Life is full of challenges that can come in many different shapes and sizes. Whatever life throws at us we must be ready to stand tall, and to be strong. We must know how to overcome any challenge that we are faced with. When times are hard we must rise up and take control. This takes humility, commitment, and a heart of fire. Here are 10 ways to help:
- Identify The Challenge
A challenge is a problem that we know we can overcome. Before we overcome a challenge we must first identify it. Sometimes the challenge slaps us straight in the face; we need to get a job for example. Other times we can feel like life is generally getting tough. This is not true, and there will be a specific challenge that can be identified, something tangible to overcome.
- Brainstorm Solutions
With the challenge firmly identified, we now need to think of as many solutions as possible. It is always better to have too many options, than none, or only one. If we only have one solution in our mind then we limit the ways we can solve the problem. For example, we might think the solution to our good health is diet, and never consider the options of exercise. For any given challenge think of as many different feasible solutions as possible. Remain open to as many as possible as you begin to tackle the challenge.
- Gather Resources
Sometimes we cannot overcome a challenge because we simply do not have the resources at hand. We might need something that we do not currently have. If the challenge is to learn how to play the guitar then we might need to gather books, videos, a teacher, and a guitar of course! If we are struggling with bereavement, or with an issue within our own being, then we should equally consider our resources. If our work load is too much, then we may consider forming a team. If we need to design a new computer program then we might require certain software updates. You get the picture. Resources can include objects, information and knowledge, physical energy, and people.
- Ask For Help
When we are struggling to overcome challenges then we should be humble enough to be able to ask for help. We might enjoy plugging away at something on our own, and this sort of independence is fine, but when we really need help we should not be so stubborn as to not ask for it though. Whether this means employing someone, hunting down someone with the expertise to assist, or simply asking friends and family for advice, one resource is stronger than all others combined; people.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
Rarely does someone become a master of their life, or of anything, by sitting around in lethargy. To overcome a challenge, especially if we have not experienced similar before, requires practice. We have to be able to want to get better, and to put our ego aside for long enough to accept that we have room for improvement. Some challenges are not predictable, and we can’t plan for them; in which case, there may not be any time to practice. If the challenge involves learning a skill, or advancing our career, then we have the luxury of practicing.
- Failure Is Not Defeat
Every successful person, bar the odd lucky one, has experienced some form of what could be described as failure; they have tried something and it has not worked out to plan. But failure does not mean defeat. It is a lesson of what not to do next time, a process of learning by trial and error. Failure is somewhat inevitable in that respect. What is important is to pull through and give it a shot. The aim is to overcome the challenge, and whilst it is satisfying when we get it right first time, this is rarely the case. Try and try again until results start to show.
- Reflect Often
During our challenging times we must stop to think about whether or not we are making progress, what is working for us, and whether we still desire the outcome of the challenge. Reflection helps us to check in with ourselves and our goals.
- Consider Another Route
Remember all of those other options you brainstormed earlier? Well if you find yourself bashing your head against a brick wall in the hope of getting past perhaps it is time to look for an alternative route. If your persistence is not paying off, and you are not getting any closer to overcoming the challenge, then it may be time to take to plan B, C, or D.
- Stay In The Moment
A challenge can quickly become a pain in the brain if we do not stay in the moment, especially when the end is not in sight. If we cannot fathom finishing our challenge we should stay firmly rooted in the stage we are at right now. For example a large work project might take six months. If, one month in, we try to think about the end, our mind will simply be blown away. We achieve our goals through day to day action, which in turn is achieved by minute to minute action, which is in turn achieved through moment to moment action.
- Commitment Is Key
The very idea of a challenge implies something that will be difficult to overcome. It is going to take time, energy and commitment. Stick at it, be flexible, and work hard. Nobody said it was going to be easy! Commit to the challenge to feel the results.
