January 9: Obstacle or Opportunity?

Mindset plays a huge role in personal growth. I love how much I'm allowing myself to see my life from different perspectives—far from my old self—in order to grow into the person I've always wanted to be, living a life of joy and authenticity.

One realization came during a conversation with another mom of my 6-year-old daughter's friend. I was telling her how my daughter wasn't ready for fancy shoes with shoelaces yet, and how my husband didn’t think much about these things before getting her the shoes. I was essentially expressing frustration over how the shoelaces were a hindrance and how my husband lacked awareness of the situation. Then, the mom shared a simple yet smart solution: she swaps out her daughter's regular shoelaces for stretch laces that don’t require tying. What started as a seemingly trivial conversation ended up being a moment of insight. I realized that I could apply the same approach to bigger challenges in life. Instead of seeing something as an obstacle, why not view it as an opportunity? An opportunity to problem-solve. To find a solution, even for the smallest hindrances in our lives.

Problem-solving is creativity in action, and it can even lead to new income opportunities. It's about creating value for yourself and others. When you solve a problem, you not only improve your own situation but also build something others might benefit from. By approaching life's challenges—big or small—not as obstacles, but as opportunities, you open up a world of creativity and growth.