Life is a never-ending cycle of problems and tussles. Some philosophies articulate that problems are the universe’s way of helping us to learn to accept reality. A problem is purely an opportunity by another name. In problems there are heaps of opportunities. The most capable and jovial people are those who have developed a magnificent aptitude to deal vigorously with each difficulty as it comes along. When anyone faced with a difficulty of any form, instead of saying, "I have a problem," he or she should say, "I am faced with an unexpected opportunity." Problems create innovators who see opportunities even in setbacks and failures.
When we concentrate our powers on finding out what that opportunity is, we will undeniably find it. We should look at every ‘problem’ in our life as a challenge or opportunity that we can benefit from. This is the way we can change our language from negative to positive. We should look into every difficulty for the seed of an equal or greater opportunity or benefit. We should strive to become a professional problem-solver. "In the middle of difficulty," observed Albert Einstein, "lies opportunity."
Generally, problems come with plenty of prospective or potential vigour. The key to turning problems into solutions is to redirect that energy away from exerting a negative influence and toward a more positive orientation. Problems become opportunities by virtue of the way we approach them. Obstacles only have power over us if we leave them in the dark, unexamined and unchallenged. By bringing them into the luminosity, giving them a name and facing them, they lose the power to control us. No matter what the conditions, however, life may threaten us, the way in which we respond will always be our choice.
But how do you actually go about turning problems into opportunities? It certainly does not happen robotically. Problems have only the possibility, not the certainty, of becoming opportunities. Positively focused thoughts and actions are necessary to realize those opportunities. As John Maxwell rightly said, “You don’t overcome challenges by making them smaller but by making yourself bigger.” The difference between a problem and an opportunity is what we do with it, not what it is to begin with.
Following are the well accepted techniques that showed people how to reframe problems as awesome opportunities:
Act instantly
We should take instantaneous action to convert a problem into an opportunity. We should not procrastinate. The sooner we address the problem, the more time we will have to transform it into a positive opportunity. In fact, as soon as we start taking action, the positive benefits begin. Running away only makes a problem worse. Procrastination is the pitfall of successfully converting challenge into opportunity. Taking action is about embracing the concepts of discipline, inspiration and doggedness.
Focus on the solution
We should focus on the probable outcomes of the specific condition, not on the problem by itself. The way of finding solutions to the problems can open many doors of possibilities in front of us. This challenge is the best way to see ourselves completely out of the comfort zone and to test our capability to take the unexpected and turn it into something enviable, in something of a great value for us.
Learn from your mistakes
Mistakes are also opportunities for change and growth. Not every opportunity will work out the way we plan and we have to use these moments to learn and gain new skills. Even when they fail, great people believe in their abilities. Acknowledging and learning from mistakes allows us to lead by example. It will help us to see mistakes not as the end of the line, but as the beginning of growth.
Engage others
We feel healthier in trying times when we gain support from others. It will definitely help to surpass adversity. So we have to connect with others affected by the challenge, using the situation to fortify our relationships and build partnerships.
Develop Curiosity
When life problems arise, we should become curious as to what the positive message is there for us. If we look at things in a philosophical manner, we will be better able to deal with them and discover their deeper meaning. Life is an inscrutability to be unraveled.
Don’t Panic
There is always a solution for all problems even though we may not be able to see it immediately. If we go into panic, we will become confused and bamboozled. Inventive remedies can be found when we are level-headed. Sometimes, we need to get quiet and sit with something for a while in order to find the solution and sometimes, there is more than one solution. If we want to learn from our experiences then it is necessary to change our discernments.
Use resources wisely
A resource comes in such forms as energy, money and time. We should spend our resources on an activity that does advance our goals. Always question how best we can utilize our resources or possessions in each minute of our day.
Snatch the offensive
Ordinary people shy away from negative circumstances and avoid trouble. What great people do is the opposite. They never waste an opportunity to flick a personal calamity or catastrophe to their benefit. At certain moments in our brief existences we are faced with great trials. It is in these moments that we must seize the offensive, because it is when people least expect it that we can pull off our major victories.
Alter your Perspective
Most hindrances that we face are normally created by us because that is how we opt to look at them. Our perception and prioritization are what keeps us from doing what is needed to be done. It is easy to blame time, circumstances and other people but the important adversary here is our own thinking. Therefore, we should try hard to change our perspective towards hassles crop up in the journey of life.
To end with, we are living through challenging times. All challenges are born with opportunities for revitalization and revolution. Everything in life is a choice. We can choose to face any challenges that come our way from a perspective of helplessness or we can choose to react to these same challenges, from a standpoint of personal power. The only difference between victorious people and those that settle for patchiness is that the former see challenges as things to overcome on their way to triumph and the latter see them as reasons not to even try. We must rise to the challenge and realize that we have a unique capacity to shape our life. This challenge may seem impossible, but the effort will most certainly be worthwhile. Remember even the highest mountain can be surmounted by building meandering alleyways.
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