Death to Diabetes 1-800-813-1927
The 3 Problems in Life
Author's Perspective: There are hundreds of problems that we all face during our lives. But,
all of those hundreds of problems boil down to 3 major problems: health, finances, and relationships.
During our workshops and classes, some diabetics would mention that having to deal with diabetes on top of life's many problems can be somewhat overwhelming. The average diabetic felt that he/she had to deal with at least 6-7 major problems on a monthly basis on top of having to deal with their diabetes.
During our workshops and classes, some diabetics would mention that having to deal with diabetes on top of life's many problems can be somewhat overwhelming. The average diabetic felt that he/she had to deal with at least 6-7 major problems on a monthly basis on top of having to deal with their diabetes.
However, I would point out that actually there are only 3 major problems that anyone will experience during their lifetime. The problems will manifest themselves differently depending on the circumstances and the people involved, but the hundreds of problems that we all experience actually boil down to just 3 problems. Of course, everyone in the audience was in disbelief that all of their many problems could be boiled down to just 3 problems.
So, why is this so important? This is important to understand because once you realize that there are only 3 major problems, dealing with diabetes is not as overwhelming as you originally thought.
An Engineer's Perspective
As an engineer, everything revolves around problems and solutions. As an engineer we welcome tough problems as tough challenges that test our mettle and our skill set. There is no problem that we believe doesn't have a solution.
Part of taking on a problem and solving it has to do with your mindset, your attitude more so than your intellect or technical skill set. Yes, intellect and technical skills are important, but if you don't have the right attitude, you will fail.
You can see a problem as a barrier or as a challenge. If you see it as a barrier, you will focus on how to stop the impending failure and you will fail. If you embrace the problem as a challenge, you will focus on how to solve the problem several ways and you will succeed.
Did you know that in the Chinese language, the symbol for crisis (or problem) is also the same symbol for opportunity (or challenge)? Pretty cool, right?
With every problem we face in life, the crisis it can create always opens the door to a new opportunity! Some of the most inspiring people in the world are those who rose above the changes that inflicted their lives, those who literally took their life crisis and turned it into an opportunity. Can you think of anyone that has one that?
Christopher Reeve is a great example. Christopher Reeve is the actor who is best known for playing Superman. During an equestrian event in May of 1995, he was thrown from his horse, and became instantly paralyzed from the neck down. His injuries inspired he and his wife to start the Paralysis Foundation. They educated others on the realities of paralysis and worked in conjunction with the CDC in finding effective treatments for major spinal cord injuries. In addition, Christopher Reeves continued to appear in the hit TV series, "Smallville," and continued his acting career, starring in several movies.
Another example is DeWayne McCulley, the author of "Death to Diabetes". He almost died from diabetes, but survived and was looking forward to a lifetime of drugs, surgeries, amputation, blindness, and kidney dialysis. But, thanks to his mother and daughter, he took on the challenge to defeat his diabetes, even though the medical experts kept telling him he needed to be more realistic. Not only did he defeat the disease and get healthy, but he documented his recovery, wrote a book, and shared his story with other diabetics via workshops, seminars, radio and TV. As a result, he gave hope to thousands of diabetics, who are now living better lives, many without the need for diabetic medications.
As an engineer, everything revolves around problems and solutions. As an engineer we welcome tough problems as tough challenges that test our mettle and our skill set. There is no problem that we believe doesn't have a solution.
Part of taking on a problem and solving it has to do with your mindset, your attitude more so than your intellect or technical skill set. Yes, intellect and technical skills are important, but if you don't have the right attitude, you will fail.
You can see a problem as a barrier or as a challenge. If you see it as a barrier, you will focus on how to stop the impending failure and you will fail. If you embrace the problem as a challenge, you will focus on how to solve the problem several ways and you will succeed.
Did you know that in the Chinese language, the symbol for crisis (or problem) is also the same symbol for opportunity (or challenge)? Pretty cool, right?
