“I like to use the hard times of the past to motivate me today.”

Simplified Meaning:

When someone talks about using tough times from their past to push themselves forward today, they mean that they draw strength and inspiration from their previous struggles. Imagine a person who had a challenging time in school and struggled to get good grades. Because of those tough experiences, they now work extra hard in their job to prove to themselves that they can succeed. They remember how hard it was back then and use those memories to keep going, even when things get tough now. Similarly, someone who faced a lot of obstacles when starting a new business might use those memories to stay motivated and keep pushing for success, no matter how difficult the situation is. This approach helps people to see their old challenges as a source of power and determination rather than something to be discouraged by. By remembering how they overcame their past problems, they feel confident that they can handle whatever comes their way today.