How to Win In Any Adversity: The Warrior’s Mindset That Changes Everything

Adversity is coming. The question isn’t if—it’s when. But here’s the truth: you can either be crushed by it… or sharpened through it.

In The Impossible Life Podcast Ep. 209 | Warrior or Victim: How to Win in Every Adversity with a God-Given Mindset, Garrett and Nick unpack the warrior mindset that allows you to thrive in the very circumstances that were meant to take you out. This episode is more than motivational—it’s a blueprint for transforming pain into progress through faith, clarity, and grit.

“Adversity is not something you go around—it’s something you go through. And how you go through it defines everything.” — Garrett

If you want to win in life, you must learn how to win in adversity.

Adversity Is Inevitable—But How You Respond Is Optional

Life will bring you into battle. Sometimes it’s a consequence of your choices. Sometimes it’s the cost of your calling. And sometimes, like the Israelites or Job, it’s simply part of God’s refining process.

The Israelites wandered for 40 years not because God abandoned them—but because they refused to trust Him in adversity.
They believed the giants were too big.
They forgot who was with them.

“God didn’t lead them out of Egypt to destroy them—He was trying to mature them.” — Garrett

Garrett referenced Zechariah 13:9, where God says:
“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure.”

That’s what adversity does—it reveals what’s real.

Nick broke it down clearly:

• Adversity is an opportunity to grow

• It’s also a test of perspective

• And most importantly, it’s the proving ground of faith

The Two Mindsets: Self-Pity vs. Warrior

There are only two ways to face adversity:

1. Self-Pity Mindset

This is the natural default. It sounds like:

• “Why is this happening to me?”

• “This isn’t fair.”

• “I don’t deserve this.”

Garrett pointed to the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After calling down fire from heaven, Elijah hits adversity—Jezebel wants him dead—and he collapses into self-pity.

“He literally asked God to kill him… right after God had just shown up in fire.” — Garrett

That’s how quickly self-pity can take over when we let feelings lead.

Nick explained that self-pity is a false comfort. It pretends to protect you, but it only paralyzes you.

“Self-pity makes you the victim. And victims never walk in victory.” — Nick

2. Warrior Mindset

This is the mindset of faith.

A warrior doesn’t avoid pain—he leans into it because he knows what it’s producing.
A warrior doesn’t ask “why me?”—he asks “what now?”
A warrior doesn’t complain—he prays, prepares, and presses forward.

“A warrior sees adversity as training, not punishment.” — Garrett

Embracing the Warrior Mindset

Winning in adversity requires spiritual maturity. It requires discipline. And it requires a commitment to truth over comfort.

Here’s what it looks like in practice:

1. Expect Hardship

• James 1:2–4 — “Consider it pure joy when you face trials… because it produces perseverance.”

• Don’t be shocked by suffering. See it as preparation.

2. Choose Faith, Not Feelings

• Feelings are real, but they’re not reliable.

• Truth says, God is with me. God is for me. God will use this.

3. Train in the Dark

• Adversity exposes where you’re weak—so train there.

• Don’t just survive the fire—grow in it.

Garrett emphasized that adversity builds clarity. It strips away fluff. It exposes your foundation. And it gives you the chance to come out stronger, more focused, and more aligned with your calling.

Final Thoughts: Pain Is a Pathway

Adversity isn’t a detour—it’s the path to greatness.

• Joseph faced betrayal and prison

• David ran for his life

• Jesus faced the cross

Every great story includes suffering. But every great outcome is forged through it.

“God doesn’t waste pain. He uses it to shape who you’re becoming.” — The Impossible Life

So here’s the challenge:

• Stop avoiding adversity

• Stop resenting the pain

• Start fighting with faith

Because the battle you’re in might just be the very thing that leads you into your greatest calling.