Mental Health and Psychology

Here’s How to Increase Adversity Quotient in 6 Steps

We can’t expect everyone to like or agree with us, but it’s possible to improve likeability with authenticity and openness

Dr Mehmet Yildiz
EUPHORIA
Published in
9 min readOct 14, 2022

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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

This article defines the adversity quotient and introduces its benefits. I provide a framework to increase it in six steps with practical tips based on my experience in the field. Paradoxically the body and mind desire comfort, but we grow with discomfort.

What is the adversity quotient, and why does it matter?

The adversity quotient was coined and popularized in the mid-1980s by Dr. Paul G Stoltz. He taught people how to turn obstacles into opportunities. He characterized the adversity quotient as the most crucial factor in achieving success. His studies made him one of the top 100 influencers globally.

The adversity quotient (AQ) refers to gaining abilities to tolerate physical, mental, and emotional obstacles and setbacks and turn them into opportunities. The higher our AQ, the better we can relate to others and adapt to our environment.

Life is full of obstacles and setbacks. I haven’t seen any human beings, animals, or plants that had a life with no problems. Every living…

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Dr Mehmet Yildiz
EUPHORIA

Scientist, Technologist, Inventor, focusing on HEALTH and JOY. Founder of ILLUMINATION, curating key messages for society. Connection: https://digitalmehmet.com