By Kimberley Martinez
As we go through this journey of life, we are very likely to encounter many obstacles along the way. With all of the good experiences and the many blessings many of us have had, we may find ourselves thinking more about the problems we have had to face or are currently facing. Learning to look at problems in a different way, as opportunities, challenges, or blessings in disguise, can greatly affect the way we react when they get in our way.
For many of us, problems can, in fact, help us in several ways.
#1. Emotional Growth
Emotions and your mental state are both very powerful influences over your well-being and overall health. A negative mindset can greatly affect who you are inside and how you act around others. Negativity can take a toll on your stress levels, health, your relationship with your loved ones, your work performance, and, most importantly, your inner self.
In the documentary I Am Not Your Guru, Tony Robbins said "Your biggest problem is you think you shouldn’t have them." Looking at problems from a positive viewpoint and being proactive rather than reactive can enhance your emotional wellness and mindset, thus allowing your emotional state to greatly improve each time a problem strikes.
Emotional growth and self-healing can also be achieved by journaling.
#2. Learning Opportunities
Think about every time you have encountered a problem, and then think about how you felt when the problem was effectively solved by you. More than likely, you gained a certain amount of knowledge and experience for when another, possibly similar, problem should arise.
Acknowledging problems as the learning experiences they truly are help shape who we are as we grow older, and can make all of us much wiser.
#3. A Sense of Calmness
When we look at problems in a more positive light, and learn to think rationally and clearly when developing a plan to solve them, we begin to feel calmer and remarkably less stressed. Problem solving entails identifying the specific causes and developing specific strategies to alleviate, manage, or completely solve them. Becoming more concise at solving issues that we tend to face will lead to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind.
#4. Foster Success
Highly successful individuals all over the world are experts at solving problems. Yes, they have a great deal of experience in doing so and have learned over time how to solve them in a way that works for them. When we look at problems or failures as learning and growing opportunities, we do just that: learn and grow.
Looking at problems as if they are mere challenges and keeping the mind in a positive, productive state will can help anyone be more successful in the workplace, in dealing with others, and in all aspects of the personal lives we all cherish.
#5. Build Self-Confidence
Each time we are faced with an unpleasant situation and quickly look at the situation from all aspects and viewpoints, we tend to find that not only do the problems become solved in less time (and with less mental effort!), but that our belief in ourselves rises just a bit more. Confident people look at problems as opportunities, and when we begin doing so our self-esteem will increase, thus promoting happiness, sound relationships, and a more efficacious career.
There are several different ways to solve problems, and as people encounter dilemmas and resolve them, they find what works best for them. Once you find what works for you in terms of finding solutions, you will face each one that comes your way with confidence, positivity, and the knowledge needed to get through with a bounce in your step and a smile on your face.
Journaling Power Prompt:
What Would Happen If I Used The Word Challenges Instead of Problems?
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