Solutions for Impossible Things: Let Nothing Stand in Your Way

I’m a super optimist and I firmly believe that there’s a solution for every problem, no matter how impossible it might seem. For example, when I sprain my ankle, I’m just thankful I didn’t break it. When I miss out on buying a house I wanted, I remind myself that another opportunity will come along. Even when someone posts something negative about me online, I take comfort in knowing at least someone is reading my content.

Optimism has saved me from becoming a failure, especially considering the troubles I got into during my school days. At some point, everyone faces challenges that seem insurmountable. My advice? Don’t give up. Instead, try to think things through. Improving your problem-solving skills not only makes you more valuable as an employee but also paves the way for success in entrepreneurship and boosts your confidence, leading to a happier life.

Let’s talk about a few examples where clever thinking turned problems into opportunities. First, my home had low water pressure because the local water utility throttles the pressure to conserve water. While upgrading my pipes didn’t help, installing rain showers did because the gravity helped increase the pressure. It wasn’t the initial plan, but now my showers feel like a waterfall—pure enjoyment.

In another instance, my kitchen remodel left me with a cheap plastic faucet that was frustrating to use. After three years, I couldn’t stand it anymore. I replaced it with a high-end Hansgrohe faucet, which not only looks great but also increased the water pressure significantly. Now, both my home and rental property have excellent water pressure, which makes everyday tasks like washing dishes a breeze.

If replacing a faucet seems too expensive, consider checking for debris that might be clogging the valve cartridge or the aerator. Sometimes, a simple cleaning can improve water pressure and save you the cost of a new faucet.

Now, onto a different kind of challenge: getting an athletic scholarship as an unathletic person. While most high school athletes won’t make it to Division I, schools like Amherst and Williams offer great opportunities for those willing to leverage their athletic potential, regardless of being a top athlete. This insight came from a woman named Lisa, who secured a place at Stanford not just because of her academic prowess but also her rowing skills, despite not receiving a scholarship as a rower.

For those who aren’t naturally tall or strong, consider roles that can utilize your body type, like being a coxswain in rowing, where being lighter is an advantage. There’s a sport for every body type, and excelling in it can boost your chances at a great education and career.

Lastly, I had a memorable experience with a lost wallet belonging to an international visitor named Martin. After finding it in a park, I used social media and a little strategic thinking to reunite him with his wallet. It felt great to help someone out, and it reminded me that there are always solutions to problems, as long as you’re willing to look for them.

Remember, never give up. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, a bit of creativity and persistence can lead to solutions you never thought possible. Keep pushing through the tough times, and you’ll find that often, the world isn’t conspiring against you; it’s just waiting for you to find the right approach.