In a perfect world, you would have all the resources you needed when you needed them.  However, our world is imperfect and you have to work with what you have.  A perfect example of this philosophy is a sailor experiencing some equipment malfunction while at sea.

The sailor has to deal with the problem when it occurs.  He has to utilize any available means.  Wishing for something he doesn’t have wastes time while accomplishing nothing.  The sailor must be creative.  Survival is paramount and time is often of the essence. 

The same criteria apply to anyone lost or stranded in the wilderness.  Anything they can find may prove useful.  Even items normally thrown away as garbage become invaluable.  People survive by harnessing their willpower and imagination to approach their situation from many different perspectives. 

Although, most people facing obstacles are not confronting life threatening situations, developing a mindset that enables you to work with what you have on hand is essential for success.  Opportunities are missed due to inaction.  Inaction results from waiting for ideal conditions.

“Paralysis by analysis” occurs when you never make a decision to act because you are consumed analyzing and reanalyzing your situation.  While you are lamenting the resources you don’t have, wishing they would miraculously appear, opportunity is passing you by as you squander time.

Before you can work with what you have, you need an inventory of what’s available to you.  You’ll probably be surprised at how much more you have to work with than you realize.  In itemizing your inventory, be sure to list everything, regardless of how small or insignificant.

List all of your determination, desire, skills, knowledge, education, financial resources, savings, and credit lines.  Enumerate people you know who might be able to help with knowledge, skills, or support.  Make a list of all of your income and expenses.

Analyze your inventory creatively.  For example, you may not have money for a product or service you need but you may be able to barter.  The key to working with what you have is to focus your mind on finding a solution rather than becoming discouraged by obstacles.

Thinking outside the box empowers you to get the most from what you have.  Throughout history, individuals who have become successful have shown a knack for getting the most from what they have, even turning disadvantages into advantages.

Helen Keller is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when a person works with what they have.  Although deaf and blind since she was 18 months old, Helen was able to lead a full and productive life.  She graduated from college in 1904 at the age of 24.  It was certainly uncommon for a woman to go to college at that time, let alone one without hearing or sight.

Thomas Edison didn’t learn to read until he was 12.  Additionally he was a poor writer.  Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer, lost his hearing in his 20’s.  What do John D. Rockefeller, Abraham Lincoln, Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, and Walt Disney have in common?  None of them had a college degree.

The above examples show just a few of the people who worked with what they had.  They never made excuses for failure because something was lacking in their life. 

Your accomplishments will be based on what you have.  Nothing will ever be accomplished with something you don’t have.  So take stock of your personal inventory and start putting all of your assets to work.  Don’t wait.  Start today because time goes by too fast.

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.  2010 Bryan Golden

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