How to Push Through Struggles and Become the MVP
Have you ever felt like you’re struggling in life? You’re not alone. We all go through seasons where things seem to be more difficult than usual, where we feel like we’re not performing at our best. But just because you’re struggling, it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
The Struggles Are Real
In recent months, I have not found as much time for personal writing because I have had to spend significant time writing
or editing obituaries and processing grief. Since returning home from back-to-back funerals, it just seems I cannot get my rhythm on track to perform the duties that once seemed so natural for me. Just weeks before, I was high off the launch of my new children’s book, co-authored with my son, Rudy the Smart Kid. The release and book signing were both huge successes. You would think I could somehow keep riding the wave of that, but I couldn’t.
Good Grief
When I returned home from my father-in-law’s funeral, it was just me. My son was back in Houston. My daughter stayed in Louisiana with my parents for the rest of the summer, and my husband returned to work. Everyone was doing what they had to do or wanted to do, but truth be told, I was struggling.
At moments I had thoughts like, “What’s wrong with you? Girl! Get yourself together. If people knew you were here barely getting out of bed or moving around, they’d have something to say.”
Oh, what?! You thought my inner girl was nice to me. No Ma’am! She is very critical, and quite frankly a B^TCH…if I’m just being honest. Yet, somehow, she motivates me and pushes me toward God.
Now, I know I just said “b^tch” and then turned around and brought up God; but can not those two realities exist at the same time? …Ok.
So, as I was saying… Those inner thoughts about my weakness help me to recall 2 Corinthians 12:9 which says,
“But He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Did you read that?
Were you able to comprehend it?
God’s GRACE (His unmerited divine ASSISTANCE (favor, approval, pardon, privilege) given to humans for their REGENERATION (renewal) or SANCTIFICATION (freedom)) …that part…is SUFFICIENT (enough) for us…
…That when we are weak (and acknowledge it) God’s POWER (that worketh in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit) is PERFECTED in us and becomes STRENGTH for us.
Honestly, I could just end right here, because the Word has said everything that it needed to say. However, I will share with you some practical tools to consider and practice when you find yourself uncertain or discouraged about the role you’ve been chosen to fulfill in your season. Hopefully, they will help you find the courage and motivation you need to stay the course and show up consistently as your best self. Here are four tips on how to push through struggles and become the MVP.
Four tips on how to push through struggles and become the MVP:
Learn the Role You’re In Struggles
During times of difficulty, work to shift your mindset away from negative thoughts about yourself. It’s important to understand the role or position you’re in during this season so that you can operate in it more effectively. So, whether you’re the Most Valuable Player (MVP) making the hard moves and sacrifices, or whether you’re just a player on the team doing the best you can to just get by from day to day, know that you are valuable. Your contribution matters, and it’s important to remember that. Don’t let your struggles or temporary stressors make you think otherwise.
Don’t Forgo Connection
Though we may think it at times, none of us can function completely void of others. No matter how absent or insignificant people or things may seem to us at certain points in our life, we can’t do it alone. Every person or encounter we face is uniquely designed to help us to live and thrive more effectively; or to learn lessons to make us better to build both our resistance and resilience. As you operate in your role, don’t become fixated or frustrated with the role others are in or seem to be absent from, even when it seems others aren’t pulling their weight. Focus, instead, on what you’ve been called and equipped to do. Work to understand the purpose of the connection and the value others bring to the table. By doing so, we can build strong relationships that foster growth, resilience, and success both ways.
Don’t Resent Others Who Seem to be Doing Better
It’s easy to resent or feel envious of others who seem to be doing better, especially if they’re in the same field, industry, organization, or family as you. But remember, we’re all in different seasons. Just because someone else is doing well now doesn’t mean you won’t be doing well in the future. Instead of resenting them, learn from them. Ask for advice and guidance, seek mentorship, and most importantly, stay focused on your own journey. Resentment only breeds dysfunction, and dysfunction hinders progress and productivity. Also keep in mind, the grass always looks better on the other side, but sometimes it’s astroturf. And please never judge the success of others by what you see on social media. Most people share what they want others to see. Not everyone shares their complete process or the failures they’ve encountered. Rest assured there will be failures for all of us. How we grow from them is the prize.
Keep Pushing Forward
When we’re facing struggles, it’s easy to consider giving up and losing hope. Know that our struggles do not define us. It’s vital to our livelihood to keep praying and trusting God for what is ahead for us. However, in our natural state, we don’t always have the physical, emotional, or mental capacity to push through adversity. Fortunately, Philippians 3:12-14 gives us some consolation when Paul wrote:
12 I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. 13 Of course, my friends, I really do not[a] think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. 14 So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.
My Sister, keep in mind the quote that says, “Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.” If it seems you’re standing still…keep learning, listening, hoping, dreaming, growing, pressing, and praying. Know that even when the physical gymnasiums no longer serve you, the spiritual gymnasium is still at hand. Believe in God, yourself, and the abilities gifted to you. Walk unafraid in the season that you are in, for your prize will come.
Be Your Most Valuable Player
The MVP is the person who works the hardest, shows up consistently, disciplines themselves, gleans from others, and is unafraid to teach others what they know. Sometimes, MVPs are born, but often they are cultivated. Over time they become better, wiser, stronger, and more resilient. You are built for and capable of carrying the load you’ve been given. King David said, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” In other words, with God’s help, YOU’VE GOT THIS!
You’re the Real M.V.P.
As a final reminder, I’ll conclude with this. Struggles and adversity are a part of life, but those things don’t define who we are or what we can achieve. You have the power to push through and become the Most Valuable Player in your story. So, don’t resent others who seem to be doing better in the moment. Believe in yourself and your abilities and know that your time will come, for your encounter is closer than you think. Remember, yes, you need to know and embrace the role you’re in for this season for there is a prize ahead. However, the overall goal for all of us is to fulfill our purpose, not just to achieve the accomplishments. The accomplishments are just the gifts God allows us to have along the way.
Pleas, feel free to follow these tips, as well as to share them with others. However, remember that though they may be relatable or helpful, nothing substitutes for cultivating a relationship with God and meeting with Him regularly in prayer; especially during times of struggle. Through both prayer and practice, you can overcome your struggles and achieve the success God intended for you from the very beginning. Remember that for YOUR LIFE… “You are the real M.V.P..” ~Dawn 🤗
“I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
#struggles #MVP #pushthrough #believeinyourself #prayer
Thank You!
Thank you for reading my words and my thoughts. If you found “How to push through struggles and become the MVP” helpful, don’t forget to LIKE and leave a COMMENT. Let’s look to share our experiences and strive to restore and cultivate Godly relationships for ourselves and others. Again, feel free to SHARE. Iron sharpens iron. My hope is that all experiences and relationships would be a reflection of God’s love toward us.
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