How High Achievers Turn Problems Into Promotion
One of the most important traits of every great leader is how they handle problems. Every leader has them. Every business has them. Every family has them.
Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” That means problems are not a sign that something’s wrong, they’re simply a part of life.
But here’s the key: It’s not the problem that determines your outcome. It’s your perspective.
The Power of Perspective
Years ago, a very successful minister came to speak at our church. I asked him, “If you could give me just one key to success, what would it be?”
He looked at me and said one word, “Perspective.”
At that time, I didn’t fully understand it. But now I know what he meant. Perspective is how you see things. It’s how you filter things. It’s how you respond, not react, to what happens to you. The right perspective doesn’t remove the problem, but it changes how you handle it.
A Simple Formula for Facing Problems
When problems come, here’s a simple formula to help you respond the right way.
There are four steps: Lessons, Opportunities, Answers, and Questions.
1. Lessons: Be a Student in the Storm
When problems arise, don’t be a victim. Be a student. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”
Too many people waste their storm by blaming others. They blame God. They blame their boss. They blame their upbringing, their background, or the government.
Blame keeps you stuck. Learning helps you grow. Every storm has a lesson if you’re willing to learn it.
We learn more from our struggles than from our successes.
We learn more from pressure than from peace.
We learn more from problems than from prosperity.
So decide: “I’m not going to lose from this. I’m going to learn from this.”
2. Opportunities: Look Behind the Obstacle
Behind every obstacle is an opportunity.
David faced Goliath, but behind Goliath was kingship. The obstacle was actually the doorway to his destiny. In the same way, your current challenge could be the opportunity that leads to your next level if you handle it right.
Be opportunity-minded, not obstacle-minded.
Talking about the problem doesn’t solve the problem. Complaining about the problem doesn’t fix the problem.
Ask yourself, “What opportunity could be hiding behind this difficulty?”
Opportunity for growth.
Opportunity for improvement.
Opportunity for change.
Remember: Your problem could be positioning you for promotion.
3. Answers: Focus on Solutions
Romans 8:28 says, “God is working all things together for good to those who love Him.”
Even in the middle of your problem, God is working. There’s always a way. There’s always a solution.
I have a Jewish businessman friend who once told me, “Pastor, I never ask God for money. I ask God what problems I can solve.” That’s powerful. The more problems you solve, the more valuable you become.
Problem solvers are promoted.
Problem solvers are blessed.
Problem solvers are indispensable.
So when you face a problem, don’t just bring the problem, bring a solution.
4. Questions: Keep Growing Through Reflection
Growth comes through asking the right questions.
When you face a problem, ask:
Why did this happen?
What can I do differently next time?
Where do I need to change? My attitude? My habits? My process?
Who do I need to involve?
How can we improve?
Good leaders evaluate. Great leaders evaluate and eliminate. They remove what isn’t working and take action on what is.
Final Thoughts
Problems are a part of life, but how you respond determines your promotion.
Be a student in the storm.
Look for opportunities in obstacles.
Find answers instead of excuses.
Ask questions that lead to growth.
When you do that, you’ll stand out. You’ll attract attention from those who can promote you. And you’ll prove that with the right perspective, every problem is an opportunity in disguise.
Until next time, remember, God is for you!
Listen to the full episode of the Leadership Lifter Podcast on YouTube or on davidblunt.org
