No single human being leads a quiet, smooth and happy life that is devoid of stress factors, ills, or complications all through. Challenges form part of our human existence. They are ubiquitous and, in a unique way, help shape how we ought to deal with situations, appreciate what we can’t solve and, of course, handle issues and problems.
And, whether you like it or not, challenges will always be there, regardless of your financial situation, your age, gender or status in the society. But, if you choose to avoid them and run away, you will be doing perhaps the worst thing for yourself. Problems are to be faced, and not to be avoided. So, instead of running away or blaming someone, use the following techniques to combat them effectively. For encouragement check The power of now and how you can harness it.
A 4-step method of overcoming everyday challenges in life
Step #1: Identify the problem and state it clearly
One you decide to face the problem head-on, you must know what the problem is as well as its nature. Sure, you might be looking bold, but calm and raring to go, but you ought to know who your real “enemy” is. If you are at war with a problem that you don’t fully know, then you will not solve it well.
Therefore, stay calm and take your time to know and understand the problem. It is from the proper understanding of the issue that you will formulate the right goals, how you will work towards attaining them and perhaps stay on course once the journey starts.
Step #2: Gather your troops
Well, you have grounded yourself, and your heart is bubbling healthy even though you know that there’s a challenge ahead. Assuming that you have properly studied the problem, it is about time you gathered all your resources and identified your strengths and weaknesses. Experts advise that you make a comprehensive list of all that you will need. Among the things you will need to combat challenges are:
- Materials and other tangibles
Using books and magazines to digital resources, you can gather whatever is fit for resolving the issues you face. When you are aware that you don’t have enough resources, try to be patient and buy some time. Go right ahead with what is at your disposal or just adopt an alternative, perhaps more creative technique. It’s all about being intuitive, and some aspects of timing, too. - Personal skills and expertise
Some say hard work beats talent. Work extra hard, hone your skills and polish that expertise, and you will overcome the issue. Be an expert in your field and don’t compromise on quality. - Collaboration
You might be striving to fight the problem on your own, which is impressive. But with a larger group comprising different minds, talents, and energies, you will win with ease. Remember, to be successful you need not only others but also their support. After all, many hands make work easier.
Step #3: Come up with a working strategy
From the proverbial 5Ps – Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance, an effective strategy at hand means you are equipped to combat everyday challenges en route. Rack your brain, come up with a feasible strategy and execute it as efficiently as you can.
Formulating a fit for purpose strategy takes time because it needs evaluated information. You will be assessing yourself, much like you reviewing and knowing more about the nature of the challenge. But as you do so, don’t waste valuable time to grant the challenge to grow and develop, because resolving an issue of a greater complexity will require more resources and efforts from you.
Step #4: Implement the strategy
A fit for purpose working strategy isn’t necessarily the shiniest one, that is according to successful entrepreneurs who have had to wait for the successful working formula during the umpteenth time. So, don’t feel let down when the first, second and third plans don’t live up to your expectations. As you work towards reaching those goals and stay clear from the challenges, just remember that consistency is the key.
For some specific challenges, creativity, skill and intelligence are needed the most. But for others, timing paired with diligence and determination is the most profound requirements. In short, you must know what the challenge really is and how to utilize your resources to ensure a simple, glitch-free and successful completion.
But, you can’t make use of each of the four techniques if you lack the following virtues:
- Calmness and composure
Costly decisions often emerge from emotion-driven choices. In the midst of the challenges, stay calm and watch your thoughts. - Accept the reality
Yes, everything seems to be going awry. Yes, no one appears to care and yes, you might look hopeless and miserable. BUT, the first way of fighting the everyday challenges, is accepting that indeed you are fighting a dire situation. - Don’t blame anyone
Take full responsibility for the problems so that you can start the road to recovery in earnest. - Avoid the analysis paralysis
Don’t spend too much time thinking about the problem. Neither should you spend a colossal amount of time checking the strategies. If you do so, frustrations and fears will kick in, and in the end, you will start blaming yourself more. - Focus on detachment
Challenges will always be there, but when you choose to live with them, trust me, you’ll lead a happy life. Try to step out of the circle of problems, distance yourself and look at them from a different angle.
For some, challenges mark the end and lead to a miserable life, stress and depression. But for others, challenges aren’t baggage at all. They’re what spur creativity, offer a window of opportunity and a perfect launchpad for stardom. For more Techniques to overcome everyday challenges click here.
It depends on how you perceive the nature of the challenge and what lies beneath it. So, on which side are you?
