Kick discouragement in the teeth when it knocks on your door

I wake some mornings draped in a wet blanket of despair. I’ve worked hard over the last few years developing my writing craft and striving to produce valuable content, yet struggle to gain traction.

What am I doing wrong?

The secret is like cracking the DaVinci Code.

Once upon a time, I would’ve worn this blanket of despair all day, wrapped in it when I retired to bed, allowing it to drain any feelings of self-worth. But God rescued me a few years ago by showing me who I am in Christ. So, I tossed away and trampled on the blanket and decided to write this article on the five ways I battle discouragement now.

5 ways to battle discouragement and win your freedom

1 — Remember your purpose

Purpose is the true north that guides you through life. More times than I care to admit, I lose my way on the road, and I have to ask Siri to get me back on track. The next time you’re discouraged, ask yourself, “What is my purpose?”

This morning, I reminded myself that God created me to write, not gain followers, so I got busy with it.

Of course, you need to know your purpose. If you struggle with this, here are 12 steps to help you discover your purpose.

2 — Take action

Our response to discouragement determines our destiny. I was emotionally affected by poor results, but was lying around in a cold, wet blanket all day going to improve my outcomes? Of course not. Self-pity only breeds more discouragement.

Good writing done consistently over time should attract followers, and if not, I’m compensated with the pleasure of doing what God created me to do.

We can only control the inputs, not the outcomes, but a law of nature says you reap what you sow.

So, get out of bed, stop feeling sorry for yourself, and take action.

3 — Go for a walk

You can also jump on a rebounder, exercise bike, or elliptical machine while listening to praise music or your happy Spotify playlist. Pop in your earbuds and tune into a podcast or Audible book related to your professional interests.

Exercising the willpower to combat discouragement with an equal and opposite reaction will push you onward.

Get out of your head. Change the scenery. Activate your endorphins.

4 — Phone a friend

I hope you have an Arthur who encourages you when you’re down. Arthur has become more than a friend over the last 30 years; he is a brother. We speak candidly to each other, but the truth is always spoken in love, never intended to tear down, and we encourage each other. He’s the first person, besides my wife, to tell me to stop feeling sorry for myself because God chose me and loves me.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says,

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.

We all need a hand at times, pulling us out of ditches of despair and patting us on the back. Give yours a call the next time discouragement shows up.

5 — Commit a random act of kindness

Shift the focus from your problems and help someone else. Feeling sorry for yourself is virtually impossible while mowing your elderly neighbor’s lawn.

Jesus said in Luke 6:38,

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Help others, help yourself. That’s a good battle plan to fight discouragement.

Fight the battle for your freedom from discouragement

We have ground to claim, goals to achieve, and victories to celebrate. We don’t have time to spare or energy to waste on self-pity and discouragement. Remember these five ways to kick discouragement in the teeth — remember your purpose, take action, exercise, phone a friend, and lend a helping hand.

You’ll be recharged and marching toward your dreams again.

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