From Distraction to Action: How to Effectively Handle Challenges this Year

As we all know, we all deal with a variety of challenges and obstacles in our personal and professional lives. Whether it's a difficult project, a difficult coworker, or a difficult client, there are always going to be bumps in the road on our journey to success.

But did you know that there are actually three different ways that we tend to respond to these challenges? I recently had a call with a client, Christos Constantinides, who shared something that really resonated with me - the three different ways we tend to respond to challenges, and how each one can be effective under the right circumstances.

The first approach is to distract yourself and ignore the problem. This can be a great way to take a break and gain some perspective on a difficult situation. Sometimes, you have more pressing issues to deal with in the moment, or it might simply just not be the right time.

This approach is especially useful when facing a challenge that seems insurmountable or in those situations where you do not have direct control over the outcome. 

However, it's important to be aware that this approach can lead to procrastination and could make the problem worse. I therefore believe that this option should always take place within a bigger or grander strategy – for example, I am distracting myself from thinking about that important meeting tomorrow, so that I am able to get a good night’s rest and be clear headed when going into the meeting. 

The second approach is to complain and cry out about the problem. This can be a good way to vent, but it can also lead to negative thinking, a victim’s mentality and a lack of motivation to take action. There are situations where conveying your thoughts about a situation can be beneficial and is a necessary component of change. But be careful of relying too heavily on the ‘complaint’ approach which often leads to excessive excuses.

Remember, you can either have your excuses or the results you seek, but you can’t have both. 

Finally, the third approach is to be solution-oriented. This can be the most effective way to move forward and achieve your goals, but it can also be the most challenging. It requires a willingness to put in the work and take responsibility for finding a resolution.

What I have learned is that not every problem is yours to solve, and that there is a time and effort cost to each problem that you try to solve. Which can distract you from the more important uses of your time and energy. So, it is essential to evaluate whether this ‘battle’ is even worth fighting. 

It is important to be aware of these different approaches and to choose the one that best aligns with your goals and vision. So next time you're faced with a difficult situation, take a moment to consider, under the current circumstances, which approach will be most effective for you and your goals. Remember, whether you choose to distract yourself, complain, or take action, the key is to always be intentional about your decision while keeping your long-term vision in mind.