If I were to ask you, “What are the most difficult problems you face today?’

What would you say?

Maybe you are in a real struggle with a close relationship.  Maybe you feel stuck in a job that is not satisfying.  Maybe you or a loved one have health issues that are all consuming.  Maybe you are facing a difficult financial situation. Maybe you feel flooded with commitments and obligations. Maybe you are struggling to find meaning and purpose.

As we continue on our journey to build and strengthen our character, how we fill the gap between our current problems and our response to those problems can make a world of difference in bringing about the outcome desired.

Whether we look at documents of history, read psychology textbooks, or review our own personal experience, we would come to the cold, hard reality that we only bring about positive change and personal growth in our lives when we face difficult and painful situations.

Discontent and frustration over our current situation is the first step in growth.

The gap between our struggle and our response presents our opportunity for positive change.

When we stand in that gap, what do we do?

What do we do with the normal and unavoidable frustrations between a parent and a growing teenager?

What do we do with the inevitable frustrations between couples?

What do we do when faced with a teacher in school who seems unreasonable and illogical?

What do we do when a missed promotion at work seems so unfair?

When we stand in the gap between those difficult situations and our response with thoughts and decisions based on principles like courage, hope, responsibility, and understanding, we build and strengthen our character and are best positioned for growth and a positive outcome.

When we stand in the gap with thoughts, decisions, and actions guided by anger, apathy, and the death-nail of relationships, contempt, we weaken our character and most certainly bring about an undesired outcome.

The reality is that some of these issues are complicated and intense.  It all certainly sounds much easier said than done.  However, all good and worthy things start with a strong foundation.  The foundation that can best fill the gap between extremely challenging personal struggles and our response is built on principle.  Principles like courage, honesty, commitment, and hope can build a strong foundation to bring about positive change.

Building a strong foundation is a simple, daily choice we can all make.

As we build a strong foundation on principle, we will build and strengthen our character and Character Creates Opportunity® to make the most effective choice when we stand in the gap between our situation and our response.