With every problem we face in life, the crisis it can create always opens the door to a new opportunity! Some of the most inspiring people in the world are those who rose above the changes that inflicted their lives, those who literally took their life crisis and turned it into an opportunity. Can you think of anyone that has one that?
Christopher Reeve is a great example. Christopher Reeve is the actor who is best known for playing Superman. During an equestrian event in May of 1995, he was thrown from his horse, and became instantly paralyzed from the neck down. His injuries inspired he and his wife to start the Paralysis Foundation. They educated others on the realities of paralysis and worked in conjunction with the CDC in finding effective treatments for major spinal cord injuries. In addition, Christopher Reeves continued to appear in the hit TV series, "Smallville," and continued his acting career, starring in several movies.
Another example is DeWayne McCulley, the author of "Death to Diabetes". He almost died from diabetes, but survived and was looking forward to a lifetime of drugs, surgeries, amputation, blindness, and kidney dialysis. But, thanks to his mother and daughter, he took on the challenge to defeat his diabetes, even though the medical experts kept telling him he needed to be more realistic. Not only did he defeat the disease and get healthy, but he documented his recovery, wrote a book, and shared his story with other diabetics via workshops, seminars, radio and TV. As a result, he gave hope to thousands of diabetics, who are now living better lives, many without the need for diabetic medications.
The 3 (Major) Problems in Life
In order to be successful in life, we have to overcome many problems in
life with our jobs, our careers, our families, education, finding the
time, not having enough money, our health, etc.
We tend to believe that we have too many problems in life to overcome. But, in reality, there are only 3 problems! That's right -- 3 problems. do you know what they are?
The 3 major problems in life are:
1. Financial
2. Health
3. Relationships
That's it! And, once you realize this, it will be easier to develop an action plan to achieve success.We tend to believe that we have too many problems in life to overcome. But, in reality, there are only 3 problems! That's right -- 3 problems. do you know what they are?
The 3 major problems in life are:
1. Financial
2. Health
3. Relationships
Financial Problems
Unless you were born with rich parents or somehow became a millionaire
at a young age, then, you will struggle financially at one time or
another during your life.
Note: Refer to this web page for specific information about growing and protecting your financial health, especially if you just lost your job or you're still looking for a job.
Health Problems
Unless you were blessed with good genes or ate healthy foods most of your life, then, you will struggle with your health at one time or another during your life.
Relationship Problems
Unless you lived in isolation as a hermit or somehow found your soul-mate, then, you will struggle with one or more relationships -- with a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a partner, or someone you haven't met yet.
Note: Refer to this web page for specific information about growing and protecting your financial health, especially if you just lost your job or you're still looking for a job.
Health Problems
Unless you were blessed with good genes or ate healthy foods most of your life, then, you will struggle with your health at one time or another during your life.
Relationship Problems
Unless you lived in isolation as a hermit or somehow found your soul-mate, then, you will struggle with one or more relationships -- with a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a partner, or someone you haven't met yet.
How to Solve Each Problem
Interestingly, the solution process is similar for all 3 problems!Approach the problem with clarity. Evaluate your
entire situation so that you can see the big picture and determine your
current state. This is the first
and most important component to problem solving. While action and energy
can often assist you in overcoming challenges, this effort is a waste
if misguided or misplaced. The first step is always to approach any
problem in a clear and logical manner, even if under time constraints
or
pressure.
Acquire the knowledge. Educate yourself to acquire the knowledge about finances, economics, health, nutrition, relationships, spirituality, etc. Seek the knowledge in colleges, local community classes, research, seminars, workshops, etc. Seek further knowledge by reading multiple books with different philosophies. Remember: Knowledge is power.
Understand the problem. Now that you have the knowledge, you can better understand the problem! Many of us try to solve complex problems based on our limited understanding. As a result, we come up with a poor solution that doesn't work. Use your knowledge to break down the problem. What are the components of the problem? What aspects are vital to a solution and which are extraneous? Once you've broken down a problem into its vital aspects, sort through any cause and effect relationships or patterns and cycles at work. Basically, you want to have a good grasp of what is going on. Engineers know that the better you are able to define the problem, the easier it will be to find solutions.
