We all have problems. In fact, if there is a common denominator among humans it's that we all have problems. No one is perfect no matter how good they look on Instagram or how enticing their Facebook posts are. Behind the pictures of exotic vacations and loving spouses there is just other person with problems.
So, if we all have problems why do some people go on to have happy and successful lives and others seems to constantly struggle? Are some people just lucky? Are they simply living in denial? Have they found the secret to eliminating all problems? None on the above. Their secret? The stopped buying bigger pants.
I don't mean to pick on people who struggle with their weight but it's the clearest analogy. The time to deal with a weight problem is when your current pants are getting too tight not when you're 3 pant sizes from your goal weight. Think about it, would you rather need to lose 10lbs or 50lbs? Why wait until you've gone up three pant sizes and now you have a monumental weight loss goal? How much simpler to notice that your current pants are too snug and do something about it right then? Quit buying bigger pants!
The answer isn't shopping for new pants or putting another hole in your belt. The answer is to do something about your problem as soon as you become aware of it, not once it's grown so large you feel overwhelmed.
This principle works for any problem you're facing. Are you in debt? Deal with it now, while the amount of money owed is still manageable. Don't wait until you're in over your head. Get a second job, sell something, move to a cheaper apartment, get a vehicle with a lower monthly payment. The problem isn't going to fix itself or get any smaller. Everyday it's going to get worse. Do something about it now.
Is a loved one getting on your nerves? Talk to him or her about it today. Don't bury that resentment. It's only going to fester. I guarantee that loved one is going to say something hurtful or insensitive to you in the next few weeks and unless you've dealt with the previous issue it's only going to make that problem grow. Becoming complacent about a problem never works! Problems grow when ignored.
There are lots of places that would love to sell you bigger pants and when you put on those bigger pants you might feel better for awhile but you haven't done anything about the underlying problem. Sure, your stomach doesn't hurt anymore when you buckle up your belt but you haven't solved anything. You've adapted. You've compromised. You've settled. And I can promise you that it's only a matter of time before you're shopping for even bigger pants.
Now is the time to tackle that problem you've been ignoring. You have all the strength and wisdom you need to fix it. As soon as you decide your pants buying days are over you will start to see the solution to your problem. Our minds are a remarkable thing. They love to solve problems. As soon as you decide you are ready to solve a particular problem your mind will show you the way. Starting right now you need to decide that you're never again buying bigger pants.