Solutions Vs Coping Strategies: Whats The Difference

Life can feel like a wild sea sometimes. You think you’ve got smooth sailing, but then the clouds roll in, and you’re caught in a thunderstorm wondering which way is up. In this episode, I dive into the idea of “stormy weather” as a way to look at life’s challenges. You’ll hear me talk about how these rainy days can teach us more about ourselves than any sunshine ever could.

We spend time discussing how our biggest challenges can wake things within us that we didn’t even realise were there. Maybe it’s old beliefs or shaky self-confidence popping up when the wind howls. We talk about how acknowledging that inner turbulence can be a catalyst for positive change. It’s not about silencing the storm but learning to ride it gracefully. This includes accepting where you are, taking small steps to feel calmer, and seeing the value in each squall.

Understanding the Storm

Have you ever noticed that storms don’t usually last forever? Even though they can be intense, they eventually move on. In life, challenges come in waves too. Recognising that nothing is permanent can give you hope, especially when you’re stuck in a downpour of worry or self-doubt.

What if you looked at your internal storms the same way you look at rain clouds? When the thunder’s loud, it feels permanent. But just as the sky eventually clears, so can your mind and emotions. If it helps, remind yourself that this weather—no matter how bleak—is passing through. We may not control when it ends, but we can decide how we react.

I shared in the episode that one crucial step is simply naming your storm. If you're stressed about work, relationships, or a personal goal, call it out. Give it a label so it’s not lost in a swirl of nameless anxiety. When you put a name to it, you’re telling your mind that you’re aware of it, and awareness is the first step in shifting from chaos to clarity.

How I’m Preparing for Turbulence

Like a sailor stowing gear before rough weather, you can prepare for the mental storms that might blow in. In the podcast, I talk about a few things I’m trying to make sure I’m ready when the sea gets choppy.

• Practising short breathing exercises. A few slow breaths can bring me back from the tempest of overthinking.
• Writing thoughts down. A quick note on paper can keep swirling ideas from overwhelming my head.
• Creating mini-action plans. Having small tasks gives me a sense of control whenever the wind picks up.

These aren’t huge gestures. They’re little anchors that keep me from drifting too far off course. When the boat rocks, I can hold on to these tools and remember I’m not helpless. You might already have your own version of these. If not, give them a try or create something that fits your life better.

Finding Meaning in the Tempest

So many of us (dyslexia in adults) see a storm as purely negative—"Oh no, it’s happening again!"—but storms can clear away old debris. They can make room for new growth, just like heavy rain can wash the streets clean. What if your next storm is a call to examine the stuff you’ve been ignoring?

I mentioned in the episode this idea of turning challenges into reflectors. Instead of going on autopilot, I take a moment to check in. I ask myself: "What story am I telling about this situation, and is it actually true?" Often, I realise I’ve attached some pretty wild assumptions to the wind and rain. Recognising that can help me refocus and see a path to calmer weather.

“When life’s challenges feel like a raging storm, it’s often a sign we need to pause.”

That pause can be the difference between riding out the thunder or getting struck by it. Even if it’s just a few moments of quiet, it can shift your entire perspective. Storms won’t vanish overnight, but a thoughtful pause can keep you steady until you see the first gaps in the clouds.

Riding the Waves and Moving On

Once you’ve named your storm, gathered your tools, and reflected on its deeper meaning, the next step is to keep going. It can be tempting to stay in safe harbour, waiting for everything to be perfect again, but there’s growth in learning to sail through rough waters. You develop resilience and discover capabilities you never saw in yourself.

Try not to label yourself a “failure” just because you get knocked around. We all do. The difference is whether you come back stronger, or you allow the waves to define you. After a storm passes, you might notice a sense of relief and pride that you made it. That’s worth celebrating. It’s also a reminder that you can take on the next challenge with greater confidence.

Sometimes you’ll have to manage a lot of storms in a row. There may be moments when you want to give up or question why you’re even in the boat. But each storm carries a lesson, and all those lessons add up to an internal map that helps you navigate future squalls with more ease. It might feel unfair at times, but keep in mind that even seasoned sailors learn something new on every voyage.

The Big Takeaways

• Identify your challenges. Don’t let them stay vague or nameless.
• Build small habits that keep you steady in rough weather.
• Pause and reflect. A short break can reset your thoughts.
• Look for the lesson in each storm to grow from the experience.
• Celebrate that you made it through—and carry that confidence forward.

If you want to hear the full conversation, the podcast player is right at the top of the page. I’d love to have you join me for a deeper chat about stormy times and how we can use them to grow. There’s power in hearing someone else’s story and realising we’re all in the same boat—just learning to sail.

So, set some time aside and hit play. Take it as a chance to arm yourself with a few extra tools for your next squall. You never know what insight or breakthrough awaits in the depths of these discussions. After all, we can’t always predict when the weather will turn, but we can get better at handling it.