I’ve done it. So have you. We keep doing the same thing and we keep getting the same results. Sometimes they are the results we don’t really want. And when it comes to the challenges, the same goes. wW seem to manifest the same problems again and again.
Why is that? Why do the same problems (hiding in different shapes and forms) keep rearing their ugly head?
Proponents of The Law of Attraction believe that if you keep complaining about a problem or challenge, or obsessively think about it, you just recreate the problem. Could that be the reason it keeps reappearing?
Maybe. But I believe there’s more, and it’s all about learning a lesson.
Now, keep in mind that there are things that happen in the world for no apparent reason. It’s the Uncertainty Principle at work, and it’s a reality of physics and life. But most of the time, events and circumstances in your life keep reappearing until you get that major take away – the one that is life transforming. That “ah ha-I’ve got this!” moment. Comprendez?
Let’s break it down. Why do you face the same problems (although repackaged) again and again? Here’s why (and as you will see, it all has to do with your ability to LEARN the lesson):
1.You are wearing blinders or earmuffs.
In other words, you are only choosing to see or hear what you want to in a particular circumstance, instead of being open to new ideas, points of view and information, which may, in fact, be in direct opposition to your beliefs.
2.You believe your way is the only way.
This is all about your ego. If you put up a roadblock or “do not enter” sign, how can you expect to anything to change? When young children can’t get their way, they stand, arms folded and pout. The problem won’t go away when you pout and are inflexible.
3. Your communication is kinked.
When a wire is kinked, it can’t transmit a signal properly. The same goes with your ability to communicate. If you don’t communicate clearly, and without drama or negative words, you won’t relay what you truly intend to. That problem will just resurface.
4. You lack understanding, empathy and compassion.
Some of the world’s toughest challenges and problems are resolved through understanding, empathy and compassion for others. If the problem involves others, can you put yourself in someone else’s shoes and view the problem from their point of view?
5. You are unwilling to take (calculated) risks or you take too many poor risks.
Taking calculated risks entails understanding the consequences and potential loss or gain of the risk before you take it. If the gain appears greater the loss, it may be a risk you are willing to take. Problems keep repeating themselves when you fear taking any risk, even a favorable one. Trying something new involves being a bit vulnerable and opening up to learning something new. Or at the other extreme, you have chosen to take too many poor risks which lead to back to the same place, same old problem.
6. You are stuck in your backyard bubble.
Sometimes problems can be resolved by changing up your landscape. Venture out of your bubble to discover and explore new environments, people, and new ways of doing things. Then your problem may be tackled with fresh solutions.
7. You have watched Groundhog Day too many times.
Just like in the movie, Groundhog Day, Bill Murray keeps waking up each morning and living the new day nearly exactly as the day before. Everything repeats itself.
The key to break the “same problem” cycle is to recognize and acknowledge your mistakes, learn the lesson, and move forward. Don’t play victim. Don’t blame your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother or best friend. Don’t blame the abuser or the bully. With certain exceptions of random events, most of your life is dictated by you and how you choose to respond to life circumstances.
You co-create your reality. You are the driving force behind much of your life’s direction, events and challenges. You create most of your own struggles.
All of this simply boils down to you learning something from the continued problems you face. If it’s a money problem, perhaps you need to learn how to better manage money. If it’s a relationship problem, you may need to work on enhancing your communication skills. When problematic situations in your corporate career continue to appear, maybe its a sign to opt out and try a fresh start.
Whether you are younger or older, you can always learn something new. Most top leaders are not afraid to try new things for fear of failure. They push past each and every problem they may encounter, learn from mistakes and move forward. That ability to be resilient is a major key to success (on many levels) in life. The same problems no longer reappear, but be ready for new ones along the way. Problems are only life’s way of teaching you a lesson.
Are you ready and willing to learn?
Featured photo credit: CollegeDegrees360 via flickr.com
