# Reframe Your Problems as Projects *This simple shift can completely shift how you view the challenges in your life.* By [Talk To Me Ev](https://paragraph.com/@evantcook) ยท 2024-07-05 --- Perspective. Our perspective is the lens through which we view our world. It's the filter that largely determines how we interpret the events that take place in our lives. Often, our greatest challenges are our greatest opportunities. To see that, we simply need to change our perspective. A couple years ago, I read Jason Goldberg's book about stepping into Self-Leadership. I love it because it's a modern take on the understanding that we may not always be able to choose what happens in our lives, but we can always choose how we show up and respond. What if instead of saying, "I have a problem," we instead began saying, "I have a project"? This is a telltale sign of stepping into Self-Leadership, the key tenant of JG's book. Seriously, what "problems" do you have in your life? Are you struggling to lose weight? Are you struggling in your career? Are you struggling with your finances? Are you struggling in your relationships? Great. Now, just like weekend plans to visit The Home Depot (maybe Bed Bath and Beyond but I know, I know, you're not sure there will be enough time) to carry out your home projects, you now have some life projects to work on as well. How does this shift make you feel? For me, I instantly feel lighter. Problems are heavy. Projects are fun and exciting. They shift our dialogue from "I can't" to "how can I and what do I need to do this?" When we speak in statements, there's not much room for negotiation, even when it's with ourselves. But when we start asking questions, good questions, we start finding answers. And lots of them. You see, our life is what we make it. If this sounds cliche, it's because it is. And you know why it's cliche? Because we say this over and over and over and yet, we do nothing about it. Once we're able to shift our perspective, we must then ACT on this shift. Plans are great, but action is everything. So use your newfound perspective to your advantage. If you have some projects on your hands, it's time to get to work. But don't forget to have a little fun along the way. _Cover Photo by_ [_Anika Huizinga_](https://unsplash.com/@iam_anih?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) _on_ [_Unsplash_](https://unsplash.com/photos/selective-focus-photography-of-woman-holding-clear-glass-ball-RmzR87vTiYw?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) --- *Originally published on [Talk To Me Ev](https://paragraph.com/@evantcook/reframe-your-problems-as-projects)*