“Facing it, always facing it, that's the way to get through.” – Joseph Conrad
The challenge was too great. There was no way I could accomplish it. I didn’t have the money. I didn’t have the time. I didn’t have the strength. My vision of the future contained one word – failure.
We’ve all been in similar situations. The future seems bleak. Every option that we can generate is flawed. It seems no matter what approach we take, there’s no path to success.
Driven, we don’t stop. We’re uncertain about how we’ll achieve our goals, but we know that quitting isn’t an answer. The path isn’t clear, but standing still isn’t an option. We continue to push forward.
We know that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of intelligence. We reach out for assistance, guidance and support. People with tools we don’t have are able to fix some problems. Someone who’s been in our shoes shows us a way didn’t know existed. Others lend their hands and their hearts, letting us know that we aren’t alone.
Gradually, the roadblocks give way. Movement, however slight, begins. One step, followed by another. Then without warning, a setback. A moment of discouragement, and we begin again.
The cycle continues – frustration, progress, setback – frustration, progress, setback –again, and again. The small successes build up our self-confidence. Each stumble is countered by our supporters – new ideas, innovative suggestions and constant encouragement.
Suddenly, our goal is within our grasp. There’s still work to be done, but the doubts have ceased to exist. We know we’ll be successful. We push ourselves further, and accomplish our intent.
Standing at the finish line, we celebrate our achievement. We worked hard, so we take a moment to savor the victory. We accomplished the impossible.
But of course, it wasn’t impossible. Our success is evidence of the opposite. Yet, there were moments when we were certain that failure was the only outcome.
Looking back, so many of the solutions appear obvious. Not giving up. Asking for help. Taking advice to heart. Accepting support from other people. Understanding that setbacks were only temporary. Continuing to move forward.
With each success, we gain confidence and knowledge. We know that there will be more challenges, and we’ll be able to meet them. Not only can we help ourselves, we can help others who are facing their own struggles. We’re the one who can share our experiences, offer ideas and provide encouragement.
Our problems without solutions are ready to be solved.
