I have always believed that new challenges in life present new opportunities. We are given opportunities to grow, improve, and learn new skills and abilities, which we might not learn otherwise.

It is easy to get comfortable and complacent when the going is easy. We often just ride the wave of success, rather than learning how to paddle better. We miss the opportunities to learn, grow, and gain greater strength.

I have come to realize that there is always a greater challenge around the corner. The obstacles that you are facing right now are preparing you for the future. I did not always embrace this attitude of gratitude for challenges and obstacles. I used to say, "If I could only solve this problem, I would have everything else handled." That's not the way that life and business works. The most successful people are problem solvers. Rather than CEO, President, Sales Manager, or Salesperson on your business card, it should read Chief Problem Solver.

One technique to build your confidence and competence in facing new challenges is to record them. Record the challenge then think on paper to create the solution. Too often, we don't concisely write out the new challenge. Then we fail to think solutions through on paper. Completing this process gives us two benefits:

1. Greater access to our mind to create solutions: By writing your challenge down, you activate your whole mind (the conscious and subconscious) to work on the challenge even when you are asleep. You will light a mental fire that will burn bright until you have extinguished the problem for good.

2. A record of success: By writing things down, you create a blueprint for greater success. You allow yourself to go from one victory to the next, applying your gained knowledge quickly and efficiently. Making the right decision is essential to success, but making it quickly is nearly as important. Sometimes, we might make the right decision, but we have waited too long. We have missed the opportunity that was before us. Many times, opportunity merely knocks once. You must be prepared to seize the opportunity when presented.

The speed at which a good decision is made is essential. Place yourself in the cockpit of an F16, one of the highest advanced aircraft in the world. You have been instructed to attack another military force. You have a series of missiles bearing down on you. Do you let the speed at which you make the decision have a bearing on your success … of course! If you don't move quickly, you're dead.

We have to take the right perspective and attitude to achieve success. We have to acquire the focus and intensity of a great problem solver. We have to act decisively and quickly to achieve our desired result.

Published: January 23, 2009

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Dirk Zeller is a sought out speaker, celebrated author and CEO of Real Estate Champions. His company trains more than 350,000 Agents worldwide each year through live events, online training, self-study programs, and newsletters. The Real Estate community has embraced and praised his six best-selling books; Your First Year in Real Estate, Success as a Real Estate Agent for Dummies®, The Champion Real Estate Agent, The Champion Real Estate Team, Telephone Sales for Dummies®, Successful Time Management for Dummies®, and over 300 articles in print. To learn more regarding this article, please visit www.realestatechampions.com.