Admit You Have Problems
The only thing worse than having massive problems is not having any problems at all. Seeking to live problem-free is actually a limiting factor that can inhibit your potential. You see, the bigger the problems you have, the bigger the potential there is. It’s like the young man who asked his mentor, “What’s life’s heaviest burden?” The mentor responded, “Having nothing to carry.”
Author Dr. Malcom Maltz said, “We are built to conquer environment, solve problems, achieve goals, and we find no real satisfaction or happiness in life without obstacles to conquer and goals to achieve.” Big problems are what great people face. Small problems are what average people face. No problems are what lazy people face. Problems are a catalyst for growth. Aristotle said, “Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” Big thinking creates big problems. And it is much better to have big problems than to never have any at all.
So, instead of resenting your problems, start embracing them with courage. If you allow your problems to win…you’ll lose. The goal is to overcome your challenges by rising above and moving beyond them. I like how philosopher Alfred A. Montapert said, “Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.” Stop wishing you had it easier and start working to become better. Change your mindset to admit that it’s ok to have problems, but it’s not ok to not have problems. Always remember that successful people have problems, they just don’t allow their problems to have them. The longer you deny you have challenges, the longer you’ll delay progress towards solving them.
Successful people have problems, they just don’t allow their problems to have them.
Here are 3 tips to deal with problems:
1) Be Humble
Innovative solutions require humility. Humility helps you realize you don’t know everything. You only grow by admitting you don’t know. Learning begins when pride ends. Coach John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”
2) Be Honest
Don’t sugarcoat your challenges. Don’t hide from having problems. When we try to cover up what is holding us back it only backfires on us and everyone around us. Being honest about what is trapping you is the key to discovering the way out.
3) Be Hungry
You become successful by creating an appetite for challenges. Growth organically generates challenges. And the more growth you experience the more problems will arise. Don’t get worn out with problems. Keep yourself healthy. Lean in and engage your problem-solving ability. Curiosity breeds courage.
