9 Ways to Deal with Choices, Challenges, and Changes

We live in interesting times. The Arab Spring. The Tea Party. Occupy Wall Street... not to mention the choices, challenges,  and changes that each of us has to deal with individually on a daily basis. I know for myself there are times when I'd like life to just slow down a bit. But time marches on.

How can we better and more effectively deal with the choices, challenges, and changes life throws at us? Here are nine suggestions to consider.

Do You Need To Make Choices?

1. Define Your Choices
   What do you need to do in order to clearly understand all the options you have? Think outside of the box for options that may not be obvious.
   "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise." -Robert Fritz
2. Consider the Consequences
   What will happen if you make choice A over choice B? What unintended consequences might occur? Assume both choices will make you equally as happy; now what other factors would you consider?
   "Make up your mind to act decidedly and take the consequences. No good is ever done in this world by hesitation." -Thomas H. Huxley
3. Decide!
   Putting off tough choices only prolongs your state of discomfort and may introduce new consequences. Make a choice and then tell others about it. Sharing your choice will help you develop ownership over it and accountability to see it through.
   "The man who insists on seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides." -Henri-Frédéric Amiel

Are You Facing Challenges?

1. Define the Problem
   Where does the it originate from? What is the real motivation for the challenge? Don't confuse a person with his or her position.
   "An undefined problem has an infinite number of solutions." -Robert A. Humphrey
2. Consider the Strategy
   Think about where you want to end up and visualize what the solution looks like. What steps you might take to get there? What's an appropriate strategy to overcome this challenge?
   "The most dangerous strategy is to jump a chasm in two leaps." -Benjamin Disraeli
3. Act!
   By taking physical action you will empower yourself and perpetuate your courage. Remember, there is not failure, only feedback.
   "We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action." -Frank Tibolt

Are You Experiencing Changes?

1. Understand Yourself
   You're not the same person you were a year ago- what do you need today and how might this change bring you into a new awareness of yourself?
   "Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else." -Judy Garland
2. Consider the Opportunities
   Reframe the change in language that accentuates the positive aspects of it: Your boyfriend walked out? You're someone who knows how to stand your ground. Your flight was canceled? Now you have the time to enjoy a meal, return an important phone call, or finish your book.
   "We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." -John W. Gardner
3. Focus!
   Changes can throw a wrench into the comfortable, predictable life we lead. Stay focused on the goals you've set for yourself, adjust your sails, and press forward.
   "Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus." -Oprah Winfrey

And lastly, realize that life is one big, amazing lesson. Treat each moment with wonder, expect the best, and trust yourself.

Namasté