Life is full of obstacles, whether they’re financial, mental, physical or spiritual. And to be successful in life and money, you’ve got to learn how to overcome them.
In my life, I’ve encountered quite a few obstacles; from losing my mother to breast cancer at 15, to getting divorced at 25, to paying off $14,000 of debt and now starting my own freelance business.
But instead of dwelling on my problems, I asked myself what needed to be done to fix each one and how I could make them work towards my advantage. That’s the best way to overcome anything life throws at you.
Don’t put all your time and energy into focusing on the issue; look for ways to make it work for you instead of against you. Analyze the situation and look for ways to solve the problem!
This principal applies to everything in life, but especially to finance and business-related problems.
Learn to be a problem solver
People who are problem solvers get things done. It’s just that simple. Once you’ve gotten over the initial shock of whatever problem you’re facing, you need to stop and ask questions.
- What options are available?
- What’s the next step?
- How can I make this work to my advantage?
You want to get to a place in life where you’re a problem solver, someone who makes things happen — instead of becoming a victim of life and watching the world pass you by.
Become a mover and a shaker
To become a mover and a shaker you’ve got to go with the flow and learn to adjust your perspective. As humans we get very focused on what we want and what we need, before realizing that we might not be making the best decision for our circumstances.
Instead you’ve got to embrace other plans or idea and open yourself to different opportunities. If anyone hates the “go with the flow” mentality it’s me. As a control freak, I don’t like it when life throws me curve balls or succumbing to the emotion’s of other people.
But over the last few years, I’ve discovered that life doesn’t care what our plans are and sometimes you’ve got to make your own luck. Which means, you’ve just got to go with it and as much I hate to admit that I’m a better person for it.
Be proactive not reactive
People who choose to take the offensive position will make things happen and are more in control. Those that are on the defensive, only react when things happen to them and therefore have less control. Basically you want to make life happen, instead of letting life happen to you!
To become a proactive person, you’ve got to prepare for obstacles before they even occur. No, you don’t need to be a fortune teller to see the future – you just need to be smart and attentive to what’s happening around you.
For instance; if you only have one source of income with no backup plan, if you experience a job loss or other emergency, your life will be turned completely upside down.
But if you’re a proactive person, you will foresee this issue and start creating multiple income streams, cutting back your lifestyle or taking out more life insurance coverage. You won’t always be able to prepare for everything life throws at you, but you can definitely prepare for them better.
Focus on the positives
Some of my best experiences were born out of failure and when I thought my life was over. Instead of letting other people’s problems get the best of me, I’ve learned to look at the bright side. Granted you might not see the bright side till after the dust settles, but don’t give up hope.
In almost every situation in life there’s a silver lining, even in the last recession. Whatever life throws at you, whether it’s money problems, relationship failures or career issues, they can all be successfully handled if you apply these tips.
That’s the key to conquering anything in life: be someone who’s a problem solver, proactive and not reactive.
