OVERCOMING LIFE CHALLENGES by Kelvin Ekekwe

Introduction
Life is full of challenges, they come in different forms, shapes and magnitudes and their impact on human lives are enormous, touching almost every aspect of our being including: emotional, spiritual, psychological, physical, etc. 


In life, nothing is constant other than changes and changes bring about challenges to our life because when change happens, things are no longer the same. People and indeed all system in general resist change and hence are oppose to challenge. This agrees with Newton's first law of motion otherwise known as 'INERTIA' i.e the tendency to remain at rest or in motion (moving), to continue in a uniform motion in straight line. 

However, only systems that adapts to changes can survive over time. It follows that stability i.e constancy in terms of form and structure does not excludes adaptability if the person or the entire system is to survive. Therefore, in life, we must certainly adapt and adjust to changes and challenges as we move on. Standing still is not an option in life. It was Albert Einstein who said that life is like riding a byke. One has to pedal on to keep on going otherwise, you will fall. 

Challenges are those things that confront our otherwise perceived comfortable position. They can come:

(a) Naturally; in which case we have no choice but face to them

(b) They can come as a result of political, economical, social and technological (pest) changes

(c) They can come as a result of environmental and cultural evolution and

(d) They can come by choice: when people willingly choose a challenge to prove their worth or stuff they are made of.

Some approach challenges from negative and pessimistic point of view. Such cowardly approach is rather destructive and unhelpful. Cowards according to Shakespare die many times before their death but the valiant never test death but once. 

Challenges are sometimes antecedents for breakthrough. Necessity they say is the mother of invention. Challenge generally test our resolve in life and reacting to challenges can lead to innovation. It follows that challenges should not only be seen from negative point of view but also with positive attitude. 

Challenges can help us to realize our hidden potentials which otherwise remained dormant until put to test. Many scientific breakthrough and discoveries came as a result of the challenges,the absence or lack of such discoveries posed to humanity. When confronted with challenge, wise people normally ask the right question(s). In so doing, investigation and research are conducted leading to a better understanding of the challenges. 

A challenge that is properly understood is as good as having been solved.