How Do I Deal with Adversity? 💪✨

Following up on my previous post

I’ve received a flood of DMs asking how I handle adversity.

To be honest, I’m not always the best at it! 😅

When stress hits, my heart races, emotions run high, and I tend to rush things.

But let me share my approach using a simple formula:

SECURITY + CHANGE + HOPE 🌈

Having experienced countless ups and downs—including several rounds of layoffs

I’ve witnessed the good old days in Hong Kong when money flowed easily (before 2021)

and now the current downturn that began in 2023.

In 2023 I felt overwhelmed 😩

With no one hiring, my tenant moving out, and my new rental costs piling up, I even faced temporary hair loss from the stress!

⏰ I worked around the clock, but nothing seemed to change.

1. SECURITY 🛡️

I had to adjust my mindset.

I prepared myself for the possibility of being fired at any moment if the economy continued to worsen.

So I drafted a financial backup plan, calculating my minimum monthly expenses and comparing them with my current passive income.

In 2023, I was still 30% away from my financial freedom goal.

After crunching the numbers, I brainstormed freelance gigs and alternate job options for if I faced unemployment.

This backup plan gave me a sense of security and sparked hope 💡

2. CHANGE 🔄

I realized that my sell side clients weren’t bringing in money as they used to, so it was time to pivot to more lucrative opportunities.

I also needed to revamp my personal brand to stand out in a competitive market.

3. HOPE 🌟

Fast forward two years—I’m still “surviving”!

LinkedIn has been a beacon of hope for me.

🌟 Teaching and speaking at universities and organisations has reinvigorated my motivation.

Receiving DMs from followers, clients, and candidates thanking me energises me to push through this long “winter” ❄️

Seeing my savings grow over the past two years has also made me feel more secure

💰 Plus I’ve learned to budget better and cut unnecessary spending, which has significantly reduced my stress levels.

If you’re facing stress and adversity right now, I encourage you to take a moment tonight to reflect on these steps:

- Find your source of SECURITY 🛡️

- Identify how to CHANGE 🔄

- Cultivate HOPE 🌈

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Please comment below with your methods for dealing with adversity.

Let’s learn from each other! 🙌

🔖 I wrote a guide on how to fix your LinkedIn & CV in 1 Day in case you are considering your next plan:

Recent Posts