The story goes that when a person approaches Dr. Norman Vincent Peale to consult him about a problem, Dr. Peale would tell the person, “Congratulations.” Surprised, the man would insist that he had many problems, for which Dr. Peale would say, “Double congratulations.”
For inspirational writer and positive thinker Dr. Peale, problems are a sign of life. And consequently, the more problems you have, the more alive you are. But one might ask, “What is the purpose of these problems?” Dr. Peale would reply that problems are sometimes given to us to make us stronger.
If a person had no problems, then he would become “weak and spineless.” In the same manner, a country with only prosperity would become complacent and weak.
Thinking about Dr. Peale’s message, we discover a different way of looking at our problems. During his lifetime, Dr. Peale worked as a pastor and helped inspire millions of people through his message on positive thinking.
Here are some of the unique strategies given by Dr. Peale:
• The solution to the problem can often be found within the problem itself. Dr. Peale tells the story of a magazine publication that was struggling. The magazine owner approached a lady benefactor asking her for donations. The kind lady said, “Since I want to help your publication, I will not give you any money. But I will help you in another way.” The lady continued, “Your problem is that you are taking the shortcut by asking me for money. You lack readers. So why not visualize your intended audience and attract them by improving your publication and marketing plan? Find a laudable purpose for your magazine and it will sell.” After the pep talk, the staff found a renewed passion and in a few months, the magazine sales steadily improved.
• Approach the problem with a calm mind. Being angry, sad or vindictive can make you choose a wrong decision. If a business is not working, you don’t think of closing it immediately. If a relationship is on the rocks, you don’t give up on it quickly. Take it easy. Look at the situation in the long term. Leave the problem first and then consider it again later on. You might just see it in a different light.
• Look at the facts and face the challenge. Is your problem really that huge to begin with? Or is it just fear that is making the problem look big? Dr. Peale gives an example of a boy who was frail and sickly in school. His classmates teased him that he looked like he was about to die soon. But his teacher called him after class and told him directly, “Now look here, boy. I know you look thin and weak today. But I dare you to be strongest boy in this class. I dare you to outlive all of your classmates. I dare you to use all the healthy foods, fruits and vegetables that God gave us to make yourself strong. I dare you!” This challenge from his teacher jolted the boy. The boy then made it his goal to live a healthy life. Dr. Peale finishes his story, “I met the guy who told me this story when he was already 84 years old. And he had us doing calisthenics with him out in the streets in front of dozens of people. That’s the power of the mind if it rises up to the challenge.”
• Never force a solution. There is a right time for everything. Don’t approach someone or do something when the time is not yet right. Don’t ask your boss for a raise just yet. Don’t confront your girlfriend after a fight. Take things slowly.
• Take small steps towards the solution. Motivational experts advise us to make gradual changes in our lives, which when done continuously can lead to big changes in the long term. The difference between success and failure can be a few changes, a few inches or a few attempts away. Dr. Peale tells the story of a miner’s pick that was found stuck just a few meters away from a goldmine. Had the miner persisted in digging some more, he would have found the treasure. The lesson is to be persistent, especially if you know you are doing the right thing.
• Seek advice from experts and good people. If it’s a medical problem, then consult a few doctors to get their opinions. If it’s a financial problem, then consult the money experts. If it’s a relationship issue, seek advice from a friend, priest or counselor. Look for mentors that can help you.
• Be open to creativity. Think out of the box. Dr. Peale shares the story of Colonel Harland David Sanders before he started Kentucky Fried Chicken. Colonel Sanders was already 65 years old when he got a retirement check from the government. He said to himself, “Look how useless I have become. Now, the government has to give me a pension so I can make ends meet.” Colonel Sanders then began to think of ways to earn a living. He remembered his grandmother’s chicken recipe, which he enjoyed. He tried to recreate this recipe of special herbs and sauce. When he got the taste right, he started a small restaurant using his retirement money. And the rest of the story, I’m sure you know. Colonel Sanders sold the rights to the chicken recipe for a large sum of money, with the understanding that he would become the ambassador of goodwill for Kentucky Fried Chicken. From being a retired nobody, Colonel Sanders became rich, well-known, and well-loved throughout the world. Asked about his secret, Colonel Sanders would relate that it was all because he was “saved” by God. Afterwards, Colonel Sanders gave back to the poor with his many charitable works.
• Pray for guidance. Ask God to help open your mind and find the right approach to the situation. Use your intuition and talent to push forth towards the right path. The answer may not come quickly, but in time it will become clearer. We just do our best, and God will do the rest.