Someone or something always has the advantage, and there are usually two options: think negatively, or positively about it. We do best when we take responsibility for our actions, identify the problem, make a plan to fix the problem and then work on the plan.
The last thing you need to do is understand that not everything is under your control. Sometimes, you just gotta roll with the punches until you spot the opportunity to make progress.
When life isn’t fair, these 5 things can help you move on
1. Identify the Problem
The first thing you need to do when confronted with an obstacle in your path is to identify what the problem really is. Is it a broken part that needs replacing and bad employee that needs firing, or a personal emotional issue that needs to be addressed? Figure out what is causing the problem in your life. This may require us to face some very uncomfortable truths about ourselves, because maybe our own decisions or judgment is the problem. Be ruthless at this stage. Stop at nothing to identify the root causes of the problem in your life.
2. Devise a Solution
Once you have identified the issue that is causing the problem in your life, you have to figure out a way to overcome that problem. Do you lack financing for your new business? Find a way to improve your credit rating, tighten up your business plan or reduce costs during the startup period. Did you fail to get that promotion due to a lack of education or experience? Then find a way to get the experience you need through training programs, internships or volunteering. Need more education? Then take a course a semester in the evenings until you get that degree or certification. Every problem has a solution, but sometimes the solution is another problem on its own.
Work your way down the tree until you find the root cause, then start remedying that one first. Take it step-by-step, and before you know it, you will know what you need to do. Plan in detail and make backup plans in case you need to change direction on the fly. Shoot holes in your plan. Get others to shoot holes in your plan, then go about making changes to the plan to make it as bullet proof as possible.
3. Work the Plan
Once you have identified the root cause of the problem in your life and have started working on a solution to fix it or go around it, then you can start working the plan. Working the plan requires discipline and determination. Adjust your plan for issues that come up when they come up, but stay the course. Don’t lose sight of your ultimate objective. Stay laser focused on your goals. You have spent a lot of time coming up with this plan and you want to stick with it as much as possible, but no plan survives contact with the enemy. Be prepared to alter course or change the method of success, but never give up. Press through difficulties and keep your eye on the prize.
4. Accept Help from Others
If you get in a bind or find yourself in a situation you cannot get out of, then don’t be afraid to accept help from others. We succeed often as a team. Just like you would not hesitate to help a friend or loved one with their project or issue, then let them do the same for you. We all stand on the shoulders of giants, and others will at some point stand on our shoulders as well. We advance as a civilization by the very fact that we help each other and cooperate so effectively.
Related article: 11 Quotes to Remember When Everything Is Going Wrong
5. Understanding Control
The last thing is to accept that there are things in this universe that are out of our control and cannot be planned for. Sometimes, things just happen for no rational reason. Accept responsibility for the things that are under your direct control or influence and nothing else. If there is nothing humanly possible that you can do about it, then let go of it. You can only be expected to predict those things that are predictable. When the unpredictable happens, ride it like a wave. You cannot stop the wave, but you can make the wave work for you or against you.
