When Life Knocks You Down: How to Rise Again and Keep Moving Forward

Adejoke Ogundipe
5 min readMar 3, 2025

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Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash

Hey famz, we’ve all been there, right? Life hits hard sometimes, and when it does, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

Whether it’s a setback, a disappointment, or an unexpected turn of events, those down moments can leave us questioning everything. But here’s the thing what do you do when you’re down?

The first thing to understand is that feeling down is part of being human. It’s okay to feel low sometimes. It’s okay to acknowledge that things aren’t always going the way we planned. But the key question is, What do you do next? How do you bounce back and keep moving forward when everything feels heavy?

  1. Embrace the Feelings, But Don’t Stay Stuck
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The first step in rising after a fall is to allow yourself to feel. It’s okay to be upset, frustrated, or even angry. Sometimes, we try to suppress our feelings, thinking that we should always be strong and positive. But honestly, it’s important to honor your emotions. It’s normal to feel down when life throws curveballs.

But while embracing those feelings is necessary, don’t let them define you. Don’t let the negativity take over and keep you in that space longer than you need to be. After a moment of reflection, it’s time to lift your head up and take that first step forward. No matter how small it is.

2. Reframe Your Mindset

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When things aren’t going well, our minds can easily spiral into negative thoughts. But the power of your mindset is real. If you focus on the problem, that’s all you’ll see. But if you shift your focus to the solutions and opportunities, even in the midst of hardship, you’ll start to see a way out.

Reframing your mindset is about finding the lessons in the struggles. What can this experience teach you? What can you learn from it that’ll make you stronger in the long run? Sometimes, the toughest times hold the most valuable lessons.

3. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

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When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to neglect your mental and physical health. But self-care is crucial during challenging times. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a chat with a friend, or just some quiet time to yourself, take the time to nurture your well-being.

Sometimes, when everything feels overwhelming, taking care of your body and mind can provide the clarity and energy you need to get back on track. It’s all about recharging your batteries so you can come back even stronger.

4. Seek Support

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You don’t have to go through tough times alone. Reach out to someone you trust a friend, a family member, or even a mentor. Talking it out can help you gain perspective and feel less isolated. When we’re down, we often feel like we’re the only ones struggling, but the truth is, everyone faces tough times.

Support doesn’t just mean talking about it; sometimes, it’s about simply having someone by your side to remind you that you’re not alone, that better days are coming. You’d be surprised how much strength you can gain from having someone listen without judgment.

5. Take Small Steps Forward

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When you’re feeling down, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of having to fix everything at once. But here’s the thing: progress doesn’t always come in giant leaps. Sometimes, it’s about taking one small step at a time.

Start with something simple, something manageable. It could be as small as getting out of bed, taking a shower, or eating a healthy meal. Little victories add up, and the more you take those small steps, the closer you’ll get to feeling like yourself again.

6. Keep the Vision Alive

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No matter how tough things get, always remember your “why.” Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s your ultimate goal? Keeping your vision alive is a powerful motivator, especially when you’re feeling down.

When life is hard, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals, but don’t let that happen. Take a moment to reconnect with your dreams and remember why you started in the first place. The challenges you’re facing now are just a part of the journey, not the end.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

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Sometimes, when you’re feeling down, you forget to celebrate the little wins along the way. But even the smallest of achievements deserve recognition. Whether it’s finishing a task, having a productive day, or simply getting through a tough moment — celebrate it.

Small wins add up and build momentum. They remind you that you’re still moving forward, even when the road feels rough. So take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come, no matter how small the steps may seem.

8. Trust the Process

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Finally, trust that what you’re going through is part of a bigger picture. Even when things aren’t making sense, trust that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, life has to push us down so we can rise higher than before.

Trust that better days are coming. Trust that you’re being shaped and molded into someone stronger, more resilient, and more capable of handling what’s next.

Being down doesn’t define who you are; it’s just a phase, a part of your journey. It’s okay to feel hurt, to feel defeated, and to need time to process. But don’t forget this too shall pass.

Life has a funny way of pushing us through hard times, and it’s in those moments that we discover how truly strong we are.

So, the next time you’re feeling down, remember: it’s not about staying down it’s about how you rise. Keep pushing, keep growing, and keep believing in yourself. The best is yet to come.

Now tell me, famz what do you do when you’re feeling down? What helps you rise again? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Thank you for joining in today, do have a great week ahead.

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Adejoke Ogundipe
Adejoke Ogundipe

Written by Adejoke Ogundipe

Tech innovator, finance strategist, and growth enthusiast—exploring ideas, building solutions, and inspiring change.

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