Light at the End of the Tunnel: How to Tell That Your «Black Streak» Is Ending?
When a crisis hits our lives, it feels like it will last forever. Each new day brings new problems, and we start to lose hope that things will ever get better. In this state, it's easy to succumb to despondency and apathy. We get so used to the bad that we don't notice the situation starting to change for the better. But the end of any black streak always begins with small, non-obvious signals. It's like the first rays of sun breaking through the clouds after a long storm. And to use these rays to start a new, happy life, you have to learn to see them.
From a psychological point of view, our "black streak" is not just a series of failures, but a specific life cycle. And like any cycle, it has a beginning, a development, and an end. Our psyche, accustomed to negativity, may not notice positive changes for a long time. We might see good events as a coincidence or a temporary lull before a new storm. But if you learn to see these signals and interpret them correctly, you can not only speed up the process of getting out of the crisis but also use it for your personal growth.
It's important to understand that the end of a black streak is not a sudden miracle but a systematic process. It's like unraveling a tangled knot: first you unravel one knot, then another, and only then does the whole knot come undone. Recognizing these first signs will help you take the initiative and start actively working on your future.
Three Non-obvious Signs That Your "Black Streak" Is Coming to an End
Beyond the obvious external events (for example, getting a new job or resolving a conflict), there are more subtle, internal signals that indicate you're getting out of the crisis.
- You start to notice small joys. When we're in a deep crisis, we see the world in black and white. We stop noticing the beauty around us: a sunny day, a delicious coffee, a kind word from a stranger. If you suddenly catch yourself being happy about a small thing, that's a very good sign. It means that your psyche is starting to recover and is returning to a positive perception of the world.
- You feel a surge of energy and motivation. In the midst of a crisis, we feel completely drained. Every action requires enormous effort from us. If you suddenly feel a desire to do something, even if it's something very simple—tidy up the apartment, go for a walk, or call an old friend—that's a very good sign. It means that your internal resources are starting to recover, and you're ready for new achievements.
- You start thinking about the future. When we're in a crisis, we live in the present or the past. We only think about our problems or what we did wrong. If you suddenly find yourself thinking about the future—starting to plan a vacation, thinking about new projects, or just dreaming—that's a very good sign. It means that you have stopped being a prisoner of your past and are ready to move forward.
These signals may seem insignificant, but they are the first signs of big changes. The ability to see and appreciate them is the key to a quick exit from the crisis.
How to Use These Signs to Get Out of a Crisis?
Recognizing the signs is only half the battle. To use them to get out of a crisis, you need to start acting. Here are a few practical steps.
1. Write Down Your Small Victories
Every evening before bed, write three small positive events from the day in a journal. It can be anything: "I got enough sleep," "I caught the bus on time," "I got a compliment." This simple practice will help you reprogram your brain from negative thinking to positive thinking. You will notice more and more good things, and this will strengthen your self-belief.
2. Maintain Your Energy
When you feel a surge of energy, don't waste it on empty things. Use it to do something important for yourself. It can be anything: exercise, tidy up the house, start learning something new. Each of these actions will strengthen your self-belief and give you additional energy for new accomplishments.
3. Start Planning Your Future
Take a piece of paper and write down your dreams and goals. Don't think about how you will achieve them; just write them down. They can be both grand goals and something simple: "Go to the sea," "Read a book," "Find a new job." Simple planning will help you feel that you are not a victim of circumstances but the creator of your own life.
4. Share Your Successes
Tell your loved ones about your small victories. This is not boasting but a way to reinforce a positive experience and get support. This will help you feel that you are not alone in your struggle and that there are people nearby who believe in you.
The end of a black streak is not just a return to a normal life. It's an opportunity to start a new, happier chapter. And by learning to see the first signs of positive change, you will not only get out of a temporary black streak but also build the life you've always dreamed of.
We've thoroughly explored how chronic failures are not a coincidence but rather a consequence of our perception, which can be changed. We've analyzed its roots and discussed practical steps to overcome them. But what do you do next? How do you translate this knowledge into real changes in your life? I once found myself in a similar situation, where I had a lot of theoretical knowledge, but my life wasn't getting any better. This is what prompted me to create the step-by-step guide «The Labyrinth of Life». This book is a practical guide that will help you not only understand the causes of your failures but also start acting to get out of a «black streak» once and for all and get your life on track. To begin your journey toward change, simply go back to the very beginning, to the «Introduction» section.
