Three key Principles to Help You Confront Every Problem

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs Email to a friend

“Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward,” so says the Bible (Job 5:7). Before you long to be rich and famous, thinking that would resolve your problems, understand that the rich and famous usually have many more problems than the ordinary person. Money and fame bring with them exceptional responsibility, as well as numerous problems to be dealt with. The rich, the famous, and the poor alike, all have problems; there are no exemptions. So how do we live in a complicated world where problems thrive all around us every day? There are three key principles to help you survive every problem that comes your way:

1.    Take Responsibility

People like people who show strength. Women look for that in a man.  Heroes are always people of extraordinary strength. What separates the strong from the weak? The strong take action and accept responsibility for their actions.

Our society has become weak and unable to face problems because we are a society that blames others for everything. If we fail, it is someone else that is the blame. If you want to take control of the problems you face in your life, you must take responsibility for your life. This is the first foundational principle upon which your future success, happiness and purpose in life is based. The easy way out is to blame everything that goes wrong on someone or something, and it is also the hallmark of an unsuccessful and discontent life.

When you are in control of your life, you don’t have to be fearful about making decisions, worrying that you might be blamed if you’re wrong; you make decisions in life and accept responsibility and let the chips fall where they may. Before anyone can take responsibility for their life, they must first acknowledge that their life is their responsibility and no one else. Things happen because of the choices we make. The key to success is making wise choices; wisdom often comes from the wrong choices we make. Instead of blaming others, take responsibility and learn from your mistakes. Start right now to eliminate excuses and blame from your life; when the thought comes to your mind to blame or make excuses, reject it, and build your self-esteem around strength and accountability instead.

We are responsible for all of our actions, every one of them. That includes our thoughts, our behavior, our mistakes, our actions, and the things done intentionally or unintentionally. When we are wrong, we admit it; when we make mistakes we acknowledge them and accept responsibility. We try to right whatever wrong we may cause. That’s what it means to take control of your life.

You don’t have to make some mealy mouth excuse when you fail; just say I’m sorry I messed up. People will respect you for your integrity, and admire you for your strength. When your choices and actions affect others in a negative way, be quick to apologize and ask what you can do to make up for your mistake.

One of the greatest ways to take control of your life and face up to responsibility is by being positive. If you will notice, excuse makers and blamers are also negative. They have a victim attitude. A responsible and positive person shifts the focus of their life from what went wrong to what went right and endeavors to improve the weak areas. Get to know yourself; understand your strengths and weaknesses. Forget about whom you were in the past or whom you are now, or how others are and what they do; you don’t have to be like them. Make improvements and become the best person you can become; take responsibility for your life.

2.   Face problems head on

One of the greatest hindrances to facing your problems head on is procrastination. It is so easy to put things off until another day and do it over and over until your choice to face the problem is gone, and then you are forced to deal with consequences, which are a much larger issue. Facing up to problems when they arrive saves you all the agony of having them hanging over your head for days or months, and then finding out that your procrastination has cost you dearly.

When you take the first step to face up to your problems, it will make you feel able to be in control of your life and the issues you face. The dread of life and the nagging problems of life you faced before will be behind you; you will never want to have those feelings again, and you will never have to. Believe me you are going to enjoy the new you!

3.   Be a problem solver

Let your mantra be: “There are no problems, only solutions.”  You already know yourself well enough to know that you can solve problems by applying your knowledge and ability. You also know that, for the complex issues, you can learn what is needed to solve them. With help, determination and the drive, there are few limits to what you can achieve to see things through to the finish. You don’t have to settle for the easiest way out, or the most convenient. You have an analytical mind capable of analyzing every problem and selecting the best possible solution. You can solve the most creative issues if you just accept that you are capable. You are a problem solver whether you realize it or not. All that is required is for you to begin and improve on your problem solving skills.

How to improve your problem solving skills: Don’t expect instantly to solve all your problems. Take them one by one and learn from them as you go. You won’t always achieve total victory on every front; you may lose some battles, but you are going to win the war. Start by making a list of all the things you have been postponing and then get started. Each time you get one problem solved, check it off the list and move forward. I had a list that took over a year to complete which included paying off $50,000 worth of bills, some related to my wife’s sickness and death. I still have a much smaller list that I’m working on. You will always have a list; the object is to keep it as small as possible.

Sometimes the issues we face seem overwhelming and we are discouraged from doing anything; the truth is that baby steps over time can conquer a mountain of issues. Here’s an example, I read through the Bible each year; when I start in January, it seems that I’m making no progress at all, the pages are so thin, and there are so many of them, and there are 66 books all crammed into one cover. By reading just three or four chapters a day, however, it will take me through the entire Bible by the end of December; so it is with problem solving. At first it may seem as if you are getting nowhere. But by the end of the year or in time, you will have covered an enormous amount of ground, and you will also have gained peace of mind from knowing that you are on top of the game of life.

Conclusion

I don’t mean to simplify the matter of solving problems. Problems are sometimes extremely difficult to solve, and they often require a large amount of time, and could involve some help from others; nevertheless, most problems do have a solution. Those problems, which are out of our control may require the determination to live with them and not to let them overshadow our life. Many have learned to live with overwhelming problems like physical handicaps etc., and still live a rewarding and meaningful life.

I want always to reveal the key to my own success in life, which is my connection with God. My faith in Him and his presence in my life have made a greater difference than all else combined. I invite you to join me and millions of others who have discovered this truth. Learn how you can have a relationship with God.

Jimmie Burroughs: Founder of Christian personal development.

About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is a motivational speaker and author who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for more than 30 years. There are hundreds of articles to help you on this website ( Website Contents ) in your personal growth. If I can help you personally, please send your concerns via Contact me.

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