When adversity strikes, whether it be loss of your job, an illness, a natural disaster or when you take a big hit that really knocks you off your feet for a while, how fast you get up again depends on a number of things such as: 

 

•        How good your support network is,

•        How solid your self-esteem is, 

•        The extent to which you believe that you can control your own destiny, and

•        Your experiences of overcoming adversity in the past. 

 

If you want to shorten the time it takes to get back on your feet, try this: 

 

•        Ask yourself how it will look when you no longer have your current problems.

•        Spend time visualizing yourself in that desired picture and imagining how you'll feel.

•        Repeat the picture over and over, day after day, week after week.

•        List your strengths and past accomplishments and add to that list on a daily basis.

 

At the same time,

 

•        Set and prioritize some immediate, short-term goals to improve your situation.

•        Write a detailed plan of action for the top three, including day and time. 

 

Once you've accomplished a few short-term goals, you may feel ready to do some long-term visioning and goal-setting. Finally - and this is important - no matter how much you've lost, take time to help someone else who is struggling. Even the worst adversity can be used to learn and grow.