5 Pieces of Advice That Actually Helped Me Through a Tough Time

We all go through hard times. Maybe it’s a breakup, losing a job, feeling stuck in life, or just not knowing what to do next. I’ve had my share of tough moments. And while not everything helped, a few pieces of advice really stuck with me—and honestly made a difference.

I want to share those with you. These are real things people told me, and they helped me feel stronger, calmer, and more hopeful when things felt like they were falling apart.

1. “Take It One Day at a Time”

When everything feels overwhelming, it’s easy to panic. I used to lie awake at night thinking about all the things that could go wrong tomorrow, next week, or even next year. That’s when someone said, “Just take it one day at a time.”

It sounds simple, but it really works. I stopped trying to solve everything at once. Instead, I focused on just getting through today—doing small things like making my bed, eating a meal, or going for a walk.

Why it helps:

• It keeps your mind from spiraling.
• It helps you focus on what you can control.
• It makes big problems feel a little smaller.

2. “You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out”

I felt behind in life—like everyone else had a plan and I didn’t. I was stressed, comparing myself to others on social media, and feeling like a failure.

Then someone reminded me: “Nobody really has it all figured out. And that’s okay.”

Life isn’t a straight line. People change jobs, move cities, go through breakups, and start over all the time. You’re not behind—you’re just living your own story.

Why it helps:

• It takes the pressure off.
• It reminds you that growth takes time.
• It helps you focus on your path, not someone else’s.

3. “Ask for Help—It Doesn’t Make You Weak”

I used to think asking for help meant I was failing. I didn’t want to bother people or admit I was struggling.

But during one of my hardest moments, I finally opened up to a friend. And guess what? They didn’t judge me. They listened. They helped. And it made everything feel lighter.

Whether it’s talking to a friend, a therapist, or even posting in a supportive online group—reaching out can be the first step toward healing.

Why it helps:

• You don’t have to carry everything alone.
• Talking can clear your mind and ease stress.
• It builds real, supportive connections.

4. “Focus on What You Can Do, Not What You Can’t”

When things go wrong, it’s easy to feel powerless. I would often think, “There’s nothing I can do.” But someone told me to focus on small actions I can take—even if they seem tiny.

For example, I couldn’t fix a big mistake overnight, but I could apologize and learn from it. I couldn’t control how others treated me, but I could set boundaries.

Why it helps:

• It gives you back a sense of control.
• Small steps lead to big changes over time.
• It shifts your focus from worry to action.

5. “This Won’t Last Forever”

In the middle of pain, it feels like it will never end. But nothing stays the same forever—not even the bad stuff.

A mentor once told me, “This is just a chapter, not your whole story.” That stuck with me. Pain doesn’t last forever. Seasons change. You grow. You heal. Things do get better.

Why it helps:

• It gives you hope.
• It reminds you that life moves forward.
• It helps you hold on during the hardest days.

Final Thoughts

Hard times are part of life—but so is getting through them. These five pieces of advice didn’t magically fix everything, but they gave me something to hold onto when I felt lost.

If you’re going through something right now, I hope one of these helps you too. And if you’ve learned something from your own tough times, consider sharing it. You never know who might need to hear it.

You’re not alone. Keep going. Better days are ahead.