The Three Simple Steps to Dealing With Adversity

There are times when life throws us a curve ball, which some label as adversity. It is at these times that we can either deal with the situation in a positive forward moving way or wallow in the negativity of it and then wonder why we cannot find a solution.

Well, as you know, I love to help others with things that have worked for me and today is more of the same. I have a simple, three step process that allows me to quickly, easily and efficiently create a solution for any adversity I may have tossed my way. It is evaluate, illuminate and execute.

I am going to share that process but first some things to be aware of and avoid at all costs, so that you can use this simple, effective process.

WORRY – Do not give in to worry. Worry has never resolved anything; in fact, it only compounds the issue at hand by increasing stress and decreasing our capacity to think clearly. Worry does not lead to a solution; rather it is an adversity multiplier. And do not tell me that it is easier said than done. It is simply a choice like any other.

PARALYSIS BY ANALYSIS (PBA) – This sticks us between steps one and two (evaluate & illuminate) and does not allow us to ever get to step three (execute). People who are in a constant state of analysis are looking for the perfect solution, not just a solution. It is fear, anxiety, low confidence and pessimism that keeps them stuck. The best way to break the bond of PBA is to come up with a solution that resolves the issue and then just executing it right away.

PROCRASTINATION – It will absolutely do you no good at all, if you complete steps one and two and then allow procrastination to not allow your solution to be implemented. The only thing that procrastination will do is immediately stop any and all forward momentum that was created from completing the first two steps and lead to frustration. Stop procrastination by deciding that you will do it NOW and procrastinate later.

OK, now what you have all been waiting for, the promise of a simple, effective process, so let’s begin, well at the beginning.

Step 1: Evaluate

The first thing I do is take a moment to center myself by taking some deep breaths. This actually serves two purposes. By breathing deeply I am calming my body down, because adversity tends to bring about that adrenaline surge and I am also getting more oxygen to my brain which will help with clear thinking and creativity. I have always preferred this to the “slap me back into reality” method.

Then I quickly evaluate the situation by asking some simple questions starting with, “Is this a life & death situation?”

Those that can remain calm and think clearly have a much better chance of avoiding death, I might add.

Then some other questions I ask myself,

“What resources do I have to resolve this?”

“Am I the solution to the situation or do I know someone who can resolve this?”

“What does the situation call for in resolving it? Time? Effort? Money?

Those are just some examples of questions. I am sure you get the picture. So, let’s move on to step two.

Step 2: Illuminate

I used the word illuminate here because to illuminate is to cast light onto something and in this case I mean “light” in a couple ways. First of all, it is the light of the Universe that I am talking about and that light comes in the help and guidance I ask for; the light of me being positive and the light of creativity that is generated to help resolve the issue.

And so by illuminating the situation in body (relaxed and alert); mind (clear thinking) and spirit (connecting with my higher self to access guidance and help), I can come up with an effective solution.

And now we have arrived at the final step in the process.

Step 3: Execute

The first two steps are only effective if you execute the solution that was created in the second step. Remember as shared earlier, avoiding worry and Paralysis By Analysis (PBA) is the only way to get to this step.

Now that you have a solution, execute it! It is that simple really. The biggest thing that will kill it here is procrastination, as we discussed in the earlier, so the quicker you execute the solution, the less chance for procrastination.

That’s it! Three simple, yet effective and efficient steps to resolving any adversity. Remember, if it is simple, you are more likely to do it! And the more you do it, the easier and more effortless it becomes for you.

Harry E. Shade