Everybody has problems of one kind or another. First, we need to define the issue because a problem only exists if you believe it is a problem. I prefer the more accurate evaluation of these situations, calling it a challenge. That is a word that more aptly describes the situations we experience.   The very definition of a problem is negative, “a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.” Whereas the definition of a challenge is best defined as “a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities.”  Let’s face it, these situations arise in life all the time, and whether you welcome them or not, they give you a chance to test your abilities and improve. It is a matter of perspective, but it isn’t everything. Stuff is going to happen in life. It is your choice if you grow from it or get through it. I am choosing to rise from the challenges I face—five steps for handling any challenge you face today.

What is Great about This Challenge?

You tend to look at what you don’t want with a problem. Facing a challenge, there is an opportunity to look at a situation more positively. Asking yourself what is great about a situation will inevitably lead you to answer. Challenges allow us to grow and learn. So when you are faced with a situation, rather than look at it as an unwanted visitor, treat it as a welcomed guest. Some challenges are covered in sadness, and some are depressing, but there can be positive results. Even in a sad situation of loss, there is something that can allow you to grow as a person. It is up to you to find it. It is a matter of perspective. The situation is what it is. You can learn from it or run from it. Listing significant or positive about a challenge gives you a positive focus and an ability to achieve.

What is not perfect yet?

When evaluating a challenge, it is essential to know how you would like to see it resolved. Some situations can’t be changed, but given the challenges’ realities, decide what is not perfect. By answering this question, you can develop a plan of action to start to bring those things that are not perfect in your perspective into reality. Since nothing is perfect, there is always work to be done.

What Am I Willing To Do To Make This Challenge something I want?

There are going to be actions that we can take every day to face challenges in life. What you are willing to do is a statement of the priority a challenge holds for you. If you have a high level of motivation to resolve a problem, it shows your dedication to learning and being your best self. We all must be willing to understand that we are always a work in progress. Every person can get better, think better, live better, and be a better person. You can dictate exactly what you hope to get from any challenge you face. Since growth results from facing challenges, be willing to step into your growth.

What am I No Longer Willing To Do To Make This Challenge something I want?

As priorities are developed, we notice that we are no longer willing to do to make a challenge what you want. There is only one direction you can move in life, and some challenges will not give you anything of value. Some you can’t choose to experience, but other challenges you can leave and walk away from. Your actions and willingness to behave will show you which of your challenges.

How Can I Enjoy the Process While I Do What is necessary to make the Experience What I want?

All experiences can bring joy or suffering; our perspective on them is a choice. Asking yourself what you can do to enjoy an experience will automatically get those answers into your head. These positive thoughts will lead to more positive reviews. Then you have to choose to take action and enjoy what you are doing. Challenges will come, and we will have to face them one way or another.

Following this process of challenging questions will give you a different perspective on the things we face in life. Since we will live life and continually face one challenge, it makes sense to develop a system that will allow you to enjoy the ride as much as possible. Or you can choose to be miserable.   Answering these questions honestly to yourself could be the path to getting the most out of the challenges you face. The choice is always up to you.

“If you expect life to be easy, challenges will seem difficult. If you accept that challenges may occur, life will be easier.”-Rob Liano.

“Some people will just go with the flow of things and sway in life, while others will fight against the currents and go upstream to reach their destiny.”-Anthony Liccione.

“Others can stop you temporarily — you are the only one who can do it permanently. “- Zig Ziglar.