The Benefits of Adversity in Our Lives

Once you understand the benefits of adversity and why we need it in our lives, then you'll learn how to use it to your advantage and overcome the hardships!

Why do we need adversity in life?

We've all wondered this before. What if there were no hardships or bad luck and we could just think positive all the time? Wouldn't life be so much easier if everything went our way?

Actually, no.

One of the most famous and overused sayings is one that holds real truth: that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

Yet, how many times have you been in the midst of great adversity and wondered if that saying really applies to you?

Personally, I can say that this has been my thought time and time again. I try not to be a negative thinker but when you're in the trenches, your mind can hit some dark places.

After all, you probably feel like your world is completely falling apart. Being told that you will be stronger later may make you want to pull out your hair.

But in reality,

We grow the most when we face challenges. Below are a few of the benefits of adversity and why we need it in our lives:

3 Benefits of Adversity in Our Lives

1. It Builds Character

You learn more about others – and yourself – when the going gets rough. It's far too easy to be at your best when the things are going your way. But it's a whole new ballgame when you are up against something.

When facing hardships, your real character is tested and strengthened. It is during a hard time that you learn about things like humility, determination, and grit.

It is when your back is against a wall that you learn to turn to faith. And it is when you feel like you may lose it all that you learn to survive.

2. It Helps You Appreciate the Good Times

If life were always a bed of roses, how could you appreciate the roses? You would soon forget to notice their beauty and lovely scent, as you would get too used to having them.

And it is the same with various aspects of your life. If you always got what you wanted, when you wanted it, you would become easily bored. And you would also become far too self-reliant.

Adversity helps us appreciate the beautiful things and good times we do have. It's during tough times that families often grow closer together, as they learn to lean on one another. Likewise, when challenges arrive you can clearly see the good things in your life, your marriage, or your career.

3. It Provides Balance

Finally, adversity provides balance in your life. Without some bad to go along with the good, your senses would be completely dulled. You would quickly become unappreciative. You would not have things to work through or dreams to aspire toward.

Adversity helps balance your emotional life, as it provides the necessary opposite to great joy. It keeps life from being flat and forces you out of your comfort zone. Basically, adversity keeps you from feeling like the walking dead.