If you’re someone who feels like your world is falling apart, I’m here to tell you — I understand your pain. Life can be scary, tough, and overwhelming. Sometimes, all you want to do is stay in bed and sleep through your problems, only to realize they’re still there when you wake up.

I’ve faced many challenges in my life. One thing that helped me through those tough times was becoming aware of what my problems were actually doing to me.

I knew I couldn’t run away from them because eventually, they’d catch up with me. And the more I thought about them, the stronger they became. On top of that, they started to play tricks on me, making me believe that my struggles were too big to solve.

But addressing and facing my problems was the best decision I made. I realized my problems weren’t just hurting me — they were affecting the people I love.

So instead of living with agoraphobia, I decided to challenge it. That same mindset applied to my battles with depression, anxiety, and OCD. I had to fight back. I had to do the opposite of what those struggles were trying to do to me.

Always remember, a problem will only last if you let it. Once you take charge and make the decision to get better, that’s when real progress begins.

Let me explain it this way: imagine you’re a boxer. If you just stand there and let the other boxer keep hitting you without blocking or fighting back, you’re eventually going to go down. But if you start fighting back, even after getting knocked down, you show that you have heart.

You refuse to let the other boxer take your power. That’s what it means to fight for yourself. That’s what it means to fight for your life.

So, what does “fighting back” really look like?

Here’s a strategy that helped me and can help you too. Grab a piece of lined paper and do this:

1. What is the problem?

2. Why is this problem hurting you?

3. What can you do to solve the problem?

4. What are the benefits of solving the problem?

5. Take ACTION.

Here’s my example from when I faced agoraphobia:

• What is the problem?
  My agoraphobia.
• Why is this problem hurting me?
  I feel stuck in the house. I feel alone. I can’t see the people I want to see. I’m living in my own prison. I can’t achieve what I want.
• What can I do to solve it?
  I can take small steps and make minor progress each day. I can start by staying outside for five minutes, then ten, then twenty. I can gradually walk further from home and build confidence as I go.
• What are the benefits of beating agoraphobia?
  I’ll be free. I can meet friends again. I can go out and do the things I want. I’ll feel happy and fearless.
• Take ACTION.
  I had to take serious action if I wanted serious results. I couldn’t stay still. I had to move.

Facing my fears and walking outside was the best thing I ever did. Not only did I change, but my whole life changed. Now I feel unstoppable.

This is why being aware of your struggles and writing them out is powerful. It gets the stress out of your mind and onto paper. It helps you stay organized and avoid mental clutter.

You’ll be surprised to see how many more pros you discover than cons when you do this. And when you start removing the barriers in your life, the quality of your life improves in ways you never imagined.

Think of your problems like a test. You may not know the answer at first, but when you break it down and look at all the angles, you find a strategy. You find your solution.

Let’s say your problem is depression. Here’s how you can work through it:

• What is the problem?
  Depression.
• Why is it hurting you?
  You feel sad, hopeless, lonely, and worthless.
• What can you do to solve it?
  Talk to someone you trust. Call a therapist. Focus on activities that make you happy. Do volunteer work. Reorganize your space to inspire positivity. Go for a walk. Listen to music. Anything that brings joy back into your day.
• What are the benefits of beating it?
  You’ll feel happy. You’ll feel free. Your mental and physical health will improve. You’ll be motivated again. You’ll feel social, connected, and full of life.
• Now take ACTION.

These are just examples of how you can turn your life around. No matter what your problem is, this approach works:

What is the problem?

Why is it hurting you?

What can you do to solve it?

What are the benefits of solving it?

Take action.

A problem can never be solved without action. So make sure what you’re doing is leading to positive progress. Keep your expectations and standards high. You’re not average — you’re capable of more than that.

My friends, success will always follow those who refuse to make excuses and are committed to becoming their best. We all have the choice to sit or to rise. To stay stuck or to fly toward greatness.

So put on your cape.

Start now.

You’ve got this.

God bless you.

Never give up.

Keep moving forward.

Believe in yourself.

~ Image by Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay