"Problem" is just a word.

Avoiding the word, problem, has been the topic of many motivational speakers and self-help authors for at least a decade. In personal and professional circles, using this two-syllable noun in just about any conversation has become a veritable sin to be avoided at all costs.  Apparently, "problem" is viewed as a negative word that instills fear and disables positive thinking. So we simply replace it with another and off we go, right? I'm not so sure. My first question is why do we give this word so much power to overwhelm and defeat without giving it a second thought? After all, it is just a word that's only negative and disempowering if we feed the fear of this mainstream belief and allow it to become our own.

Words are just words; and based on individual life experiences, beliefs, and world views, their meanings are subjective. Why not honor others by genuinely recognizing their fears and concerns without allowing these feelings and distorted perspectives to derail significant progress?

Openly recognizing a problem, puzzle, riddle, or obstacle as something to be solved and then, taking on the challenge to overcome it will only further empower those committed to the profound work required to bring about vital change.

The Times They are A-Changin' —Bob Dylan

When problems blindside you, what is your first thought...who or what is to blame or what lessons will inform the solution? Accountability is critical but that alone will not solve the problem. Neither will pointing fingers and going on the offensive to protect the self at all costs. Rest assured, there will always be someone or something to blame but the real question is how much time are you willing to waste by pointing fingers to feel more secure and validated?

More important, why is this behavior so commonplace when it clearly benefits the few and disempowers the many? Our government exemplifies the destructive nature of this behavior and for what? How much further will we allow the fear of losing individual power, identity, status, and wealth to control us as individuals, communities, businesses, and nations before we recognize that this motivation only perpetuates further disaster?

Transformational change is uncomfortable and takes courage to face. Whether the catalyst for change is defined as a problem, challenge, obstacle, or any other noun you choose, what's important is whether we collectively fight and avoid or embrace and engage the possibilities that only present themselves in times of need. The latter requires self awareness, inclusiveness and a common commitment to pursue the ideal solution rather than the most readily available one, which is typically self-serving and short-lived.

On the former, go ahead, cling to what you think you know, enabling the fear of loss to drive your actions. The wheels will keep turning (or spinning), day in and day out until you recognize that you are helplessly trapped in the fortress of status quo with no way out.