At some point or another, we all question what we are doing with our life. This is natural. As Branson, in his book Losing my Virginity, said, “I’d seemed to have run out of a purpose in my life. I’d proved myself to myself in many areas. I’d just turned forty. I was seeking a new challenge. I was even considering selling up.”

So even great people can face times of self-doubt. But the difference is that they use these moments to propel themselves further in their pursuit of success. They do this by not letting themselves off the hook. We all have a tendency to make excuses in our business or personal lives. This is so common that we often forget we are doing it!

We all know how it goes. We say, “I can’t take the risk at the moment because I have a family to look after,” or “I can’t do it now because money is tight.” These are things we tell ourselves to make sure we don’t take the leap into the unknown. But the fact is, there will never be a perfect time to take a leap.

When we think about what Branson has done, it becomes clear that he was never foolish enough to believe there would be no problems; rather, he realized that if he were aware of the problems, he could use them to his advantage.

At some point you just have to make the leap into the unknown. There is no promise that it will all work out, or that your problems will disappear. But your new problems will at least be problems worthy of your character. They will be your own problems and that, after all, was the point of becoming your own boss.

If you want to grow, then you have to step outside your safe boundaries. It is outside your comfort zone that you become a greater person because it is there that the really difficult challenges (and rewards) reside. Nobody ever hears about the millionaire who became rich by playing it safe.

Our entire culture is based around the idea that problems shouldn’t exist, but this is a pipe dream. There will always be problems and instead of trying to somehow eliminate them, the much smarter option is to find a problem that is worthy of both your time and your energy.

When you find this kind of problem you will see a marked improvement in your determination and focus. There is nothing like a good challenge to get the forces of a determined character flowing! A worthy problem will propel you forward, drive you and excite you. An unworthy problem will keep you stuck in a downward spiral of negativity.

Take Action: are your current problems worthy of your time and energy? Write them down and decide to either take action and get them off the list, or delegate them.

This week create a problem that is worthy of you.

Louise & William

For further insights about this topic we highly recommend reading:

Chapter Six: Problems Worthy of Branson | The Invisible Branson

Invest In Yourself