Problems and Opportunities

A challenge is a difficult situation we all face by chance or choice. We may decide to face or ignore it, which will require varying amounts of energy. Challenges can take many different forms but can be divided into two categories:

• Problems: Those with a negative connotation, where challenges are seen as problems.
• Opportunities: Those with a positive connotation, where challenges are seen as a chance to effect positive change and build upon a desired destination.

To turn a challenge into an opportunity, developing and applying various skills is necessary. The most important ones: are attitude and character.

One story I always come back to when trying to frame a problem into an opportunity is that of Admiral James Stockdale. As a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, he adhered to a simple and practical philosophy:

"You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be" - James Stockdale

This mindset allowed him to survive and eventually be released.

Admiral Stockdale's story applies to many life challenges, including current global and national realities like the War in Ukraine and the recent banking crisis. Specifically, we can all relate to it when we face a challenge we have not experienced before, such as the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic or a personal financial crisis.

Although we may face difficult and brutal realities, it is important to set realistic and challenging goals and believe that we can achieve them. We must also be action-oriented and proactive in setting momentum.

Our personal success, as well as that of the communities and organizations we belong to, will likely depend on our ability to react to inevitable adversities and set momentum towards a better state.