Problems are potential, in disguise

February 11, 2019 – Perfectionism and the innate desire to fix things can be helpful, but left unchecked, they can lead to pessimism and negativity. My advice to myself, “STOP IT!” This is not who you want to be. The pursuit of excellence is wonderful and noble, but not at the expense of your capacity to find enjoyment and fulfillment. Strive toward an outlook and habit of consistent bar-raising, not because you see your flaws, but because you sense your potential. The positive attitude makes all the difference.

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When I originally wrote that, I was dealing with a lot of frustration. My mind gets in a groove of problem solving and, all of the sudden, I see issues everywhere. I am learning to exercise better self-control, but still, I am apt to go through days when one thing after another pushes all the right buttons to send me into a downward spiral. In effect, I begin to sink into the negativity of it all. Unfortunately, is not an uncommon issue for many people.

Whether you struggle with this yourself, or you often see it in those around you, I have found only one way to reverse the downward momentum. Shift the direction of your focus.

I have to get my mind out of problem-solving mode and shift into personal growth mode, or “warrior training” as John Eldredge called it in his book, Fathered by God. If something is difficult, you can get frustrated at the issue itself and having to deal with it, angry at someone for creating the problem, or joyful for the opportunity to learn and grow.

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