Most people avoid challenges like they are avoiding the plague. Struggle isn’t enjoyable, so it’s natural to avoid it as much as possible. There’s an issue with this strategy: There’s a lot to be gained from the struggle.

There are many aspects to life that are unbreakable or resilient meaning that stress makes them stronger. it means that something does not merely withstand pressure but actually improves because of it.

Whether it’s a ticking clock or a competitive task, there’s a reason why performance improves under pressure – and it mainly comes down to adrenaline. When you’re in a pressure situation, a whole heap of adrenaline is released into your system, which has a number of performance-boosting effects.

“Where there is no struggle there is no strength.” – Frederick Douglas

1.  Pressure makes us better. If we prepare for our times of struggle, through hard work, dedication, and grit. We can rely on that preparation in those times of struggle, to help us be our most innovative and creative in the moment when we feel times of immense pressure.
2.  Pressure challenges us. In times of chaos we are forced to find strategies to overcome adversity. Sometimes making the right decision is not always the easy decision. Are we going to Thrive or Survive in times of crisis? Pressure is an opportunity to grow and improve as leaders.
3. Pressure engages us in life’s journey. We can not enjoy the thrill of victory, with out embracing the ups and downs of the journey. We do not fully appreciate achievement without struggle.

 “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ― Thomas Edison

Struggling is similar in that it makes you better than you were before the struggle.

Consider these benefits of struggling:

• You learn a lot about yourself when you struggle. You don’t learn a lot about yourself while you’re watching a movie for the fifth time from your couch. When life is easy, you have a natural tendency to coast. Any struggle is a test of your will, ingenuity, and perseverance.
• It’s a chance to learn how to use failure. Struggles often end in “failure.” Failure is a powerful tool when used properly. If you never struggle, you never get to practice using failure to your advantage. The most successful people fail a lot. They also know how to use failure to come back better and stronger. You also have the opportunity to learn that failure isn’t as traumatic as you thought.
• You can learn to persevere. The average person won’t struggle very hard, or for very long, before giving up. Any challenging time can be used to increase your perseverance. Success is practically guaranteed if you never give up on your goals.
• Discipline is required. To overcome a challenge, discipline is required. It’s easy to procrastinate when you have to do challenging things. Discipline is needed to do the tough tasks at hand.
• You become mentally stronger. Struggling can make you stronger psychologically. People that have had an easy life tend to be mentally soft. Only those that have faced struggles have had the chance to build mental toughness. Think about someone you know that’s had an easy life. How tough are they?
• Your self-confidence increases. Effectively dealing with struggles makes you feel like you can take on the world. You feel confident and powerful. You gain self-confidence by dealing with adversity.
• Victory is sweeter. Easy victories don’t feel meaningful. The more you struggle, the more you appreciate that success. If you can easily finish a marathon, you just don’t get the same satisfaction as you do when it’s a real struggle to finish the last seven miles.
• You like yourself more. Putting up a good fight is great for your self-esteem, especially if things work out in the end. Just knowing that you were willing to keep going when others would’ve given up is a great feeling. We admire others who persevere through obstacles. You’ll appreciate yourself even more when you overcome those obstacles that try to hold you back.
• Life’s other challenges seem small by comparison. People that never struggle are stressed by small things. Those that have lived hard lives take everything in stride. A little struggle now and then can remind you that your everyday life isn’t so bad after all.

The Struggle is good for you. The old adage,

“That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.”

holds a lot of truth. When you struggle, you grow and become more capable. It can increase your confidence, mental stamina, and appreciation for life.

Be willing to take on challenges in your life. However, be smart and use your energy wisely. Some struggles are more worthwhile than others. Find meaningful struggles in your life to conquer and you’ll enjoy the benefits! See the struggle as a gift!!