You ever notice how life has this funny way of throwing tough times at you, like it’s testing you? One minute you’re cruising along, everything’s fine, and then boom—life hits you with a flat tire, a broken coffee maker, and maybe even a global pandemic. It’s like a voice from above is saying, “Hey, let’s see what you’re made of.”

But here’s the thing, you don’t get to sit back and complain. No, you must embrace it, get better from it. Tough times are like that age-management personal trainer you never wanted—painful, but in the end, you’re stronger. Let’s dive into those lessons.

5 Lessons Learned from Tough Times

Although you can’t control things like the weather or somebody texting-while-driving, you can always control your attitude. According to author John Maxwell, a crisis will teach you who you are, what you value, and what you believe. While it feels natural to resist a challenge and wish things would get back to “normal” as quickly as possible, the most successful 40-plus men and women embrace adversity and come out better on the other side.

Here are five powerful lessons to help you navigate tough times and come out stronger:

1. Your health is your greatest asset

Without health, you can’t truly experience life. It’s your responsibility to make healthy habits a top priority. Yet, for many people, the idea of investing in improving their health is unusual. They might feel like something’s wrong with them if they need to hire an online personal trainer. But here’s the truth: You're not investing in a coach. You're investing in measurable results. And those results can transform your life.

Actionable Steps:

• Prioritize Prevention: Don’t wait until illness strikes to start paying attention to your health. Schedule your week around physical activity like it’s a meeting you can’t miss. If you’re unsure where to start, consider resistance training four times a week—whether you’re using dumbbells at home or going to the gym.
• Daily Health Check-ins: Track your bodyfat percentage, hours of sleep, and daily steps. Regular tracking gives you immediate feedback and shows you areas to improve. It’s not just about one day of healthy living, but creating a sustainable lifestyle.
• Invest in Expert Guidance: If you’re unsure about nutrition or exercise, consider working with an experienced coach who understands longevity. You're buying time—what could take you years to figure out on your own, an expert can teach you in weeks. Think of it as a way to safeguard your future health.

If you’re someone who’s always putting off taking action, ask yourself: what’s the cost of inaction? Are you saving money for a hospital visit in the future, or are you preventing that hospital visit by investing in your health now?

2. You choose how you act during tough times

If life’s a mess, at least clean up your mindset. Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reactions. One of the biggest things I see in clients struggling with their fitness or nutrition is that they focus on everything going wrong—family stress, work deadlines, or the latest political issue—rather than what they can actually control.

Actionable Steps:

• Identify Your Sphere of Control: Write down what you can and can’t control in your life right now. It may seem simple, but it helps clear up the mental clutter. For example, you can control your fitness routine, but you can’t control the weather outside. Instead of skipping your workout because it's raining, have a backup plan like indoor bodyweight exercises.
• Turn Complaints into Solutions: Each time you find yourself complaining, pause and ask, "What’s the solution to this?" For instance, if you’re frustrated about your lack of progress, stop and assess whether you’re sticking to your plan. Complaining won’t change your situation—taking action will.
• Create a Daily Ritual: I like to remind clients that controlling your day starts with controlling your morning. Incorporate a five-minute daily ritual where you reflect on what you’re grateful for and how you plan to improve. This mental shift makes you less reactive and more proactive during challenging situations.

3. Challenges are paths to growth

Growth isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about who you become in the process. Every challenge presents an opportunity to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I’ve noticed that people who shy away from growth often get stuck in life—whether it’s physically or mentally. Embrace growth, and you’ll never plateau.

Actionable Steps:

• Set a Mini-Challenge: If you’re stuck in a rut, challenge yourself. Try something that pushes you just beyond your current comfort zone. For example, if you’ve always lifted the same weight, add an extra five pounds and see how your body responds. Mentally, challenge yourself to read a book or listen to a podcast that forces you to think differently.
• Track Progress to Stay Motivated: Keeping a journal or using an app to log your progress is critical. Write down your workouts, meals, or mindset shifts. Not only does it keep you accountable, but it gives you something to reflect on when times get tough. Tracking small wins keeps you motivated and focused on the bigger picture.
• Welcome Discomfort: Growth happens when you’re uncomfortable. Whether it’s a new job, a workout you haven’t tried before, or a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, lean into that discomfort. Start reframing discomfort as a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.

4. Earn more, give more

In tough times, many people retract—they save their money, conserve energy, and avoid challenges. But the people who grow during adversity look for ways to give. Whether it’s helping someone through a challenging time, sharing your knowledge, or even giving financially, generosity builds resilience and keeps you grounded.

Actionable Steps:

• Pay It Forward: Giving doesn’t always mean financially. Take 15 minutes out of your day to listen to a friend or offer advice to someone who’s struggling. Not only will it benefit them, but it strengthens your sense of purpose.
• Share Your Skills: If you’ve built a fitness routine, share it with someone who’s just starting. You’ll reinforce what you know while also helping someone else level up. Giving back doesn’t just apply to money—it can be as simple as sharing your knowledge or lending a hand to someone in need.
• Create a Giving Habit: Make giving a consistent habit. Each month, set aside a portion of your income or time to help others. Whether it’s donating to a charity or volunteering, having a giving strategy keeps you grounded and reminds you of the bigger picture when times get tough.

5. Get motivated and inspired

Motivation often feels like an elusive concept—one day it’s there, and the next, it’s gone. But the secret is that motivation isn’t a feeling that just happens. It’s a byproduct of taking action. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that waiting for motivation is a losing game. Instead, create it by getting started.

Actionable Steps:

• Create a Simple Goal: Start small. Set a simple goal for today that aligns with your larger vision. It could be drinking eight glasses of water, going for a 20-minute walk, or prepping your meals for the week. Small wins build momentum.
• Develop a “Just Start” Habit: On the days you don’t feel motivated, commit to just five minutes of action. Whether it’s working out or preparing a healthy meal, starting is the hardest part. Once you begin, it’s easier to keep going.
• Seek External Inspiration: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Follow individuals on social media who motivate you to be better, or listen to a podcast that challenges your thinking. Sometimes, we need that external push to fuel our internal drive.

As you reflect on these five lessons, remember that tough times will come and go. It’s how you navigate them that defines your future success. You ever feel like life’s just messing with you? Ask yourself: What lessons are you learning from your current challenges?

Summary:

Tough times are like unexpected curveballs that life throws at you, but they can teach valuable lessons. First, prioritize your health—it's your greatest asset. You control how you respond to adversity, so focus on positive actions rather than complaints. Challenges are opportunities for growth, helping you become stronger and wiser. Giving more, whether time or support, can also keep you grounded during hard times. Lastly, motivation doesn’t just happen—you create it by taking action. Embrace these five lessons to navigate tough times, grow, and come out stronger on the other side.

Have a great day,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online longevity personal trainer, or you want to visit the best age-management personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.