It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that we are confronting major challenges nationally. Whether it’s an economic issue, an environmental issue, an issue related to the price of gas or an issue related to immigration, all around us are challenges. For most people, these challenges are worrisome.
However, the challenges do not limit themselves to the larger issues. Far more likely, we are worried about challenges closer to home. Sometimes the issue is a problem with scheduling, leaving us confronted with the problem of studying for a test while trying to make our work schedule while attending a social function. Or, the challenge is dealing with the reality that a certain class has become difficult and we are now facing the prospect of our best grade being merely average. For some that I deal with, the challenge is interpersonal, whether a dating relationship gone bad or issues with fraternity/sorority members or sometimes, a problem related to home with a sibling or a parent.
These type challenges are the ones that really hit us hard. These are the ones that can cause us to lose hope and give up. Rather than trying to work things out, we bail on the relationship. Instead of working with the professor, we just drop the class, thus losing the money we spent.
Make no mistake, these challenges are real. There is no escaping them, but how I confront them makes the difference between walking on the path of success or taking a different, less successful way. Of course, each situation is different, but the general approach remains the same.
- To start with, take a step back to gain perspective. Are things as bad you fear? Sometimes, we get so immersed in the situation that we can no longer see. It’s as if the problem has been pressed up to our nose and we simply are blind to all the options. So, push back. Get perspective.
- This is a great time to bring in wise counsel. Ask another person who isn’t involved to give you their opinion.
- See the possibilities. Each obstacle has two possibilities for you—it can become the thing that causes you to quit or it can become a stepping stone up and onward to the rest of your path of success.
- Remain positive. Study after study has determined that those with a hopeful outlook, even during crisis, are the ones who make it through.
- Keep your house in order. Do what it takes to make things right. If you are failing a class, continuing to skip class or not turn in assignments won’t help. Not reading the material is giving in.
- Become determined. Sheer dint of will can, often, be the thing that allows us to overcome a setback or challenge. We quit far too easily when things get tough.
In the end, you can do this! By careful planning and solid execution, you can make it through any challenge or crisis. Yes, some price may have to be paid and losses may occur, but at the end of it, you can emerge stronger and more confident. You can learn from the situation and then never make the same mistake again.
The next time you find yourself with a challenge, or as you consider going through the national challenge we are in, don’t panic. Don’t over-react. Instead, take careful stock of the situation and then continue implementing your proven plan of steps of success. Before long, what you’ll find is that others around you will begin to turn to you for your advice and leadership to help them navigate through their own crisis.