7 lessons from House of Cards that will make you stronger

1. Endure defeat with courage

At the very beginning of the series, the protagonist is faced with injustice. Frank Underwood helps Garrett Walker win the presidential election, for which he must appoint him Secretary of State. But when he became president, Walker didn’t keep his promise.

Underwood is very wise in this situation. He does not arrange scandals and hysterics, but silently bears the insult. And the same day, he builds a new plan to achieve his goal.

A person's character is not determined by how he or she enjoys victory, but how a person suffers defeat. Pastor

There is a place in life for both victories and defeats. When circumstances do not turn out to be in your favor, do not indulge in despondency. Assess the situation and adapt to the new conditions. Do not give up.

2. Show gratitude with deeds, not words

Underwood surrounds himself with people who are ready to go into fire and water for his sake. But he himself does not remain in debt. For example, he transfers Mitchum's bodyguard from the Capitol Police to the Intelligence Service. This is an incredible rise in his career. In response to the gratitude of his subordinate, Frank said important words:

Continuing to be helpful is the best way to prove gratitude. Frank Underwood

A bit pragmatic, but that's the way it is: what's the use of words, when, by supporting each other with real deeds, you can come to greater success.

3. Don't be naive

Garrett Walker, who at one time did not give Frank a raise, paid for it in full. Due to political machinations of Underwood, Walker lost the confidence of voters: his rating reached a record low level of 8%. The President resigned, and Underwood took his place.

The funny thing is that Walker did not even guess who was behind all these events. Yes, Frank Underwood is not easy to resist in cunning and intrigue. Still, an experienced politician should be more far-sighted.

Better to hold the reins than watch from the podium. Frank Underwood

Of course, you are not the president and you are unlikely to be surrounded by cunning enemies from all sides. But, you must admit, it is unpleasant to become a victim of deception, even if it does not lead to such terrible consequences. Remember folk wisdom more often: trust, but verify. And listen to your own instinct, it rarely fails.

4. Take a break from problems

Claire Underwood runs in any weather. After a hard day's work, her husband sits down to play computer games or plays Monument Valley on his smartphone. They switch their thoughts to something else, and then return to solving the problem with a fresh mind.

The heart can drown out the mind when all the blood rushes to it. Frank Underwood

Disconnecting from problems for a short time is an extremely useful skill. Don't get hung up on work. Run, play, read a book, or lie in silence for half an hour. Find an activity that can help you cope with emotional turmoil.

5. Use fear to get stronger

Doug Stamper is Underwood's main and unconditionally loyal assistant. But he also has his own secret: at one time he was an alcoholic. The addiction returns to him during a difficult period of recovery from injury. Doug drops out of political life.

Only the fear of being completely out of work and without a goal in life gives Doug the strength to cope with addiction and return to the White House.

I must be ruthless with myself. I have to use my fear, only it makes me stronger. Douglas Stamper

By feeling sorry for yourself, you will stay put. Use your fears to move forward. It may be frustrating, but the results will be amazing.

6. Wait for the conditions to change

Remember when US President Underwood tried to persuade Russian President Petrov to participate in a joint peacekeeping operation? After the negotiations, Petrov said his firm "no", the diplomatic agreement was never reached. The Underwood couple left Moscow with nothing.

But when some time passed and the passions subsided, Claire successfully negotiated with the Russian leader at the G7 summit.

If a stormy wind is blowing, there is no point in sailing against the current. Frank Underwood

A firm "no" is a firm "no", in such a situation there is nothing to be done. Accept rejection with dignity. But this does not mean that you need to forget about your goals. When conditions become more favorable, return to her. And then success is inevitable.

7. Take care of the people who are on your side

Claire and Frank are husband and wife, and also the most loyal allies for each other. At least that was until the start of the third season, when Claire went against Frank on the Russian issue.

Frank scolded Claire and made her understand unequivocally that she was nothing without him. The strained relationship between the spouses almost led to the collapse of Underwood in the political arena.

Friends make the most dangerous enemies. Frank Underwood

Frank and Claire by their example showed the best way out of a conflict situation: to seek and find a compromise. Ideally, it is better not to bring the matter to such a point. In partnerships, there are no first and second. The best enemies of close people are obtained for one reason: most often they know you better than you do. Including all your weaknesses.