To change obstacles into challenges, you must change your attitude toward the particular situation. Do not let your first thought or reaction to a situation be a negative one. Eliminate the words obstacles and problem from your vocabulary and from your thinking.

Every experience that you encounter is a situation. Regardless of whether it is a positive or negative one, it is indeed a situation which can be resolved.

With this change in attitude toward the situations you encounter, you are better equipped to handle them by seeing them as opportunities for completion or growth, rather than as impediments to progress.

One very effective method to overcome obstacles, resolve situations, and convert stumbling blocks into stepping stones is the nine point formula for solving problems/situations.

The Nine Point Formula for Solving Problems/Situations

1. Write it down.
Write a precise statement of the situation to be resolved. State what it is and what it is not. Very often, simply writing and describing the situation helps resolve it. Once you clearly define the situation, its solution starts rushing toward you.

2. Analyze the situation.
Look at the situation from all possible angles. Identify all aspects, paying particular attention to which portions can be resolved immediately, and which portions require further analysis.

3. List all alternative solutions.
Write each potential solution as completely as possible.

4. Evaluate all possible solutions.
Determine whom or what does each solution help, and whom or what does it hurt.

5. Determine if your solution (choice) is a selfish one.
If a potential solution helps only you, or hurts other people, it will probably cause you more difficulty in the future. Look for a solution that fairly balances the benefits to yourself and to others.

6. Picture the consequences.
Carry each possible solution to its logical conclusion. See the end results clearly and in great detail.

7. Get advice, but make the decision your own.
Discuss the situation with people you trust and respect. Ask for their insight and advice. Study their advice in conjunction with your own understanding and observations. Then, make the final decision your own.

8. Stick to your decision.
Once you make a decision, stick to it until new facts are produced warranting a change.

9. Put your decision into action immediately.
Do not procrastinate once you have made a decision. Get started right away and give it your best.

The nine point formula gives you a step by step method to improve the execution of your plans. Through this procedure, you can effectively convert stumbling blocks into stepping stones and provide yourself with golden opportunities to build faith and self- confidence.

© 2004 LifeSkill Institute, Inc.

Based on The Twelve Universal Laws of Success, Second Edition, Expanded, ISBN 0-9748362-1-4 a new book by Herbert Harris, available at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or through the LifeSkill Institute, Inc. Call (800) 570-4009 to order books. Get your FREE copy of "Twelve Affirmations to Live By" poster by E-mail to: lifeskill@earthlink.net

Brother Herbert Harris will be keeping the Black community updated on thoughts for success and how we can succeed in our lives. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Harris' column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail H Harris at: lifeskill@earthlink.net

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