Like it or not, problems, or challenges will forever be apart of our everyday life. Whether you choose to call them challenges, as I started to, or problems doesn’t change the fact that they’re going to happen. What can change is the way that we respond to them. It is all about your mentality my friends, your mind is your strongest asset, even the tiniest of shifts can do wonders for your state of mind!

So for those of you who use the word ‘problem’ raise your hand.

Did you do it?

Good!

Since I can’t see if you actually did or not at least we got your blood flowing :]

For those of you who said yes, what would you define as a problem? Would you say: To have a problem means, “There’s something wrong here?” With this mentality our mind hears “This isn’t right, life is not how it should be.” How does this perception affect us? All of our energy is being used to repair something that’s gone wrong. Not a very empowering state of mind.

On the other hand, facing a challenge give us a sense of empowerment. Instead of tying to ‘repair’ your life a challenge encourages us to bring out our inner gladiator. To view the situation in a completely different light and instead view the situation as an opportunity. This is a very empowering state of mind.

Words Can Hurt You

Remember that tune all the parents would tell their kids to say if anyone made fun of them? “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Well I beg to differ, words have such an impact towards our mentality. If you find yourself using words such as ‘Can’t’ and ‘Won’t’ you’re putting a limitation on yourself. Deciding if a situation is a ‘problem’ or a ‘challenge’ isn’t any different. One message represents struggle – trying to regain your balance in the world.

The other, more empowering, tells our minds that everything is great. In fact, it’s so great that you are ready to take on something new. To our subconcious mind, challenges are viewed as opportunities, chances to rise above, to be great. We view them as a way to move up to the next level. It’s our chance to demonstrate what we’re made of.

Learning the word challenge instead of problem has such a positive effect on our outlook. It’s the difference of viewing your life as a plague or a life full or opportunities! Now as yourself, are you struggling just to maintain, or are you ready to accept a challenge and take it to the next level?

Test It Out

My challenge for you my readers, is to take your new found information and put it to the test. That’s the only way you’ll know if I’m writing a bunch of blabber or some sound advice.

I want you to take the word problem out of your vocabulary and replace it with the word challenge. Improving your life doesn’t have to be complicated. Many of the most powerful life skills you will ever learn are as simple as exchanging one word for another.

Of course it doesn’t really matter how simple they are if we don’t use them. There is it ladies and gentleman, the real secret of personal growth. Nothing happens unless you actually apply what we learn. The power of any skill is how you apply it. “If we make it a habit to consistently incorporate the things we learn, even the simplest of life skills will have a profound effect on our life.” – Jonathon [ ALS]