Analyze the problem. Break the problem down into simpler components and conduct technical research into the cause and effect relationships that triggered the problem. Make sure that you have exhausted all possibilities. Engineers know that the better you are able to break down and analyze the problem, the easier it will be to evaluate solutions. If you find yourself struggling with understanding and analyzing the problem, you may need to acquire more knowledge. Don't be afraid to acquire more knowledge.
Plan a strategy. After you have a good grasp of the problem, begin to plan out a solution. In most cases this is a simple relationship of cause and effect. In dealing with a problem, you desire to achieve a particular result. Consider what steps must be taken to achieve said result, given the parameters posed by the problem. Engineers know that having a set of metrics to be able to measure success or failure is critical for this step.
Execute your strategy. Once you've outlined logical steps toward your desired result, execute! If you are dealing with an issue such that conditions change upon execution, don't be afraid to reevaluate your strategy. Is something going vastly awry? Approach any new developments in the same logical manner in which you approached the original problem. This is important! You must make a critical decision as to whether or not your plan warrants alteration. Remember, changes in parameters of the issue do not necessarily mean the steps you've outlined will fail! In addition, it is sometimes necessary to execute your original plan fully to gain more insight into the problem. Unless this is a one shot deal, trial-and-error is often an excellent approach. Track and record your results.
Evaluate the results. Upon seeing your plan through, evaluate the result. Optimally, you successfully tackled the dilemma. However, if the results you expect were not achieved, consider your approach. Was there an error in planning or execution? Did new parameters present themselves? Reevaluate in light of these discoveries and approach the problem again. Sometimes you can repeat your original plan if the error was in execution. However, if the parameters have changed then a new strategy is often necessary. Or, you may still need more knowledge, or the expertise of an outside party.
Continue to evaluate and execute. Several attempts may be necessary to solve the issue. Each time, however, keep in mind logic, clarity, focus and metrics. These are the elements that ultimately lead to resolution. Even if you are checked by failure, clear thinking usually leads to a successful resolution.
Perform a Lessons Learned. Once you have solved a problem, evaluate how you got into the problem in the first place; and, figure out how to avoid the problem in the future. Learn from your mistakes, otherwise, you'll repeat the same problem in the future.
Acquire the knowledge. Educate yourself to acquire the knowledge about finances, economics, health, nutrition, relationships, spirituality, etc. Seek the knowledge in colleges, local community classes, research, seminars, workshops, etc. Seek further knowledge by reading multiple books with different philosophies. Remember: Knowledge is power.
Understand the problem. Now that you have the knowledge, you can better understand the problem! Many of us try to solve complex problems based on our limited understanding. As a result, we come up with a poor solution that doesn't work. Use your knowledge to break down the problem. What are the components of the problem? What aspects are vital to a solution and which are extraneous? Once you've broken down a problem into its vital aspects, sort through any cause and effect relationships or patterns and cycles at work. Basically, you want to have a good grasp of what is going on. Engineers know that the better you are able to define the problem, the easier it will be to find solutions.
Analyze the problem. Break the problem down into simpler components and conduct technical research into the cause and effect relationships that triggered the problem. Make sure that you have exhausted all possibilities. Engineers know that the better you are able to break down and analyze the problem, the easier it will be to evaluate solutions. If you find yourself struggling with understanding and analyzing the problem, you may need to acquire more knowledge. Don't be afraid to acquire more knowledge.
Plan a strategy. After you have a good grasp of the problem, begin to plan out a solution. In most cases this is a simple relationship of cause and effect. In dealing with a problem, you desire to achieve a particular result. Consider what steps must be taken to achieve said result, given the parameters posed by the problem. Engineers know that having a set of metrics to be able to measure success or failure is critical for this step.
Execute your strategy. Once you've outlined logical steps toward your desired result, execute! If you are dealing with an issue such that conditions change upon execution, don't be afraid to reevaluate your strategy. Is something going vastly awry? Approach any new developments in the same logical manner in which you approached the original problem. This is important! You must make a critical decision as to whether or not your plan warrants alteration. Remember, changes in parameters of the issue do not necessarily mean the steps you've outlined will fail! In addition, it is sometimes necessary to execute your original plan fully to gain more insight into the problem. Unless this is a one shot deal, trial-and-error is often an excellent approach. Track and record your results.
