Why Solopreneurs Procrastinate and How to Push Play on Your Purpose
From Struggle to Strength: Why Dark Times Are Key to Transformation, S2 E3
From Struggle to Strength: Why Dark Times Are Key to Transformation, S2 E3
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Have you ever been told, "It’s going to be okay," during a tough time, only to find those words unhelpful or even frustrating? The truth is, those words are often exactly what we need to hear. Even if you don’t believe it in the moment, it can still be true. That’s called grace—the unearned favor that carries us through even when we struggle to see the light ahead. Sometimes, when you’re deep in a dark moment, optimism can feel like a distant dream. But what if I told you that the dark times—those moments of deep dissatisfaction, struggle, and uncertainty—are not only necessary but also the key to unlocking the best version of yourself?
Dissatisfaction is a creative space. It’s where transformation begins, where we’re forced to confront our challenges, and where growth takes root. In today’s post, I want to share my thoughts on why we should be grateful for the dark times, how those struggles serve as opportunities for growth, and how they shape the authentic self we are meant to become.
So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into the lessons we can find in life’s hardest moments.
Dark Times Are Opportunities for Creation
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to fall into despair and wonder, Why me? But in truth, dissatisfaction is not the enemy—it’s an invitation. It’s a call to reevaluate, restructure, and redesign.
In my experience, dark times can feel like the ultimate chiseling process. Imagine a sculptor standing in front of a block of marble. The sculptor chips away piece by piece, sometimes aggressively, to reveal the masterpiece hidden inside. That’s exactly what life does to us during those moments of hardship.
Instead of resisting the chisel, we can embrace it. These difficult experiences help carve away the parts of us that no longer serve our growth, making space for the person we are meant to be. The struggles we face are purposeful, preparing us for the evolution we’re about to step into.
Be grateful for those who don’t agree with you, how you think, or what you do. Experiencing that feeling of rejection can be tough, but here’s the gift: if it doesn’t stop you from what you’re saying, believing, or doing, now you know how strongly you feel about the matter. It reveals your true conviction and strengthens your resolve. Pay attention. Be grateful for the rejections, disappointments, betrayals, failures, and losses—they force you to figure out another way, a better way, and a way that better represents who you are now and who you are growing into.
A Personal Example: Losing Everything
Let me share a personal story that highlights this idea of transformation. One of the darkest times in my life was when I lost everything. I was left with a blank canvas for my future while being haunted by the debt and financial habits from my past. It was a moment of complete uncertainty and deep reflection. I realized that if I wanted to move forward, I needed to not only change my circumstances but also completely overhaul my mindset and habits.
But one day, during one of those dark financial moments, I decided to approach my situation differently. I asked myself: What system can I create to prevent this pattern from repeating? That question shifted everything. Instead of focusing on the problem, I focused on the solution.
I developed a financial system that worked for me, including tracking expenses, planning payments, and shifting my mindset about money. It wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of setbacks along the way, but I stayed committed. That dark financial moment became the turning point for how I manage money today. It taught me discipline, accountability, and how to align my actions with my goals.
Shifting Your Perspective
The key to navigating dark times lies in perspective. Instead of asking, Why is this happening to me? try asking, What is this teaching me? Every struggle carries a lesson, and it’s up to us to find it.
Here are three steps to shift your perspective during challenging moments:
Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to acknowledge what you’re feeling without judgment. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions and identifying patterns.
Identify the Lesson: Ask yourself, What can I learn from this experience? Sometimes the lesson is about resilience, discipline, or letting go of what no longer serves you.
Focus on Action: Instead of staying stuck in the problem, think about one small step you can take toward a solution. Remember, progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to move you forward.
The Role of Pain in Transformation
The level of pain we experience in dark times can feel unbearable. But pain has a purpose: it forces us to choose. When the pain is too much to bear, you will either break down or break through. It’s all based on what you want to do. If you want more, go get more. You know it won’t be easy. The last I checked, that wasn’t even the point.
Pain is the chisel that shapes us, and it’s our choice whether we resist it or allow it to transform us. Live—it's the greatest gift to God, as God gave you life.
Becoming Your Authentic Self
One of the greatest gifts of dark times is how they push us toward authenticity. When life strips away what’s unnecessary, it reveals the core of who we are. It forces us to confront our values, our habits, and our vision for the future.
The ultimate goal isn’t just to survive the dark times—it’s to emerge from them as the most authentic version of yourself. That’s what the chiseling process is all about. Every struggle, every setback, every moment of doubt serves a purpose: to help you become the person you’re meant to be.
As I reflect on my own journey, I’m reminded of the story of the Golden Buddha. For years, the Buddha was covered in clay to protect it from invaders. No one knew the gold was beneath the surface until a crack appeared, revealing the treasure within. That’s what dark times do for us—they break away the clay, the external layers, and show us the gold that was always there.
The truth that our struggles have meaning, that our pain is purposeful, and that we are here to live fully and authentically.
Take Action: Gratitude for the Dark Times
Here’s a challenge for you: Reflect on a dark time in your life that ultimately led to growth or transformation. Write it down. What did you learn? How did it shape the person you are today? Sharing these reflections can be incredibly empowering and help you see the purpose in your struggles.
If you’re ready to take it a step further, join the MYB Community. It’s a space where we share, learn, and grow together. Whether you’re navigating a dark time or celebrating a breakthrough, you’ll find support and encouragement to keep moving forward.
This is your invitation to reimagine your life. Evaluate where you are, keep what works, and let go of what doesn’t. Adopt new character traits while relinquishing old ones, make amends where needed, and develop the habits that will serve the person you want to become. Whether it’s creating new financial habits, starting an online business, or building a fulfilling life, our community is here to support you every step of the way.
The dark times in life are not obstacles—they are opportunities. They’re the moments that challenge us to grow, evolve, and become our most authentic selves. As painful as those moments may feel, they serve a perfect purpose in our lives.
Remember, dissatisfaction is a creative space. It’s where transformation begins and where the seeds of your future self are planted. So, the next time you find yourself in a dark moment, pause and remind yourself: This is part of my evolution.
Be grateful for the chisel. Be grateful for the struggle. And most importantly, be grateful for the person you’re becoming.
Let’s keep creating, together.
Ready to start designing your life? Begin with clarity. The MYBeginning Assessment is a powerful tool to help you evaluate where you are today and identify the areas that need attention. It’s the first step toward creating a life you love.
Join our community at JoinMYB.com to access the assessment and connect with like-minded individuals who are on the same journey. Together, we’ll explore, create, and dominate every area of life.
Conclusion
Experiencing the creation isn’t just a concept—it’s a practice. It’s about showing up for your life every day, aligning with your vision, and taking intentional action to create a life that serves you. Remember, the journey starts with you.
So, are you ready to create?
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From Struggle to Strength: Why Dark Times Are Key to Transformation
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