It has been far too long since my last post; but I had to take a hiatus in order to complete several other projects going on all at the same time. Now that I'm back in action, the first topic I'd like to address on my return is the idea of challenges (and if you must, challengers).
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chal·lenge (noun) 1. a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.; 2. something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc; 3. a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.; 4. a demand to explain, justify, etc.: a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.; 5. difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.
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The emboldened definitions are the ones I want you to focus on, in particular the difficulty in a job or undertaking. Life is a funny thing. Everyday of it is a gift, yet there can be those days that come with a set of challenges that push you to the brink; that sometimes can make just being alive seem like a burden unto itself. The thing is no matter what you are going through, your goal should be to just keep living, keep perservering. Rise up and answer the call - face your challenges, your obstacles, your impediments, and your nay-sayers face on. Don't let anything distract your efforts and that which you are out to accomplish. To help with the process - here is a five step guide I've created to help you overcoming and move forward.
>>> IDENTIFY - Be aware and know what challenges you have faced (past), what challenges you are in the midst of (present), and what challenges could arise in the time ahead (future). You'll have the mindset of being currently aware, the knowledge gained from your past tribulations, and the ability to prepare for your obstacles on the horizon. Sit and ask yourself, what are my challenges? Always be honest. Get out a note pad and write an outline. What are your challenges, and what are the ROOTS of those challenges (the causes/ instigators/ agitators). Be thorough, and be truthful; that is the only way any progress can be made - shatter any denial(s).
>>> RESOLUTION - Come up with a game plan. How will you get out? Who can/ will help you get survive the challenge? What do you need to do to fix the situation? When can the problem be fixed (and be realistic...)? Set goals and timelines. Have a starting point, and a finishing point. Know where you are, and where you want to be so you can monitor your progress. Don't be afraid to "coach" your way out of turmoil. Be methodical and thoughful; not rash and irrational. Sometimes moving out of a predicament can be tough, but be up to the task. Again, be realistic with your goal setting. Garnish all the help and positive influences you can - let your family and friends know your plans (you need support to succeed).
>>> EFFORT - This is an important key before you initate your plans. You must put yourself in a positive mindset, and gather your strength. It's not just enough to come up with a solution to your challenges, you've got to get ready to implement them and that takes work. Rallying your supporters to help you is a vital step in both creating a resolution, but in putting that plan into place as well. Get yourself in the shape you need - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Exercise, it'll help with all three. De-stress by finding hobbies you enjoy and gravitate your mind away from your problems. Stimulate yourself - don't just lay stagnant without anything to do - all that does it leave your mind fixated on your problems.
>>> IMPLEMENTATION - Devising the remedy isn't the end of the story. Just like a New Year's Resolution isn't enough - you have to actually follow through with it and that's where a lot of people slip up. Moreover, you can't just start down the road, quit halfway (or give a mediocre effort) and think you're going to get to the end of the road. You've got to give your solutions your all, and dedicate to becoming better/ overcoming the challenge. Enact your solutions, and stick through them thick and thin. You can't falter, you can't quit, and you can't put up a sorry effort towards your plan. Create a journal and keep track of your progress and to take general notes. Do a check up and evaluation with your support group, have them help you monitor your progress.
>>> PROGRESS MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINING - So you've put in the hard work, you've singled out your challenges and what is causing them. You created a solution/ way out; built your effort up, and then begin putting your plans in place. So now what? Now comes the really hard part - continuing to make progress. Maintaining and sustaining can sometimes be the hardest things you do when you're on the upswing. Too often we let ourselves plateau or "coast" once we've hit a certain point. Don't let yourself get into that phase because before you know it, you can begin going in reverse. Effort and implementation will continue through this stage, you will constantly need to revitalize your effort and re-implement your game plans. The notes of progress should continue, and every so often you should create a new outline, a new starting point, and a new ending point just to stay fresh. If you're having a hard time and feel like you've hit a ceiling at any point - consider it a new challenge and restart the whole process from step one. It won't be the end of the world if you occasionally stumble, just keep notes in your journal/ outline you've created on whatever happened, and come up with ways to avoid it from happening again. We're all only human; to hold yourself to any higher regard and seek out absolute perfection is a mistake in itself.
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Challenges in your life will arise all the time. Just when you think you've conquered one thing, three more will pop up in their place. It's all about managing them, taking them in stride, then constructing your way either out or around. Being a champion or someone who succeeds does not mean you will go without struggles - keep in mind that every set of situations or circumstances can present it's own unique challenges (which is why you should always be careful about what you wish for). Difficult times and situations will arise, so be prepared not only to endure, but to fight your way through/ out. Practice the I.R.I.E.P. steps above. Lean on your support (family, friends, love ones, co-workers, associates), and examine your landscape for resources than can help you (financial, social, psychological, weight loss, etc.). It might not always be easy, but where there is a will, there is a way. Life is too short to do anything but dance while you have the chance.
Until the next time, make it a great week!
J. Junior II
12/8/2011