Evaluate the results. Upon seeing your plan through, evaluate the result. Optimally, you successfully tackled the dilemma. However, if the results you expect were not achieved, consider your approach. Was there an error in planning or execution? Did new parameters present themselves? Reevaluate in light of these discoveries and approach the problem again. Sometimes you can repeat your original plan if the error was in execution. However, if the parameters have changed then a new strategy is often necessary. Or, you may still need more knowledge, or the expertise of an outside party.
Continue to evaluate and execute. Several attempts may be necessary to solve the issue. Each time, however, keep in mind logic, clarity, focus and metrics. These are the elements that ultimately lead to resolution. Even if you are checked by failure, clear thinking usually leads to a successful resolution.
Perform a Lessons Learned. Once you have solved a problem, evaluate how you got into the problem in the first place; and, figure out how to avoid the problem in the future. Learn from your mistakes, otherwise, you'll repeat the same problem in the future.
Specific Information for Solving The 3 Problems
Now that you have a general strategy that you can use to solve any problem, here is some specific information about how to solve each type of problem.
Financial problems: Refer to the Wealth Connection, Financial Impact, Business web pages on this site, and Chapter 17 of the Death to Diabetes book.
Note: Refer to this web page
for specific information about growing and protecting your financial
health, especially if you just lost your job or ifyou're still looking for
a job.
Health problems: Refer to the Wellness web pages on this site, and Chapters 3-16 of the Death to Diabetes book
Relationship problems: Refer to the Emotional Support and Spirituality web pages, and Chapter 13 of the Death to Diabetes book
Achieving Success in Life
Becoming successful
is not about struggles or working hard or reading how-to
manuals. Success means different things to different people, but achieving that success (whatever it is) is the same!
Author's Note: That's why many diabetics remain diabetic! They have the knowledge, but they don't use it -- due to a poor attitude, lack of motivation, etc.
So, becoming successful isn't even about abilities or talents. (There are many talented people with fantastic abilities who were always broke -- who never could figure how to make things happen.) Becoming successful is about having a certain "mind-set." -- a certain attitude. Being happy, prosperous and successful are choices we make.
A certain way of looking at the world and what you want.
A certain way of thinking about what's happening around you.
A certain way of thinking about success.
Knowing that what's happening around you is not nearly as important as what you think about what's happening around you. In other words, what's happening in you is much more important than what's happening around you.
Notes:
For more information about success, refer to the What is Success web page.
For more information about how to find your Purpose in Life, refer to the Purpose in Life web page to help you find your Purpose in Life.
For more information about starting a business, refer to our How to Start a Business web page to help you develop a business plan and a marketing plan for your new business.
For more information about starting a business, refer to our How to Start a Business web page to help you develop a business plan and a marketing plan for your new business.
References:
www.successmagazine.com
http://success.org/
www.purposedrivenlife.com
www.theonequestion.com/
www.purposedrivenlife.com/
What To Do When You Lose Your Job
Note: If you've just lost your job or if you're still looking for a job, here are some things to do:
Clear your mind.
Energize your entire being with positive thoughts.
Burn off any excess emotion or anxiety.
If
necessary, let out a good scream or have a good cry alone or with a
friend or partner -- don't let the emotions build up. Don't feel
ashamed.
Negotiate for your severance package.
Tie up loose ends and collect all compensation due from your job.
Negotiate for your severance package.
Tie up loose ends and collect all compensation due from your job.
Just before you leave, send out emails to people to let them know how to contact you (phone no./email).
Apply for unemployment benefits asap.
Create a home office -- treat it like a job.
Create a home office -- treat it like a job.
Explore freelance or part-time work options asap.
Freelance, take on odd or part-time jobs while you search.
Redo your budget, and cut your expenses. Stop spending.
