If you’re like me, and most people, you’ve probably experienced some form of adversity in your life. Whether it’s financial struggles, self-doubt, physical injuries, or loss of loved ones, life can be really tough. It can feel easier to simply give up or revert to unhelpful patterns when circumstance feels impossible. 

What if there was a way to manage the parts of life that feel unmanageable? That’s where the GOLDEN method comes in. This six-step process will help you overcome yourself and navigate life’s challenges with grace and skill. 

When these 6 steps are used you can become the gold medalist of your life:

1. Grieve any losses or setbacks
2. Observe what has worked in the past
3. Love and care for ourselves
4. Determine our purpose and motivations
5. Enjoy the process of growth and learning
6. Know our own worth

Overcoming Ourselves and Navigating Life’s Challenges

In order to keep this post concise, I will refrain from sharing my entire personal story at this time, but will instead focus on sharing the relevant parts in future posts. For now, I’d like to introduce the GOLDEN Method so that you can begin considering how it may apply to your life or areas where you wish to make improvements.

Personally, I am someone who loves to plan. I meticulously plan out my days, weeks, months, and even years ahead. However, having gone through cancer, I now understand that plans often do not unfold as expected.

I have a personal saying that “The human heart plans the way, but God directs the steps.”

While my interpretation of this has evolved over time, I still firmly believe in its truth. Though we may not always know what lies ahead for us, our dreams, or our goals, with the right skills and actions, we can thrive.

One of the keys to overcoming adversity is to live skillfully which is all about being mindful, present, and purposeful. But when our lives are uprooted or drastically changed, how do we continue to live in the moment? How do we overcome adversity and move forward? It begins with overcoming ourselves and our inner obstacles; the GOLDEN Method is a formula to do just that.

Defining Adversity: What It Is and How It Impacts Your Life

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to define what adversity is and how it might be impacting your life. You may think that you haven’t faced any real adversity because you have all your limbs, but the truth is, adversity comes in many forms. It could be financial insecurity, self-doubt, physical injuries or illnesses, loss of loved ones, or the challenges posed by COVID lockdowns and beyond.

From personal experience, I know that some adversity can be overcome with time and effort, while others may never fully disappear (I’m looking at you, disability). Some challenges are like the ebb and flow of the ocean, with good days and bad days. But regardless of the adversity you’re facing, I believe the steps to move through it are the same.

In my upcoming blog posts, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned to be true. Some of it may resonate with you, some may be entirely new, and some may not be relevant to your situation. My only request is that you keep an open mind because I believe that we hear the right messages at the right time, and there may be a message waiting for you ahead.

When all of the components of the GOLDEN Method align, you become the gold medalist of your life. I truly believe that this method has helped me become the athlete, mother, friend, wife, and entrepreneur I am today. So, let’s dive in and start exploring how it can work for you.

The GOLDEN Method: A Six-Step Process for Becoming the Gold Medalist of Your Life

G: Grieve any losses or setbacks: Take time to mourn the person you once were, the person you may never be, the goals and experiences you didn’t achieve, and the losses you’ve held onto. Through grieving, you can let go and move forward.

O: Observe what has worked in the past:Reinventing your life doesn’t mean reinventing yourself entirely. Instead, learn how to take the tools, values, and identities you love and apply them to this new chapter of your life.

L: Love and care for ourselves: Hold space to love yourself, because when you do, you take the steps necessary to improve your life and future. Find self-care and self-soothing tools, routines, and habits to come back to.

D: Determine our purpose and motivations: Finding a reason to live beyond yourself can give you more motivation than you realize. Your “why” is your purpose, and while it may shift, it’s important to have one to keep moving in a direction you can be proud of.

E: Enjoy the process of growth and learning: When the process is the focus, progress happens. Goals are important, but if they don’t bring you happiness, they’ll fail you. Find joy in the journey, and it won’t matter where you end up, because life has been worth living.

N: K(n)ow our own worth. You’re worthy as you already are. This final step is crucial, because the biggest challenge in life may be seeing yourself as already enough. Don’t change because you need fixing; change to elevate your experience.

How to Apply the GOLDEN Method to Your Life

If you’re still unsure how to apply the GOLDEN Method to your own situation, here are some examples:

Financial insecurity: Grieve the financial stability you once had or the security you wish you had. Observe what financial tools and habits worked for you in the past and which ones you need to let go of. Love yourself enough to set achievable financial goals and make a plan to achieve them. Determine your why for achieving financial stability, whether it’s to support your family or pursue your dreams. Enjoy the process of budgeting, saving, and investing in your future. Know your worth beyond your financial situation, and don’t define your value based on your income or assets.

Relationship breakup: Grieve the relationship you once had and the plans you had for your future together. Observe what aspects of the relationship worked well and which ones were unhealthy. Love yourself enough to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being. Determine your why for moving on, whether it’s to find a healthier relationship or focus on personal growth. Enjoy the process of rediscovering yourself, trying new things, and meeting new people. Know your worth beyond your relationship status, and don’t define your value based on whether you’re single or in a relationship.

Career setback: Grieve the job or career path you once had or the opportunities you missed out on. Observe what skills and experiences you gained from your previous job or career and which ones you need to improve or develop. Love yourself enough to take time to reflect on what you want in your career and set achievable goals. Determine your why for pursuing a particular career path, whether it’s to make a positive impact on others or to fulfill your passions. Enjoy the process of learning new skills, networking, and exploring different career options. Know your worth beyond your job title and avoid defining your value based on your salary or job status.

Moving Forward with the GOLDEN Method

In conclusion, the GOLDEN method offers a comprehensive approach to overcoming adversity in your life. It is a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, there is always a way forward. By embracing each step of the GOLDEN formula, you can empower yourself to transform your circumstances and create a brighter future.

Remember that adversity is a universal experience, and it is okay to ask for help along the way. In the upcoming blog posts, we will provide practical tips and examples to help you apply the GOLDEN method to your unique situation. So, take a deep breath, hold space for what’s to come, and get ready to become the champion of your own story.