On an average day, I feel strong. I’ve endured a lot of emotional tests and trials in my life. Most people have. Everyone gets them. They’re just in different packages suited for each individual’s personal growth needs. That saying

Grow Strength

about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is 100% true. Now I appreciate days that run smoothly. Coasting through can be quite nice, but then there are days and events that require a person to be stronger. Do you crumble under the challenges or rise to the occasion?

When I think of how I’ve developed strength in the past, these 4 things come to mind:

1. Face It Head On

Be relentless and choose to persevere. If you hide behind your fear or challenge, you won’t develop the strength. I’m guilty both of hiding and successful at facing trials. When I am fearful, I may shy away at first, but then I take time to think about situations, how I want to behave and what I want to say. Doing so helps me mentally prepare to face things head on.

2. Journal

Writing it out helps me to flesh out my thoughts and feelings. It’s hard to develop strength when you aren’t sure about what you’re thinking and feeling. This entire blog is my public journal of things I’ve been thinking and feeling. It’s helps me gel my point of view.

3. Confront Personal Conflicts

When your challenge involves another person, take time to think and address the conflict. I’m not suggesting you call out an awkward situation, often these conflicts present themselves with an opportunity for discussion. It’s important for you both to be reasonable and have an open mind. Sometimes it’s also best to go in without a fear of walking away. I give myself permission to leave a discussion because if it gets too heated, you may do the opposite of making progress.

4. Allow Yourself to Feel the Pain of Emotional Trials

If you distract yourself with television or going out all the time, you push the trial to the side. I don’t mean that all the time. Recreational distractions are good for relaxing. I’m just suggesting not going overboard so you never allow yourself to face the things you are feeling. When you open up to the pain, it allows you to nurse the wound and let it heal.

Find Support

Turn to close friends and family who can give you the encouragement and support you need to get past an illness, a job or relationship problem.

All of these things develop your emotional management skills. I’m on and endless journey to grow my emotional strengths. These are some tactics that have helped me be successful in developing strength. I think developing emotional strength is a lifelong journey, so why not make it a successful one.