Life: Do You Fold or Move On?

 

Sometimes our lives suffer an upheaval.  It feels like the problems will never end, disappear, or be resolved.  How do you respond?  Some people hang their heads and give up...  DON'T DO THAT!  Quitting is no longer an option, every morning is another chance to re-organize and change your life.  Listed below are 9 ways to assist you in achieving personal strength for these hard times in your life:

 

1.  Narrow the range of your attention on the problem.

 

Most people have come to realize that dwelling on a problem only intensifies the negative effects it has on you and your life. You cannot simply ignore the problem and hope it goes away, but you CAN limit the scope of it. What areas of your life are immediately affected?  Learn to compartmentalize the adversity to target a solution.

 

2.  Take action concerning the problem.

Rather than hiding from the issue at hand, take charge and face it head on.  Do not look to place blame on "whose problem" it is, look for a solution by taking ownership of the problem.  Realize that YOU can do something about it and then do it.

 

3.  Be courageous.

This is quite possibly the most important step.  Be strong and face the problem head -on.  Courage, as defined by Ernest Hemingway is "grace under pressure".

 

4.  Do not let the problem control you.

Try not to let the problem control you.  Ask yourself, "What, if anything, am I able to control about this situation?"  Sometimes the only control will be your reaction which is just as vital to the problem solving routine.  You will also gain confidence in yourself as you learn to control at least something about each problem you face, if not the whole problem.

 

5.  Persevere, no matter what!

The history of our great country proves that perseverance is the key to success.  The only thing quitters accomplish is lowering their self-esteem and losing respect others might have had for them.  Problems get solved; hard times pass -- just hang in there and weather the storm.

 

6.  Implement creativity when looking for a solution.

Look at the problem in different ways; try to think outside of the "normal" solutions.  The result will be the ability to approach the problem from an entirely different aspect.

 

7.  Be optimistic, you deserve it!

Draw from your wellspring of confidence; relax in the positive feelings that emanate from controlling the problem creatively.  Believe in your ability to live a happy, positive life and reinforce this belief by being optimistic in everything.

 

8.  Be able to laugh -- even at yourself.

The phrase, "laughter is the best medicine" has never proven more truthful.  When we laugh, endorphins are released by our brains. These endorphins help to relieve stress, lower the blood pressure, and give an overall happy feeling. As Plato stated, "Even the gods love jokes."

 

9.  Create a safety net for yourself, or a network of supportive people.

Surround yourself with positive people willing to give you support when you need it.  A 17th century poet once wrote, "No man is an island... every man is... a piece of the main... ". 

 

Do not alienate yourself from other when you're going through problems, the best solution might be just a phone call away.