What comes to mind when you hear challenges? How do you react to it? Many consider challenges and problems synonymous, as both create barriers for us. However, it's a misconception.
Yeah, you heard it right!
These things are used interchangeably but they hold different meanings.
The critical difference between challenges and problems is that "while a challenge is a demanding task that an individual wishes to overcome, a problem is something difficult to deal with or understand that hinders the progress of the individual."
In simple words, when we see obstacles as achallenge, we become motivated to overcome it and learn from it. On the other hand, looking at a situation as a problem stops you from seeing ways to solve it and makes you dwell on the negative things that come with it. Challenges are goals you want to achieve, whereas problems are always unwanted, and we want to eliminate them.
Let me give you an example:
When there is money pinned to the wall and a sign that says, "It is yours when you get it."
A pessimist focuses on the seemingly impossible problem of the wall being unreachable and the nuisance of being sweaty, all of which they see as hassles, and leave this opportunity.
In contrast, an optimist focuses on the goals of getting the reward and feels motivated by the challenge. An optimist sees this as a challenging opportunity for growth, development, and resilience; it was never a problem.
Likewise, in life we should challenge ourselves. We often hear the words "growth mindset." Someone with this mindset sees obstacles as a challenge and an opportunity to grow rather than something unsolvable and irritating. This is very applicable to our day-to-day lives. Every day at our offices, homes, or anywhere else we face different circumstances, and whether we see them as challenges or problems is our CHOICE.
Seeing something as a challenge, as opposed to a problem, gives you a psychological advantage to achieve and overcome the odds. You know that you allow yourself to grow when you take it as a challenge. A person who takes on challenges thinks that when plan A does not work, they still have 25 more letters or backup plans. These people are resilient and they are those who do not dwell on negatives and pursue excellence rather than perfection.
On the other hand, when you see these things as problems, you are digging yourself into failure. When you see something as a problem, if you fail once, you are afraid to try again and consider yourself a loser.
Do you now see the difference? When faced with adversities, let's look at it as a challenge that needs to be overcome rather than a problem that hinders personal growth and development.
It all boils down to your mindset and your belief system. We are vulnerable and prone to making mistakes. I am here to tell you that it is okay to make mistakes; when you do, get up, learn the lesson, and try again, but this time with a better plan and a more mature way of facing the issue.
It is better to fail than not try at all.
Always remember that everything happens for a reason. The challenges you face now might not make sense, but believe me, sooner or later, you will thank yourself for facing and overcoming the challenge because doing so equips you with the knowledge that will help you in your future endeavors. Look at life's adversities as a challenge; learn from your mistakes and try again. Be resilient, and don't dwell on the negativity around you.
All the things you do now are preparing you and are already building yourself for the future. Look at the obstacles in your life as a challenging opportunity that will help you be the best version of yourself. Welcome challenges in your life! Failures are bound to happen to you in one way or another, what is important is you learned from them and you become a better version of yourself.
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