You probably have heard the saying, “Count your blessings,” meaning that we should be thankful for all the good things in our lives. But how often are we told to be thankful for our problems? Probably never. But I would argue that our problems sometimes can be our greatest blessings in disguise. That is because, with the right approach, turning your problems into blessings is possible.
The key to transforming a problem into a blessing is first to ask yourself this: “What can I learn from this situation? How can this situation benefit me?” Be creative! Don’t simply focus on the obvious problem at hand.
Below are some ways to transform your problems into blessings. Realize that if you approach your problems in the right way, they ultimately can be to your benefit. And surprisingly, you will be thankful for them!
The Blessing of a Closed Door
In the past, I used to think that disappointments were a bad thing. For example, if I applied for a job and didn’t get it, I thought that something bad had happened to me. I no longer have that attitude. I now know that job wasn’t right for me. And that there is a better job is out there. Sometimes my plans aren’t as good as what the universe has in store for me.
In fact, often in life, we create problems for ourselves when we try to force open those closed doors. Think about how many divorces could be avoided if people didn’t push a relationship into marriage when one spouse wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment? How many bad career choices could be avoided if we recognized that a closed door may mean that we are pursuing a profession that doesn’t suit us?
There is a wonderful scene in the Sound of Music when Maria is speaking with the head of the abbey. The head of the abbey tells her, “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.” That is true in movies, and it’s true in real life!
So, when faced with a closed door, don’t jump to force it open. Pause. Consider that maybe that closed door is a blessing in disguise. The door is probably closed for a good reason. But if you are patient, kind and work hard, a window will open. And it will lead to something far better than you ever could have imagined.
Problems Are Character Builders
When you are facing problems, use those problems as an opportunity to build your character. For example, instead of falling apart or being crabby when under stress, try holding yourself to the highest standard of behavior. Realize that anyone can be kind, patient and affable when life is going well. The true test of character is whether we can be all those things when life is stressful.
When we are kind and patient, even in the midst of difficulty, we show the world what we are made of. Being kind when we are tired or under stress is the difference between being a person of average character versus being a person of exceptional character. How we act under stress is the test of who we truly are.
I will admit that I have become better at passing these character tests as I’ve gotten older. In my youth, I would become very overwhelmed and self-centered when faced with personal problems. It’s only now that I am older, that when faced with a problem, I know that I shouldn’t be focusing on my problem. Rather, I should be focusing on how I am handing the problem.
So, my focus partially may be on solving my problem. But I also keep tabs on how I am operating. Am I being patient, instead of telling people off? Is being kind to others my top priority, or am I navel gazing, obsessed with myself and my little issue?
The key when facing a problem is to focus on the development of our character rather than on our problem. Realize that we probably don’t have much control over our problem anyway. So, instead of wasting time obsessing about a problem over which you may have little to no control, focus on the one thing you can control – yourself! And then work to operate at the highest level, no matter what is going on in your life. (To read more about building character during hard times, click here.)
Problems Can be Blessings When They Inspire Us to Achieve Great Things
We need resistance to accomplish things in life. For example, let’s say that your parents gave you $200K per year, a nice house and a luxury car. And you had to do nothing for it, except have a pulse. Would you be inspired to get a job or have any professional achievements? Probably not. You may not eat chips and watch television all day. But you likely would not be inspired to get a higher education. Nor would you invent or create anything new.
Most people need challenges in order to do great things in life. It’s no small wonder that many of our presidents have come from humble beginnings. The desire to push oneself to greatness often comes from the need to rise above one’s circumstances.
So, realize that your problems aren’t preventing you from achieving great things in life. In fact, your problems are likely what is driving you to achieve! As a result, don’t let life’s challenges upset you. Instead, rise to the challenge. Do your best to overcome your obstacles, and see the amazing things that you can accomplish.
This week, when you think about your problems, try to think about how they may be blessings in disguise. Think about how you can capitalize on them to propel you toward greater success in life. Know that with the right attitude, your problems could turn out to be your greatest blessings.
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