How to Turn Life’s Hardest Moments into a Source of Energy and Strength
No matter how amazing life is, we all face challenges.
Unexpected setbacks. Tough situations. Negative people.
Maybe you’re struggling in your career. Maybe you’re out of a job and can’t find the right opportunity. Maybe you have a boss who makes you feel small or a family member who constantly drains your energy.
We each have our own unique challenges. But there’s one mindset shift that has become one of my absolute favourites - it can help you move through any situation with strength and resilience.
The Thought Reframing That Changes Everything
What if, instead of being completely consumed by negative emotions, you saw these moments as opportunities to grow?
Everything that happens in your life has meaning and purpose.
Every experience holds a lesson we are meant to learn in this lifetime.
Your reaction to tough moments will determine whether you grow through them - or get stuck in a cycle of negativity.
Before I started practicing this, I handled difficult situations differently. I would overanalyze, blame myself, engage in endless self-criticism, or simply feel bad for myself - trapped in frustration over why I had to deal with it (victim mentality!). It created a cycle of negative, self-destructive thoughts.
But when I started reframing my thinking, something shifted.
Instead of staying stuck in negativity, I focused on the lesson, the purpose, and how I could grow from it.
And the relief was almost instant.
And the moment you start asking the right questions, your energy shifts. You stop seeing yourself as a victim of circumstances. You regain control.
When Life Hits You Hard
Sometimes, we go through really tough times, but if we shift our perspective, they can give us strength, hope, and lead to something meaningful.
Losing a job? You are given an opportunity to try something better - whether it’s a career that aligns with your values or a path you’ve always wanted to explore.
Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first TV job, which pushed her to explore a new path - one that led her to become one of the most influential media figures in history.
A tragic loss? It brings unbearable grief, but it can also bring profound personal growth, deepen your perspective on what truly matters, and help you make a positive impact on others and the world.
I’ve seen so many charitable initiatives and awareness campaigns started by people who have experienced loss, turning their pain into a force for good.
Financial failure? It might feel like the end, but it’s an opportunity to build resilience, develop perseverance, and try again - with more wisdom and clarity.
Walt Disney faced numerous early setbacks, including bankruptcy, before creating one of the most successful entertainment empires in the world.
Now, what about the people we meet?
Every Person Comes Into Your Life for a Reason
There’s a saying: Every person you meet is either here to change your life, or you are here to change theirs.
Some people challenge us. Some drain us. Some inspire us. But they all serve a purpose.
A boss who makes you feel undervalued? Maybe they’re teaching you to set boundaries, prioritize your well-being, or recognize when it’s time to walk away.
A family member who drains your energy? Maybe this is your chance to practice patience and compassion. Or maybe you are meant to support them in a way they've never known - through love, kindness, and understanding.
A child with a disability? I’ve met incredible parents who turned this into their greatest source of strength - starting charities, developing their own gifts, shifting careers to support their child, and in doing so, bringing more light into the world.
Every person, no matter how difficult, plays a role in our journey. They are here for a reason - to help you grow.
The question is: Will you resist them, or will you embrace the lesson they bring?
To Put It All Together: A Simple Reframing to Shift Your Energy
The next time you face a tough situation, pause before reacting, and ask yourself:
Why is this happening for me? What is this teaching me?
What’s the opportunity for growth?
And when you meet someone who challenges you, ask:
Is this person here to change my life? And how?
Or am I here to change theirs? In which way?
Situations will continue happening. Challenges will come and go.
But how you respond will determine your reality.
Because when you shift from frustration to curiosity, from a victim mindset to gratitude, you stop feeling powerless.
And that’s where true strength - and energy - comes from. ❤️❤️❤️
Hi, I am Marina Korotkikh - your go-to Energy and Time Management Coach for High Performers. I help you go from Point A (Always too busy, never enough time) to Point B (Clear, Energized, and In Control) in 70 days using my P.E.A.C.E. framework.
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