Hard Days

Considerations for reframing adversity with actionable strategies to overcome tough days.

“The true man is revealed in difficult times.”

-Epictetus

Hard days are inevitable. 

Regardless of how seemingly perfect everything may occasionally feel, Murphy’s Law is standing by to mess that up.

• Poor night of sleep. 

• Problems at home.

• Challenges at work.

• Disappointing performance.

• Illness.

• Injury.

Perfection is impossible and balance is not sustainable.

Good. 

Our best days aren’t conceivable without experiencing the difficult ones. 

We need contrast.

Yin to appreciate the Yang.

I’ve made posts on attitude, gratitude, perceived purpose, thought patterns, mindset, emotional intelligence, mental management, reframing daily stressors, as well as sleep timing, habits, and ergonomics. All of these posts attempt to emphasize controllable factors in our lives, where attention can be placed anytime, to encourage optimal functioning when facing hardship.

Most people would agree with the majority of strategies relating to self-improvement. Implementing a beneficial change into their daily lives, however, is much easier said than done. 

We must practice the skills that are most advantageous to our well-being.

Pursue optimal habits when able so they’re natural when needed.

Proactive resilience.

Clutch States

When the hard days undoubtedly come, enhanced awareness, heightened focus, and increased effort are essential to overcoming substantial adversity. These characteristics comprise attributes of clutch states. 

Counter to flow states, clutch states are required for productive function in response to discomfort, extraordinary resistance, or immense pressure. 

Clutch states can either consciously be drawn upon or trained.

Unpleasant execution is possible for anyone with accessible strategies and proactive preparation.

Accessible Strategies

Real-time tools for clutch states: