The Power of Positivity: How a Positive Attitude Helped Me Overcome a Challenge

I was asked, “How do you overcome the negative things?”

Life is full of challenges—some small, some life-changing. While we can’t always control the difficulties we face, we can control how we respond to them. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that a positive attitude can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles. It doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is fine, but rather approaching difficulties with resilience, hope, and the belief that things can get better.

I experienced this firsthand when I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life: the loss of my home and health because of contractor error.  At first, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged, but by shifting my mindset and embracing positivity, I was able to push through the hardship and come out stronger than before.

The Challenge: Waking up to 12″ of water in my home

In 2008, I hired a contractor to do some work on our home. I had my dream home on top of a mountain with 40 mile views. I needed to get the work done to comply with regulations. I hired a contractor. He did the work.

At 2 AM, one of my daughters came up the stairs to tell me there was was a foot of water in the lower living area. Over the next year, we did all we could to mitigate the damage. No insurance covered it. 

At first, I struggled with negative thoughts. What if it doesn’t work? What do I need to do? How do I fix it?  These doubts and fears consumed me, making it even harder to stay motivated. But I quickly realized that if I wanted to make things better, mentally—I had to change my mindset. That’s when I made a conscious decision: instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I would focus on what I could do.

Embracing a Positive Attitude

1. Focusing on What I Could Control

One of the first shifts in my mindset was realizing that I couldn’t change the situation itself, but I could control how I responded to it. I couldn’t speed up the repair process, but I could follow my plan diligently. I couldn’t immediately get back in the house right away, but I could do other things. 

By directing my energy toward what was within my control, I felt more empowered and less overwhelmed. I set small, achievable goals— Each milestone, no matter how small, was a victory that fueled my motivation.

2. Practicing Gratitude

It’s easy to dwell on what we’ve lost when facing a challenge, but a positive attitude comes from appreciating what we still have. Instead of focusing on what the damage took away from me, I started practicing gratitude for the things I could still do.

I reminded myself that I had access to some money, that I had supportive friends and family cheering me on, and that my body was still capable of working. Every day, I made a habit of writing down three things I was grateful for. This simple practice helped shift my focus away from frustration and toward appreciation, which made a huge difference in my overall outlook.

3. Using Positive Self-Talk

The way we talk to ourselves during difficult times matters more than we realize. In the beginning, my inner dialogue was filled with negativity—This is so unfair. I’ll never be the same. I can’t do this. But once I started replacing those thoughts with positive affirmations, I noticed a huge change in my mindset.

Instead of saying, I can’t do this, I started telling myself, I am strong, and I will get through this. Instead of thinking, This recovery is taking too long, I reminded myself, Every day, I’m making progress. These small shifts in language had a powerful impact on my motivation and confidence.

4. Surrounding Myself With Positivity

Attitude is contagious, and I knew that if I wanted to stay positive, I needed to surround myself with supportive and uplifting people. My family and friends encouraged me, and reminded me of my progress, and I sought out stories of others who had overcome similar challenges. (Honestly, there were not a lot, but I looked.)

I also made an effort to engage in activities that lifted my spirits—listening to upbeat music, watching motivational videos, and reading inspiring books. These small habits kept my mind in a positive space, even on the days when recovery felt slow.

The Results: Overcoming the Challenge

Months of hard work, patience, and persistence eventually paid off. My breathing grew stronger, I regained my strength and before I knew it, I was back on the field doing what I loved. Looking back, I realize that everything wasn’t just about house—it was about mental resilience.

Had I given in to negativity, I might have skipped out, given up on progress, or let frustration take over. But by choosing to stay positive, I not only recovered but also grew in ways I never expected. I learned patience, gratitude, and the incredible power of mindset in shaping our reality.

Why a Positive Attitude Helps Us Overcome Challenges

My experience taught me a valuable lesson: positivity isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles. Here’s why a positive attitude makes such a difference when facing challenges:

• It Shifts Your Focus – Instead of dwelling on the problem, positivity helps you look for solutions and opportunities for growth.
• It Boosts Resilience – Challenges will always be part of life, but a positive mindset helps you bounce back faster and stronger.
• It Improves Motivation – When you believe in yourself and your ability to overcome difficulties, you’re more likely to take action and stay committed.
• It Enhances Overall Well-Being – Studies have shown that optimism is linked to lower stress levels, better health, and increased happiness.

No matter what challenges come our way, our mindset determines how we navigate them. By embracing positivity, we give ourselves the best possible chance to overcome difficulties and come out stronger on the other side.

Closing Thoughts

Life will always throw challenges our way, but how we respond to them is within our control. My journey through injury and recovery taught me that a positive attitude is more than just a mindset—it’s a tool that empowers us to push through difficulties, find solutions, and emerge stronger.

So the next time you face a challenge, remember: focus on what you can control, practice gratitude, speak kindly to yourself, and surround yourself with positivity. You might just find that your toughest moments become your greatest opportunities for growth.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on maintaining a positive mindset, check out these resources:

• The Science Behind Positive Thinking
• How Gratitude Can Improve Your Mental Health
• Ways to Stay Motivated During Tough Times

By choosing positivity, we don’t just overcome challenges—we transform them into stepping stones for personal growth and success.

We ended up running out of money. We lost over $180K. The house went to auction and we ended up paying for 5 more years. My wife and I learned a lot. A lot of crazy things happened during that journey. But, mostly I found me.