Life challenges come and go. Some are easy to overcome and some take more effort getting through. The question, though, is how do we face a challenge? Do we often cower away? Do we look at it square in the face and tell it to come show us what it brings? There is still so much uncertainty around us as the world continues to battle an evolving pandemic. The economy is shrinking, hospitals are in full capacity, and schools are shutting down. While it may look like 2021 is going to be as challenging as last year, we can condition ourselves to be prepared for anything that comes our way. We can focus on shaping our mindsets to face the challenges headstrong.

Challenges are a part of life. It’s a given we will encounter many. Life in itself is a never ending obstacle course. We go through ups and downs, from the smallest dilemmas to the most unexpected trials. Perhaps, we didn’t expect the pandemic that made the world stop. Having the right mindset is principal to successfully overcoming obstacles like this. However, we first have to accept that challenges are inevitable. Reaching the end-goal of our journey is just as complex as finding one’s purpose in life.

Our minds are incredibly powerful. Within it, we hold the ability and potential to accomplish many things. We often don’t understand the nature of human resilience. In fact, it can easily be overlooked and underestimated. How we train our minds is integral to facing challenges. If we can divert our attention to focus on our objectives, we can be unstoppable. Think of it like ticking boxes on a grocery checklist. It’s a step-by-step process.

The core idea of resilience is understanding what you are feeling and why. As adults, this concept can be easier to grasp, but how do we project such an image to our children? It’s okay to allow ourselves to be afraid of outcomes, but we also have to reinforce a positive outlook. Tough times can be stressful but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. For instance, recall the story of the rabbit and the turtle. It’s obvious that the rabbit is faster by design, but the turtle’s resilience pivoted the story. Going through life challenges is about embracing the idea that you will come out of it stronger and tougher than before.

As a parent, there are a couple of things you can focus on to achieve this.

Appreciate the journey. Growth mindset is the heart and soul of UK Virtual School. Everything that we do is a collaborative effort between the parents and the school. Growth mindset is steering away from the idea that the finish line is the be-all and end-all. It’s how you lived the experience. Instilling a growth mindset means focusing on the journey, the effort, and the learning process.

Change the way you perceive a situation. We’ve heard the expression “Is the glass half empty or half full?” which compares optimism and pessimism. We are used to looking at challenges from our own perspective that we sometimes fail to see the bigger picture. We have to retreat, step back, and zoom out. This way, we are allowing our minds to take control of our narratives. Try to work on looking at the bright side of the coin. Appreciate the blessings that came despite the pandemic and lockdown. Did you grow closer as a family? Did you realise that homeschooling is the best option for your children? Did you find an amazing online community and a second family in UK Virtual School?

Let go of the things that don’t serve you. It’s completely fine to feel like you’ve been a victim, but do not cage yourself in an endless victim mentality cycle. Empower yourself to walk away. Sometimes, walking out is the strong thing. Setting ourselves free from inhibitions allows us to move forward to greater things.

Challenges are only difficult when others tell us they are. Playing with perception is significant in overcoming obstacles. The year 2021 may test us in the most unexpected ways, but we can always withstand any adversity and come out stronger than ever. Demonstrate resilience and watch children follow your footsteps.