Every one of us will experience a challenge in our lifetime. Most of us, many. How we choose to tackle the challenge will largely determine the outcome. When we choose to look at each challenge as an opportunity, they become a bit less intimidating. We can then work toward developing a plan to overcome the challenge. Here are several ways to find the opportunity in a challenge:
- Work to understand what the challenge really is, knowing that information allows you to find ways to minimize or eliminate the problem area. Maybe you’ll find that the problem isn’t you!
- Don’t give up. Keep knocking on the door. Waiting for a response that hasn’t come within an appropriate amount of time doesn’t get you anywhere. You’ll just be waiting. It is perfectly acceptable and worthwhile to respectfully inquire about the situation. Hold tight to your dreams, even when you feel a bit discouraged, and keep asking.
- Ask yourself: What’s the opportunity in this? When I am having a tough day, I look inward to see what I can learn or develop from having this experience. If it is happening to me, it is happening to someone else. Is there a barrier for people that needs to be addressed? Are there ways that I can work on this issue that might help others?
- Consider: Who can support me? A think tank team is valuable. From starting a summer carpool for the kids to building a business, all of us can use a great lifeline of support. Find folks who understand the area of your challenge and those who are your cheerleaders. Keeping a good balance is important.
- Take good care of you. It’s okay to have a bad day. It’s not okay to park yourself in that spot forever. Take that challenge for a walk, a drive, or a swim. Rest, eat well and hydrate. Rome wasn’t built in a day! It’s awesome when a challenge is resolved quickly. But sometimes things take a bit longer. Lean in and do the work.