When, Not If

by P.S. Harper

"I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.”

Louisa May Alcott

October 8, 2025

Are you sick and tired of experiencing problems?

 Do you want a way to avoid all of life’s problems?

I’m about to provide you with a sure-fire, no doubt, money-back guarantee way of avoiding all problems!

Do those first three lines sound like a crazy midnight infomercial?

Do you think I’m about to unleash some magical revelation the world’s been keeping from you?

Well, I ain’t! And, yes, I said, “ain’t.”

Problems are going to happen. If you go through life expecting some sort of problem exemption, you will be disappointed.

Even with great prevention and preparation, vehicles will break down. Body parts will ache. You will get sick. People will be dishonest. Things happen.

The “secret” is not avoiding the miseries of this world; it’s learning how to manage them. The practice of prevention is helpful, but so is preparation.   

Are you mentally and emotionally prepared for problems?

Sharper Leader:

1.      What problems do you routinely face?

o   Action Step: Identify the most pressing issues in your life and research common ways for dealing with them.   

 

2.      How is your attitude, emotional fortitude, or grit?

o   Action Step: Think back on the last few major problems you experienced and grade yourself on how you handled them.   

 

3.      How are you preparing yourself to handle life’s speed bumps, roadblocks, and dead ends? Who do you have to help you along the way?

o   Action Step: Pause and pray. Seek an accountability partner. Read. Practice.

 

Recommended book: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Give yourself some honest grades on how you normally handle adversity. Are those the grades you want?

Note: After enrolling, if you do not receive these weekly, please check your junk mail and add Scott@sharperleaders.com to your contacts.

Lead. Learn. Grow.