Prioritize your debts.
Continue your health insurance if possible.
Freelance, take on odd or part-time jobs while you search.
Redo your budget, and cut your expenses. Stop spending.
Prioritize your debts.
Continue your health insurance if possible.
Conserve your emergency fund as long as possible.
Don't spend any of your 401k -- set up your own IRA account, and rollover your 401k to that account.
Don't spend any of your 401k -- set up your own IRA account, and rollover your 401k to that account.
Don't use credit cards (unless you absolutely have to).
Watch the Suze Orman financial show (CNBC).
Update your resume. Give your resume to everyone, even if they don't ask.
Watch the Suze Orman financial show (CNBC).
Update your resume. Give your resume to everyone, even if they don't ask.
Work your network.
Search your company website and other company websites for possible jobs in other cities.
Search your company website and other company websites for possible jobs in other cities.
Leverage online job resources, i.e. Monster.com, Job.com, Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, The Ladders, Executive Search Online.
Submit resume to employer web sites; do mass mailing of resume to recruiters, companies.
Cold call everyone you know and everyone they know.
Post your profile and networking on LinkedIn.
Evaluate your skill set, get new skills, consider new career options.
Evaluate your skill set, get new skills, consider new career options.
Seek (emotional) support.
Use yoga/meditation/jogging to reduce anxiety and stress.
Think outside the box: be flexible, resourceful, practical.
Go where the demand is for your skills.
Think outside the box: be flexible, resourceful, practical.
Go where the demand is for your skills.
Look
into alternatives for health insurance. Unless you can get on your
spouse's insurance, or be covered by the Veterans Administration, your
best bet may be continued coverage under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act). If COBRA is not an option for you, some
professional organizations, alumni associations, universities, and local
chambers of commerce sponsor group health insurance plans.
Here are a couple web links with a lot of good information:
Here are some other web links that may help:
What To Do Before You Lose Your Job
Given today's economy, you must be prepared for getting laid off
and losing your job eventually. Many companies terminate employees at
the end of the year during November, December, and January.
Here are some things to do before you lose your job or get laid off:
Make yourself indispensable at work.
Acquire new skills and experiences to get that promotion or raise.
Pay yourself first every pay period.
Build up an emergency cash fund equal to 8 to 12 months of your take home pay.
Contribute to your company's 401k.
Contribute to a Roth IRA.
Set up automatic withdrawals for savings, 401k, Roth IRA, investments, etc.
Buy one car -- keep as long as possible.
Avoid credit cards.
If you use a credit card, pay off the balance at the end of the month.
Start your own home business in an area that you have skills and interest.
Delay having children until you can afford it. Each child costs a minimum of $100,000 to raise to the age of 18.
Don't loan money to family or friends -- unless you're willing to kiss the money goodbye, and you don't have any debt.
Reduce, avoid eating out especially at fast food places.
Buy healthy foods, avoid/reduce buying processed foods from grocery-store.
Energize your entire being with positive thoughts every day.
Create a home office to start your home business.
Explore freelance or part-time work.
Review your budget each month to identify areas where you can cut your expenses.
Review your budget each month to identify areas where you can cut your expenses.
Pay at least 20% down when buying a house.
Get a 15-year mortgage, avoid 30-year mortgages.
Get a 15-year mortgage, avoid 30-year mortgages.
Maintain health insurance for you and your family.
Watch the Suze Orman financial show (CNBC).
Keep your resume updated. Keep an eye out for new job opportunities.
Keep your resume updated. Keep an eye out for new job opportunities.
Post your profile and networking on LinkedIn.
Evaluate your skill set, get new skills, consider new career options.
Evaluate your skill set, get new skills, consider new career options.
Use yoga/meditation/jogging to reduce anxiety and stress.
Go where the demand is for your skills.
Go where the demand is for your skills.
Figure out your Purpose in Life.
If you have a home business, set up your own blog or website, and use Facebook or YouTube to network.
Stay focused with your family goals, health goals, and financial goals.
Read our web pages about wealth and health.
Here are some web links that may help:
