How Do You Face Challenges?

The issue of facing challenges is a very interesting point. Take a moment and check in with yourself and see “How do you face challenges?” Notice if any of these suggestions rang true with you:

* Avoid dealing with person or situation that feels challenged
* Complain about challenges
* Try to figure out what to do or not do about current challenges that you are experiencing
* Use methods similar to parents, family members, friends or colleagues
* Become agitated because of challenges that sometimes seem endless

Perhaps you might agree that none of the above suggestions are effective in facing or resolving conflicts or challenges. Realistically any time we allow challenges or conflicts to distract us, we are facing an inner conflict and also feeling uncomfortable. Most of the time, we don’t realize that when we are acting in a deconstructive manner or focusing on negative realities, that we are adding negativity to an already negative situation. In other words, we are making the situation worse.

If we were to look at negative challenges in a more positive way, what we perceive as challenging can begin to shift more to our liking. Truthfully, if unfavorable situations were viewed by us as an opportunity for improvement it would help us create better outcomes much more quickly. Unfortunately it appears that very few people look at challenges in a good way. By focusing on what can be improved, versus as to what is wrong, offers us an advantage to learn to do things in a different way.

Challenges offer each of us a means of stepping out of our somewhat rigid comfort zone. By changing what we are holding in mind (in relation to negative or challenging circumstances), allows us to step back and evaluate processes and technologies more constructively. Negative situations are only negative and challenging if that’s what we are focused on. Challenges actually give us a chance to view things with a more thoughtful approach. For instance, say we would like to go back to school, earn a degree, or participate in getting some additional training. All of these options do present some challenges. A realistic approach might be to look at things like time, budget, or letting go of some of our current projects. Each consideration also offers us a tremendous sense of accomplishment by accepting responsibility and choosing to complete any of these projects. And yet if we were looking to buy a home or relocate, change jobs, or were considering having children definitely requires that we consider even more considerations.

Anytime, we focus on “What is good about moving forward” that is what we would be creating for ourselves. Certainly there is a time element and cost association with every project which needs to be reviewed among other considerations. So there are many aspects of consideration whenever we are looking at moving forward. There will also be considerations that will vary from project to project and from person to person. So the phrase “One size fits all” isn’t really realistic. And if we are working on projects in a teamed environment, each person involved may have different considerations which need to be reviewed in order to add to the overall success of the project.

Notice when we are looking at things more realistically, and also optimistically, that we feel enthusiastic and encouraged to proceed. In this way, the challenge becomes an opportunity. And when we are in dislike or disagreement of a situation, we label it challenging or disturbing. In each moment we are making decisions. We are either challenging ourselves positively or negatively. If we are focusing on a positive outcome, the project will continue. Our attitude will be reflective on succeeding and completion of the project. And if we are focused on seeing the project as difficult, challenging, or stuck, will consciously or subconsciously create challenges to support negative aspects associated with our thinking. Negative situations remain stuck mostly because of factors related to fear. We may offer excuses to our self or to others. We may be plagued with guilt, regret or remorse. We may also choose to avoid working on the project altogether. Clearly own thoughts of limitation cause us to feel uncomfortable and challenged. This is a very awkward way to live.

When we are complaining or resisting we are participating in a negative way. When we are uncomfortable and really don’t want to do something, or feel that we have to go to extremes to be right, no one wins. In order to face challenges more effectively, simply requires that we make better decisions. This option provides us with the most important step available to us. We all have the ability to make better decisions. First we need to move up into higher energies which include courageousness, acceptance and peace. Then we need to decide we are going to have a positive resolution with respect to whatever area of our life that we are struggling to settle. Decide today to do something different and positive that helps you to overcome being stuck. The moment we fully decide to shift our viewpoint from negative to positive, negative realities begin to change. Change your point of view from “I can’t” to “I can!”