Turn your problems into opportunities!

 

BY PETER SCHOR

Showroom specialist

 

Many of us are having financial challenges in these tough economic times. If you followed my monthly column this year, or can go back and look in The Wholesaler magazine’s digital archives, you will find many proactive things that can be done to meet and overcome these challenges.

 

When faced with problems or set-backs in business or life, what is your immediate reaction? If you are like most people, you probably curse them. Why did this happen to me? What am I going to do now? My plans are ruined. This response is only natural. However, after the initial disappointment wears off, you have a choice to make. You can swallow the misery and dwell on the negative aspects of your situation or your can find the benefit or lesson that the problem is offering. Yes, you will probably face a period of uncertainty or struggle, but there is always a flip side to the difficulty. You see a “problem” that is often not a problem at all. It may actually be an opportunity!

 

You probably know or have heard about someone who lost his or her job and then went on to start a successful business or obtain a new position in another company. In most instances, that person will tell you that if he or she had not been laid off, the new business opportunity would have never been started.

 

How about the times you were absolutely convinced that a particular job was perfect for you; you had a great interview, and just couldn’t wait for the offer. But you ended up being rejected. Days or months later, a new job came along and you realized that the first position would have not worked out. In fact, it was a blessing.

 

How adversity serves us

 

In my experience, adversity can serve us on the following levels:

 

• Adversity gives us perspective. Once you have recovered from a life-threatening illness, a flat tire or a leaky roof doesn’t seem so troubling anymore. You are able to rise above petty annoyances of daily living and focus your attention on the truly important things in life.
• Adversity teaches us to be grateful for the many blessings we normally take for granted. Through problems and difficulties, especially those that involve loss or deprivation, you develop a deeper appreciation for many aspects of your life. It’s trite but it’s true — you don’t usually appreciate something until it is taken away from you. When you have no hot water, you suddenly value hot water. It isn’t until you’re sick that you learn to cherish good health. The wise person continues to dwell on blessings, even after the loss or deprivation has passed.
• Adversity strengthens us and allows us to discover a reservoir of previously untapped abilities. After surviving a difficult ordeal or overcoming an obstacle, you emerge emotionally stronger. Life has tested you and you were equal to the task. Then you are better equipped to handle it. Problems and challenges bring out of the best within us — we discover abilities that we didn’t know we possessed. Many of us would have never discovered these talents if life hadn’t made us travel over the bumpy terrain.
• Adversity  encourages is to make change and take action. Most people cling to old, familiar patterns regardless of how boring or painful their lives have become. It often takes a crisis or a series of difficulties to motivate them to make adjustments in their lives. Problems are often life’s way of letting you know that you are on the right course and need to take corrective action.
• From adversity, we gain valuable knowledge that we can use at a later date. Take the example of a failed business venture. The entrepreneur may learn something that enables him or her to succeed spectacularly on his or her next endeavor.
• Each problem or difficulty leads us to something better. A relationship terminates and you go on to a more satisfying relationship. You lose your job and find a better one. In these instances, the “problem” is not a problem but rather an opportunity in disguise.
• Overcoming adversity makes you feel better about yourself. When you muster all of your courage and determination to overcome an obstacle, you feel competent and gain confidence. You have a greater feeling of self-worth and you carry these positive feelings into subsequent activities.

 

Sure, you’ll have your share of problems and adversities in life. I’m not suggesting that when tragedy strikes you deny your emotions or refuse to face reality. What I am saying is don’t immediately judge your situation as a “tragedy” or dwell on how bad off you are. Sometimes you won’t be able to instantly spot the benefits of these adversities that come from being in your situation.

 

Don’t give up! Don’t ever, ever, ever give up! Continually ask yourself what you have learned from your trying experience and focus on moving forward and growing as a person. In times of crisis, always strive to maintain an optimistic attitude and an open mind – for this is the environment that will allow you to turn problems into opportunities.

 

During this holiday season, live in the gratitude of whatever you currently have in your life. You can never achieve true satisfaction unless you find gratitude in your existing situation. Cherish your family, friends and business associates and tell them so. Let us make this a time of giving to the less fortunate. It is a great way of basking in the rays of the bright light. Please say a prayer for the safety of our armed forces around the world and find a way to let them know that we are proud of them. Be gentle toward yourself.

Thank you for following my monthly column (since 2004) and allowing me to impact your life in a positive way.

 

Peter Schor, president of Dynamic Results Inc, is a bath/plumbing industry speaker, educator, author, columnist, and consultant in our many segments of our industry. For the past 20 years, he conducted seminars and speaks at numerous conventions. Schor has great expertise in the field of showrooms and hotel bathrooms and has won many industry awards. He also consults manufacturers in taking their products to market in the areas of sales, marketing and public relations. Schor can be reached at 1302 Longhorn Lane, Lincoln, CA. 95648, phone 816/408-5346, fax: 916/408-5899. email pschor@dynamicresultsinc.com or visit his web site: www.dynamicresultsonline.com.