Triumph In Troubled Times

A note from peter@thewealthyattitude.com for Monday December 8 2008

Hello there all and welcome to another shiny new week.

As we're all aware, this new year looming up on us is going to be incredibly interesting for us entrepreneurs and home - business professionals. many of us are going to do really well in the new economy, while others well, won't. Please make sure you position yourself in the former.

To get us kicked off on an appropriate note, we turn to our friend Philip for an offering that really speaks for itself.

Our friends over at Daily Insight have some neat stuff going on. Check out what their are up to here: Daily Insight

Triumph In Troubled Times

by Philip Humbert

One of the differences between winners and losers is their ability to cope with adversity, and there seems to be plenty of adversity to go around right now. From terrorism to economic recession and financial troubles, many of us would agree that, "These are the times that try men's souls."

But here is a truth that applies even in the best of times: Eventually trouble comes to each of us. Sometimes the trouble is financial. Sometimes it will be an illness, a fire or a business failure, but sooner or later, trouble comes to each of us. And interestingly, our response to life's "small" challenges is a much better predictor of our long-term success than our response to the "disasters" in life.

Disasters are big. We can't deny or avoid them; we must deal with them. It is no accident that Winston Churchill described the Battle of Britain as "their finest hour." When emergencies strike, we rise to the occasion.

The real test is with the "termites," the little things that are so easy to ignore. Things like paying our bills on time and living within our means. Things like staying fit or eating well. Things like time for loved ones, for rest and renewal.

These things are not dramatic and they are not urgent. We can neglect our health for years before problems occur, but winners are pro-active. They are "first responders." They see storm clouds in the distance and take action while others sleep.

Recently I saw a biography of Donald Rumsfield, and one of the points they made is that he "moves toward problems; he never turns his back or walks away." That is a sound strategy!

High achievers expect challenges. In the face of life's uncertainties, they maintain an attitude of optimism, humor, strength and determination. They know that as they become more and more successful, the size and complexity of their problems will grow. How could it be otherwise?

So, here are seven keys to solving problems:

1. Expect difficulty! This is no surprise, it is not "unfair" or unusual. Life is complicated. Get good at it.

2. Keep a buffer around the edges of your life. Maintain a "reserve" of extra time, savings in the bank, and a bit of energy to handle the unexpected.

3. Optimism and enthusiasm are essential. Fear and pessimism will never inspire greatness.

4. Words matter! View difficulties as "challenges" rather than as problems. How we talk about our difficulties makes a huge difference in how we handle them.

5. "We get by with a little help from our friends." Have a team of cheerleaders, experts and colleagues to help you analyze and over-come any problem.

6. Be proactive. Take care of problems while they are small. Preventive maintenance is good for your car, your relationships, and your life.

7. Choose new problems! Learn from every experience and (try) not to have the same problems twice. Learn from difficulties, make changes, and move on. Pay the tuition once, then never repeat the same life-lesson!

The key is understanding that challenges are how we learn and grow. Success is the result of solving problems and moving forward in the face of difficulty, so expect "interesting" situations. Taking them in stride builds your confidence. Never fear trouble; triumph over it!