All people encounter problems.  Life has its cycles.  There are both up periods and down periods.  Even though you don’t like it, you have to deal with the low spots.  Attempting to escape or avoid undesirable circumstances often prolongs or worsens, rather than solves problems.

Regardless of what circumstances you encounter, you must make the best of it.  Although you may not have control over what happens, you do have total control over your reaction and response.

Begin with identifying exactly what the problem is along with its cause.  Until you understand the nature and cause of your problem, you will not be in a position to make the best of it.  Step back from the situation and make an objective assessment.  Don’t try to analyze your situation while you are in an elevated emotional state.  Give yourself enough time to calm down so that you can see things more clearly.

Next, list all of those things that you have going for you.  Identify all of the good elements in your life along with all of your strengths.  This step enables you to recognize and utilize your positive assets to make the best of the situation and solve your problem.

Now you are ready to brainstorm in order to uncover all possible solutions.  Do this without deciding if a particular solution is realistic.  List every possible option.  As you write down your ideas, look for hidden opportunities. 

Resolving problems requires adjusting your course.  As a result, previously obscured opportunities will present themselves if your mind is open to spotting them.  Always keep in mind that every adversity contains opportunity.

Next, decide on an appropriate strategy.  Don’t look for the path of least resistance, since this is also the path of least rewards.  Anything worthwhile in life takes effort.  Furthermore, it can require more effort to pursue an ineffectual solution rather than a more difficult and satisfying one.

The final step is taking action.  Avoid paralysis by analysis.  Make the best decision based on the information you have at the time and then take action.  Without action, nothing happens.  You always have the ability to alter your course at any time should circumstances warrant.

As you move forward, monitor your progress.  Are your plans working out as expected?  If so, great.  If not, why not?  Whenever you encounter a problem, go back to the first step of identifying the cause and repeat the steps delineated above.

The adage, when one door closes, another opens, conveys the essence of how to make the best of any situation.  Many people get trapped trying to get back through the door that just closed.  None of their effort is spent looking for those doors which have now opened.  They spend their energy lamenting the past, rather than moving forward.

To summarize, here are the steps you can take to make the best of whatever situations you encounter:

1. Identify the problem and its cause.

2. List all of your strengths along with those things you are grateful for.

3. Brainstorm to uncover all possible solutions.

4. Look for new opportunities created by the problem.

5. Decide on a strategy.

6. Take action.
7. Monitor your progress and adjust course as needed.

It’s easy to get stuck looking at a problem from only one perspective.  Follow these steps and you will be able to make the best of whatever challenges you encounter.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2009 Bryan Golden

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