Overcoming a challenge

Overcoming a challenge;
by Robert Gebbie

Every individual faces challenges in their life, from the daily family and career struggles to the deep internal battles we fight within ourselves. The world is filled with situations that must be met or avoided. Knowing which obstacle to step around and which to charge head strong into can be a challenge in itself.
Often it is the way people approach Life's difficulties that determine the type of experiences they have in resolving them. Logic and reason can often get muddled with our emotions as we struggle to find acceptable solutions.

First, take a deep breath, you are not alone. Few, if any, have ever lived a life free of drama and/or tragedy of some kind. If the situation is not life threatening you probably have time to assess things before some action is necessary. Don't panic, in most instances remaining calm can be the greatest asset you have. Especially in an emergency, losing self control will most often result in creating greater damage rather than doing anything to resolve it.

Here are some general steps that can be taken that may help in tackling even the most difficult situations:

Evaluate, know the size and kind of challenge you face. From complex work projects to resolving the deep internal emotions of guilt and regret, understanding the situation is a must. You cannot solve a problem unless you first know what that problem is. A realistic and honest consideration of what you face and what it may or will take to accomplish the task ahead is the greatest key factor in success or failure.

Make a plan, understand the conditions that will get you from your starting point to its conclusion. Create a bridge of steps that you can cross which lead to the destination you expect to reach. When a person understands what it will take to reach their goals their aspiration then become obtainable.

Asses resources, take stock of the material, personnel and skills you have available. Know your limitations as well as your assets, if you're remodeling a house you will need supplies, someone to do the work, and the ability to complete the project. Each resource at your disposal is an asset, while any that are not available must be obtained to increase the chances for success.

Take action, nothing is ever accomplished without some form of movement. You cannot get anywhere if you don't first start the journey. Everything requires action, even air requires the effort of breathing to obtain, and no race is ever won without crossing the starting line first.

Most things in the course of a person's life can be overcome by applying some form of a process. Incredible things can be accomplished when a person establishes a goal and is determined to reach it. From curing childhood diseases to resolving deep emotional issues, the Human Race has not accomplished the things it has without great ability to adapt and evolve.