Friday, January 2, 2026

The Next Three Years: Hold On, Stay Steady, Endure

In recent years, the world we live in has undergone significant changes.

Even without elaborating, it's clear to everyone: wave after wave of pressure has been rushing into our lives.

A few days ago, I chatted with a friend who runs a restaurant. He said, "These have been the hardest three years I've ever experienced, but also the clearest three years. In the past, I thought about how to resist the difficulties. Now, I've realized that learning how to adapt and find opportunities within challenges is what's truly important."

This statement really hits home.

Dramatic changes in the times are neither something we can decide nor something we can alter with sheer willpower.

So, for ordinary people, how should we navigate the shifting tides and turbulent waves of the world?

My suggestion is simple but essential: Hold on, stay steady, and endure.

1. Hold On

What to Hold On To?

The baseline of life.
Every life has a baseline.
If you can safeguard this baseline under any circumstance—ensuring that it functions smoothly—you'll have built your life and future on an unshakable foundation.

Come what may—storms, upheavals, or crises—you'll still be able to maintain stability and calm.

To hold on to your baseline, focus on these three core areas:

1.1 Health

Your health is the cornerstone of happiness.

Under life's pressures, our bodies often bear the brunt, facing exhaustion and deterioration.

For example, a well-known livestreamer suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage during a broadcast and passed away after eight days of intensive care. Tragically, he'd already noticed signs of discomfort earlier but ignored them. His untimely death left behind aging parents, a grieving wife, and four young children.

When you're middle-aged, your life isn't just yours anymore. Your health is tied to the well-being of your entire family.

Take care of your body—it is the foundation of a happy and stable life.

1.2 Finances

Each year, many people take stock of their finances and realize they haven't saved much. Even giving parents a holiday gift becomes a struggle.

This lack of planning stems from overconfidence in surface-level stability. But one unexpected event—a parent's aging, a child’s illness, or job loss—can throw everything into chaos.

As adults, we must embrace financial responsibility. Learn to save and spend wisely.

You may not achieve financial freedom overnight, but every penny saved is another layer of security for your future.

1.3 Family


"Managing a household is the essence of living. Only when the family thrives can individuals find peace in life."

While we're young, we focus on career ambitions. But as we grow older, we realize that a stable, harmonious family is our greatest source of confidence in facing life's challenges.

  • Don't waste time on trivial family conflicts.
  • Be understanding and forgiving toward loved ones.
  • Remember that family is your refuge, and nothing is more precious than familial bonds.

When your family's hearts are united, external chaos won't feel as daunting.

2. Stay Steady

What to Stay Steady On?

Your rhythm.

The world today changes rapidly. While there used to be room for trial and error, now excessive impulsiveness often leads to greater risks.

Sometimes, those who stay calm and grounded are the ones who last until things turn for the better.

Staying steady doesn’t mean immediate success—it means avoiding losses right now.

Focus on controlling your circumstances, making life more stable, and gathering strength to seize opportunities when they arise.

2.1 Your Mindset

Life is filled with uncertainties, but this has always been true. Just as there are good times, there will also be bad times.

In such moments, maintaining a positive mindset is critical. Trust yourself and be patient with the present.

The essence of a fulfilling life lies not in external circumstances but in your inner peace.

When faced with difficulties:

  • Shift your perspective.
  • Stay composed and practical.
  • Let challenges drive you toward solutions.

You never know when a breakthrough may appear.

2.2 Your Work

Work provides not just a livelihood but a safety net for your family.

A friend of mine, experienced and skilled, recently left a major company, assuming he’d easily find a better position. However, after months of job searching, he discovered that many roles either ignored his applications or offered lower pay and fewer resources.

With no steady income, loans and family expenses quickly became overwhelming.

So, if you have a stable job, treasure it. For most of us, work isn't about dreams or passion—it's about survival and providing stability for those who depend on us.

2.3 Your Actions

In today’s world, where tensions run high, being cautious in behavior is essential.

Avoid unnecessary conflicts, even when provoked. Being rational and composed protects you and your loved ones.

3. Endure

What to Endure?

Life’s storms.

Challenges and uncertainties are part of every era. They push us, test us, and ultimately shape us.


"Life is rarely as we wish, but it’s through pain and struggle that we grow stronger."

Endurance isn’t about finding a way out—it’s about surviving through.

3.1 Loneliness

Many people find their social circles shrinking as they grow older, leaving them feeling isolated.

However, solitude is a necessary stage for self-reflection and growth. Embrace it. When you learn to enjoy your own company, you become more resilient and less reliant on external validation.

3.2 Responsibility

As you age, responsibility becomes inescapable. You must shoulder the demands of work, family, and life’s challenges.

True strength lies in taking on these burdens with courage and perseverance.

3.3 Downturns

Life’s lows can feel insurmountable. Jobs may be lost, efforts may seem fruitless, and crises may appear unending.

But every wound will eventually heal, becoming a source of strength. No matter how tough life gets, push through. Effort and persistence never go unrewarded.

Conclusion

In a world filled with uncertainties, the way forward is clear:

  • Hold on to the essentials—health, finances, and family—as your foundation.
  • Stay steady to weather the storms with calm and patience.
  • Endure challenges to grow stronger and wiser.

The bitterness of life will eventually lead to sweetness if you persist. Keep going—you’ll meet a better life and a better version of yourself.

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The Next Three Years: Hold On, Stay Steady, Endure

In recent years, the world we live in has undergone significant changes. Even without elaborating, it's clear to everyone: wave after ...