Problem Solving

"It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." - Whitney Young

I've recently been presented with an opportunity that has really opened my eyes to my lack of dedication to my passions. I was considered to host a podcast to interview people with an entrepreneurial spirit, paving their own path in this rat race we call life. I have always thought of myself fitting into this category, but when I really thought about it, I did not feel worthy of hosting. Especially alongside the amazing talent that will be hosting the show.

This consideration pushed me to introspectively review my track record. In doing so, I realized I chose a safe route. And although I don't regret the choices I've made or the path that I chose, I definitely didn't give my talents a fighting chance. I'm proud to say I've built my professional career on opportunities that I sought out, but they definitely weren't created. And that's the edge that the people going to be featured on this podcast have. (Which by the way I'm super excited about! Can't wait til they go live tomorrow! Check it out at here.) They created their own lane, working for themselves, leaving the corporate world that many of us find ourselves stuck in.

Not that being in the corporate world is a bad thing. I'm so very fortunate to have a cool job with a company filled with amazing people who entrust me to deliver the brand message all over the nation in the companies behalf. But if you told me 10 years ago that I was going to be the National Brand Ambassador for a Drone Company, I'd think you were crazy! And that's the problem, I don't have a clearly defined brand or vision for myself.

On my way to a business trip to Dallas, I found myself watching a personal branding video on Virgin America's LinkedIn channel and one question really stuck out to me. What problem do you want to solve? Wow. I don't think I've ever really thought about that, and that question really struck me.

I've never been good at problem solving, in fact it was my worst subject all throughout school. So I'm not surprised that this question has never crossed my mind. But now it's got me thinking, what do I want to solve?

On a personal level, I want to solve my issue with consistency. I feel like I've literally been all over the place, struggling to define myself, unable to write my story. With no other particular goal in mind than to "get by." Never really investing time in initiatives without a definite outcome.

But the real problem I want to solve is the lack of positivity in our world today. I definitely feel like there are more positive outlets being created but there is no reason I shouldn't be using my own outlets for this. Hence why I made this blog in the first place.

So I'm solving these problems by using this blog as a measure for success. I'm going to reserve time everyday to building this blog by creating positive and inspiring content to hopefully enlighten those with similar aspirations. I want to encourage those who share the same difficulties that it is possible to overcome them and serve as living proof of it. I want the premise of my blog to be positive advice and insight to forward on to others.

It's easy to pour all your energy into a job, because at the end of the day, you know you'll get paid. But money shouldn't be the only form of motivation. One of my bests, Arnelle said it best. Invest in yourself by investing your time. It all starts with taking the time to think about what it is that will make us happy. Most of us don't even take that time because we're too busy attending to the things that have been brought to us, distracting us from replenishing our souls. Do what you love, especially if you are able. We would be a happier world if we all committed to being true to ourselves by not only learning who you are but by creating the self you wish to be. As long as I keep that in mind, I may solve the very problem keeping me from solving problems!

So let me ask you this, what problem do you want to solve for yourself or for others? Let me know in the comments below!