me, being ready feels fantastic!
Count Your Blessings And Be Thankful
Finally, and maybe most significantly, say thank you every day! It sounds like a cliché because everyone says it these days, but really, counting your blessings makes you feel less hopeless and more hopeful!
Make a note of three things you're thankful for every day. Even when things are crazy, there's usually something good nearby (like coffee!). This simple habit builds resilience over time because focusing on the good helps keep bad thoughts from becoming out of control faster than shopping carts that are out of control in parking lots!
It might be hard to stay motivated when things are hard, like ascending a high hill. It's hard, but you can do it!
Imagine that you are an explorer. You are on a trip. You might want to skip the section about eating bugs, unless you absolutely have to. Make tiny goals for yourself. They don't have to be big. It could be that you need to drink more water or take a brief walk today. Every little thing counts. Even if they seem small, celebrate such wins.
Nature can really get you going. A flower with bright colors or a bee buzzing about can remind you that life goes on. Take a time to take it all in. Looking up at the sky can sometimes give you a new sense of hope.
It's also fun to learn new things. You may try making something new or doing a craft. Who knows? You might find a hidden ability!
Being thankful a lot helps. Even when things are bad, think of one thing you're glad for. It could be something modest, like a warm cup of coffee or a beloved novel. This simple trick might change how you feel from sad to happy.
You have the strength to keep going. When things are tough, don't forget to look for inspiration all around you. Take in every moment, even the hard ones. You're doing a terrific job on this adventure! Keep it up, pal!
Remember—you’ve got this!
Suggested Resources:
Survival Skills 101
https://www.survivalskills101.com
The Art of Resilience
https://www.artofresilience.com
Mindfulness Techniques for Crisis Situations
https://www.mindfulcrisismanagement.com
Kevin Collier is a seasoned survivalist and expert in prepping and homesteading, contributing to WiseSurvive.com. With a deep-rooted passion for self-sufficiency and outdoor survival skills, Kevin shares practical advice, strategies, and resources to help individuals prepare for any challenge. His informative articles cover a range of topics, from essential survival techniques to sustainable living practices, empowering readers to thrive in any situation. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned prepper, Kevin's insights will inspire you to take charge of your readiness and build resilience for the future.
