Run at your problems

John Maxwell says: “All leaders can become good problem-solvers. To do so, they must do four things: Anticipate problems before they occur; maintain a positive attitude while they occur; use all their resources to solve them as quickly as possible so they cease to occur; learn from them so the same problems do not occur again.”

In life and in leadership, problems and challenges are ever-present. You’re either in the midst of a challenge, you just pulled out of one, or there’s one coming.

Instead of hesitating and procrastinating, run at your problems.

The biblical story of David and Goliath pits a giant against a young man in an epic confrontation between good and evil. My favorite part of the story is when the duel begins: “Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”

David ran at Goliath.

It wasn’t a display of youthful hubris or stupidity; it was considered aggression and confident courage. David’s pugnacity must have thrown Goliath off balance. The giant was used to frightened, tepid foes, but here was a young man running towards him.

In your personal and professional affairs, run at your problems.

The alternate approach is procrastination or avoidance. Most problems do not resolve themselves; they must be aggressively and tenaciously pursued.

Identify several problems in your business or personal life that need to be addressed. Pursue them sooner rather than later. Develop a plan and schedule a time to deal with each one.

10 Replies to “Run at your problems”

  1. Biblical counsel in a season when just about everyone has more than enough reasons to be timid. We just need to put this into action–right now! Thanks Don.

    1. Thanks, Rick, for taking the time to respond. I’m so impressed with Esther and Jacob’s approach to building their own house. They are running/working on a solution to a problem. Take care, Don

  2. excellent, Great post! Avoidance scuttled my good intentions; it’s disguised as good reasons – excuses – but the result was loss of confidence. attacking things feels good.

    1. Thanks, Chuck, for taking the time to write. I have a favorite saying, “If something needs to be done sooner or later; sooner is better.” Take care, Don

  3. Hi Don, excellent advice. I am currently producing the pilot for a God Honoring TV Show entitled “Rode Warriors”. It is a take off on the old “Highway to Heaven” with Michael Landon, but in this show the two guys (one angel and one human) ride motorcycles.
    Anyway, if you are aware of the fact that raising funds for God Honoring entertainment is next to impossible, in spite of the fact that the enemy is putting billions of dollars into their propaganda films and shows, you will understand our challenge.
    So, in light of your article today, we are running headfirst into the problem by putting together a cross country motorcycle challenge, and filming that, to be cut into a Reality TV Show paid for by sponsors of the event. Then the proceeds from the event will fund the scripted show with hopes of reaching the lost where they live. So many people who need salvation will never watch those “Christian Shows” but they will watch “Fast and Furious”.
    Our prayer is to reach those people and plant the seeds that the Holy Spirit can then water and cultivate.
    I appreciate any thoughts you may want to share. Thank you.
    Blessings, Peter.

    1. Peter, thanks for sharing your vision. I’m impressed that you have a clear idea of what you want to do and a proactive plan to accomplish it. Plan your work and work your plan – is exactly what you’re doing. Please keep me updated on your progress. Don

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