We’re moving down the list. Today we’re talking about another thing that is secretly stealing your joy. 

Over the past few weeks we’ve covered a lot of topics on small things that are stealing your joy, which if you missed them, you can read them here. 

Let’s continue that trend and talk about another one, problems. 

Look I know we all have them, everyone has problems. But are you dealing with them?

Different Ways to Deal With Problems

Someone once gave me a great piece of advice. 

“If you don’t like something you have three options, leave it, change it, or accept it.”

That’s it!

There is no other option. Yet, a lot of us opt for a fourth option, complaining about it. 

Complaining about a problem isn’t really a solution. It doesn’t DO anything. Instead the problem still persists and now all you’ve done is made yourself more upset. 

Why Complaining Isn’t a Solution

Look, I get it, it’s easy to complain about a problem. But again, let me reiterate, it doesn’t DO anything. 

Well, actually that’s not entirely true. Complaining does DO something, it makes you more miserable and steals your joy. 

When you complain about a problem, you are dwelling on it. You continue to brood over the subject and let those negative emotions stew and fester. (Those are some visual words huh? But that’s kind of the point, I want you to have a visceral reaction to complaining.)

Complaining begins a downward spiral, that if you’re not careful will simply consume you and take over everything you are. Very quickly you’ll begin to FIND things to complain about. Then none will want to be around you, as all you can do is point out the flaws in everything, including people that care about you.

Scary, right!? Well it should be, because that’s what can happen if you continue to simply complain about your problems instead of taking them head on. 

How to Deal With a Problem

As I mentioned before, there are three things you can do to deal with a problem. 

First is fix it. Can you change it to provide an outcome that you want?

Next is leave it. If you can’t fix it, then leave it. Walk away from it. Remove yourself from it. 

When all else fails, you can accept it. Learn to be ok with it and move on. 

But again, that’s it. 

If you can learn to use those three steps, instead of just complaining about it, I guarantee you will become a happier person in no time. 

Ever feel like you struggle with knowing how to tackle a problem? Schedule a FREE Intro Call and talk with one of our expert coaches who can help you create a step by step plan to overcome any situation. 

Coach Andy is an Owner and Head Coach at Tradewinds. He grew up in traditional martial arts and uses that rigor and discipline in his CrossFit training. The more technical the movement, the better, with his specialty being the olympic lifts, especially the snatch.