As the title suggests, this article has a spiritual angle, reflecting a bit of my belief system. But regardless of your own perspective or experience, I encourage you to apply this mindset to any struggle you’re facing. Stress, like time, is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter what your profession, financial situation, or relationships look like—every person is dealing with some kind of challenge at any given moment. Life doesn’t let us coast for long; it seems to take some pleasure in throwing disruptions our way. It’s frustrating, feeling like our minds and lives are never at peace, with chaos constantly swinging in and out. In those moments, it’s easy to ask, “Why is God testing me?” This question implies that God is placing demands on you that seem unfair and unnecessary. But what if we reframed that question? Instead of asking, “Why is God testing me?” ask, “Why is God training me?” We often like the idea of being tested because it gives us a sense of value—but God already knows your value, even when you don’t. There’s no need for Him to test you. However, there is a need to train you. Life is more about being purpose-driven than value-measured, and training prepares us for something greater ahead.
When difficulties arise in your profession, relationships, or personal life, it’s important to shift your focus. If you feel like you’re being tested, you’ll likely seek the quickest solution possible—after all, isn’t that what tests are all about? But when we fail a test, we tend to find ourselves repeating the same challenges over and over. The same can be said for training, but with one crucial difference: training is about preparation. It’s about getting you ready for something bigger. That’s the key—you’re not being tested because you haven’t arrived yet. You’re being trained so that you can arrive. Stop looking at your life and career through a pass/fail lens. Step back and consider what you’ve already accomplished, what you’ve learned, and what new things are in store for you. Then ask yourself: What training do I need to be ready for what’s next? Although I usually write about sales-related topics, this concept applies everywhere if you take the time to reflect on your life. So, look at your current stress and struggles and ask yourself, “What am I meant to learn, and what am I being trained to do?” Here are 5 tips to embrace life’s training:
- Reframe Challenges as Growth Opportunities
Instead of viewing every obstacle as a setback, see it as an opportunity for growth. Ask yourself, “How is this preparing me for what’s next?” - Be Open to Continuous Learning
Training never truly ends. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal development, always seek opportunities to learn something new, even from difficult experiences. - Focus on the Long Game
Don’t get caught up in seeking instant results. True growth and success come from steady progress and the willingness to endure the training that life offers. - Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way
Training is a process, and every small victory counts. Take time to acknowledge how far you’ve come, even if you haven’t reached the final goal yet. - Trust the Process
Understand that you’re being prepared for something greater, even if it’s not clear what that is just yet. Trust that the struggles you’re facing now are laying the foundation for your future success.