If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably lost plenty of sleep over the problems that pop up in life.
Sometimes a problem can seem so big that you don’t even know where to start. You become overwhelmed by fear, uncertainty and doubt. Before you know it, you’re procrastinating, feeling guilty because you’re not taking action, and your stress levels are through the roof.
Just the word “problem” can be enough to make you feel worse.
And that highlights the incredible power of words.
The words we use can influence the way we think, feel and respond. What we focus on affects our state of mind, and our mind and body are connected. They aren’t two separate things—they are parts of the same amazing system: you.
Problems Can Hold Us Back
When we see something as a problem, it can feel bigger than us.
Problems can seem ugly, complicated and overwhelming. They can consume our thoughts and distract us from what is happening right in front of us.
We can become so caught up worrying about what might happen tomorrow that we miss what is happening today.
We imagine the worst-case scenario, live through a future that may never actually happen, and allow the present moment to slip away unnoticed.
That’s no way to live.
So, what if there was a simple way to look at things differently?
What if it was time to stop seeing everything as a problem and start seeing it as a challenge?
Time to slay that Boogeyman hiding under the bed!
Change One Word
Here’s a simple technique you can try.
The next time you find yourself dwelling on something difficult in your life, stop and ask yourself:
“Is this a problem, or is this a challenge?”
Then make a conscious choice.
Choose to see it as a challenge.
A challenge is different from a problem.
A challenge is something that tests you. It encourages you to think differently. It can bring out your competitive nature and, most importantly, it gives you something to work towards.
A challenge is something you can overcome.
A problem can feel like 500 kilogram of emotional baggage.
A challenge can become an opportunity to grow.
Think about the difference in how these two statements feel:
“I have serious money problems.”
or
“I’m facing some financial challenges.”
They describe essentially the same situation, but they create very different feelings.
You Have a Choice
The next time life throws a bump in the road, you have a choice.
You can fill yourself with unnecessary stress and anxiety and allow a new “problem” to take over your thoughts.
Or you can take a breath and say:
“Yes. I accept the challenge.”
“I accept the opportunity to learn.”
“I accept the opportunity to improve myself.”
“I accept the opportunity to strengthen my confidence.”
“I accept the opportunity to grow through this experience.”
That doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy.
Life can be difficult. Things can go wrong. Sometimes we face situations that genuinely hurt, frighten or frustrate us.
But changing the way we frame the situation can change the way we respond to it.
And that can make all the difference.
Life Is About Change
One thing we can be certain of is that life changes.
Sometimes change is exciting. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes we would much rather things stayed exactly as they are.
That’s completely human.
We naturally prefer what is familiar. But when we constantly resist change, we can create even more stress and frustration for ourselves.
Instead of fighting every change, what if we learned to face the challenges that come with it?
What if, rather than getting caught in the snag, we learned to move with the flow of life?
That doesn’t mean giving up.
Quite the opposite.
It means accepting where you are, deciding where you want to go, and then taking the next step forward.
Give It a Try
This simple change in language has helped me create a lot more peace of mind.
I’m not saying that every problem magically disappears when you call it a challenge.
But the way you think about the situation can influence the way you feel about the situation.
And the way you feel can influence the actions you take.
Every time I face an obstacle and work my way through it, I become a little stronger.
I learn something.
I build confidence.
And I have another experience to draw on the next time life throws something unexpected my way.
So, the next time something feels overwhelming, stop for a moment and ask yourself:
“Is this really a problem, or is this a challenge?”
Then choose your words carefully.
Choose your mindset.
Choose your response.
And most importantly…
Choose to keep moving forward.
So, are you up for the challenge?
[Picture – Scott Lorcsh – Unsplash]
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