Life’s toughest challenges can feel overwhelming. The courage to do hard things is not easy but necessary for growth and development.

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood,” says Ralph Waldo Emerson. When faced with a difficult situation, you might ask yourself: Is this worth the risk? Is this worth my time and energy? Am I ready for this challenge?

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility,” says Orson F. Whitney.

All form of life is transformation — a process. And many of those evolutionary changes are not linear. Your perception and interpretation of life determine who you are becoming. Lessons learned through life experiences can help shape your perspective, values, and beliefs.

“I learned a lesson I’d never forget. The lesson was that, when you have setbacks and failures, you can’t overreact to them,” says Angela Duckworth.

If you’ve ever been through a challenging experience (broken relationship, lost a job, divorced, lost a loved one, or been betrayed), these practical pieces of wisdom can help you thrive.

1. Find meaning: Difficult challenges can be overwhelming, but finding meaning and purpose can help you cope. Reflect on what is truly important to you and strive to align your actions with your values.

2. Be flexible and adaptable: Be open to new ideas and be willing to change course if necessary. The ability to adapt is crucial for overcoming obstacles and moving forward.

3. “Once we truly know that life is difficult — once we truly understand and accept it — then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” — M. Scott Peck

4. Focus on what you can control: Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on what you can control and take action to improve them.

5. Keep things in perspective: When facing tough challenges, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and exaggerate the importance of the problem. Try to keep things in perspective, and remind yourself that, while the challenge may seem difficult, it is not the end of the world.

6. Stay resilient: Life’s most demanding challenges can knock you down, but it’s essential to get back up and keep going. Cultivate resilience by focusing on your strengths, learning from your mistakes, and seeking help and support when needed.

7. Embrace change: Life is constantly changing, and being adaptable and open to new opportunities is essential for thriving. Embrace change as a chance to grow and learn.

8. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself. Recognize that everyone goes through struggles, and you must be patient with yourself as you work through them.

9. Seek out positivity: Surround yourself with positive people and things that bring you joy. Focusing on the good things in your life can help you stay motivated and optimistic.

10. Embrace uncertainty: Life is uncertain, and learning to accept it is crucial for your sanity. Embrace the uncertainty and be open to new possibilities.

11. Practice mindfulness: Learn to stay present at the moment. It can also help you better understand yourself and your emotions, which can be valuable in navigating life’s tough roads.

12. Let go of perfectionism: Perfectionism can hold you back and make it difficult to cope in life. It’s important to remember that mistakes and failures are normal, and it’s okay not to be perfect.

13. Prioritise self-care: Taking care of yourself should be a top priority, especially during tough times. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat well to maintain your physical and mental well-being.

14. Reframe negative thoughts: Negative thoughts can hold you back and make it difficult to overcome challenges. Reframe negative thoughts by challenging them with positive and realistic thoughts.

15. Practice forgiveness: Holding onto anger, resentment, and grudges can make moving forward from tough experiences. Practice forgiveness towards yourself and others as it can help to release negative emotions and promote emotional well-being.

16. Learn from even hard experiences: Every experience, whether positive or negative, can be a valuable learning opportunity. Take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences and how you can apply that knowledge in the future.

17. Keep a sense of humor: Laughter and a sense of humor can be powerful tools for challenging experiences. Don’t take yourself too seriously; try to find humor in difficult situations.

18. Practice self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions during difficult times. This self-reflection can help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and how you respond to challenges.

19. You’re going to go through tough times — that’s life. But I say, ‘Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’ See the positive in negative events. — Joel Osteen

20. Cultivate gratitude and appreciation: Focusing on what you’re thankful for can help you maintain a positive outlook. Take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for and appreciate the good in your life.

21. Keep a growth mindset: That means believing you can grow and improve through effort and learning. This mindset can help you to see challenges as opportunities for growth and development.

22. Find inspiration: Find inspiration in others who have faced similar challenges and overcome them. Their stories can provide motivation and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles.

This article originally appeared in Medium.