Photo by Malcolm Manners (CC BY 2.0 Deed)
Written by Raymond Salas
But, is overcoming poverty even possible?
Is it worth even trying?
My answer is that anything is possible if enough individuals are focused and committed to it.
Here are my ideas on how to overcome poverty of any type:
How to Overcome Poverty
- Change your perspective. Narrow your focus.
When individuals think of poverty on a global-scale, it can seem like an overwhelming problem that can and will never be solved. However, when you narrow your focus to "what can I do from where I am to help?" the problem becomes more manageable, as you shift from feeling powerless to powerful.
"Think globally, act locally."
- David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth
Big problems are usually solved by a series of small steps and solutions over time; big success is likely the result of a series of small steps and successes along the way.
"We can do no great things; only small things with great love."
- Mother Teresa
The bottom line is that all of this begins individually with you and I. As the oft-quoted African proverb says: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
"Whatever is lacking in any situation, is what you're not giving to it."
- A Course In Miracles
- Change your mindset.
If you ever read the stories about anyone who has overcome poverty and/or any dire circumstances, one characteristic is usually present: they found a way to change their mindset; expand their consciousness; envision and accept greater possibilities for themselves and others.
"Each thought you have will either be an investment or a cost. It will either move you toward happiness and success or away from it. It will either empower you or disempower you. That's why it is imperative you choose your thoughts and beliefs wisely.A lack of money is not the problem; it is merely a symptom of what's going on inside of you. If you want to change the fruits, you will first have to change the roots. If you want to change the visible, you must first change the invisible. Whatever results you're getting, be they rich or poor, good or bad, positive or negative, always remember that your outer world is simply a reflection of your inner world. If you believe you are plenty, you will validate that belief and create abundance. It's that simple."
- T. Harv Eker
- Look for the opportunity.
So often, our energy, attention, and focus is spent looking at the problem, whether it's poverty or anything else.
However, if you look at individuals who have overcome any problem, including poverty, they usually have trained themselves to look for the opportunities instead.
They have learned to ask "What is the opportunity here?" and then act on it.
This reminds me of the holiday classic movie "It's A Wonderful Life." In the story, when the Great Depression strikes, everyone in the town becomes filled with fear and hysteria, except "Old Man Potter" and George Bailey. They remained calm and looked for the opportunity instead. The result? Mr. Potter and George Bailey prospered, while everyone else lost most or all of their money.
"It's good to remember that even when the media says the money is gone and the sky is falling, life goes on and money still circulates. When you allow outer circumstances to dictate how you feel, you end up reacting to events as a victim. Pay attention to your dreams, intentions and goals, not the media, and take action now. When you make a decision to do something, even when it seems risky, the decision alone kick-starts a button in your mind."
- Joe Vitale, teacher of The Secret
The Key to Overcoming Poverty
So, what is the key to applying all of these steps and overcoming poverty of any type?
Keep it simple and take it one day at a time.
Or, as they say in Alcoholics Anonymous: EASY DOES IT.
But what does this mean exactly?
"It's about changing our attitudes and learning new ways to live. This does not happen overnight. We don't need to demand perfection or punish ourselves for mistakes along the way. It helps to be patient and gentle with ourselves. We cannot rush recovery. Insights and serenity come in their own due time. Easy does it, reminds us to be gentle with ourselves and not burden ourselves with more than we can handle. We try to approach life in a relaxed manner while taking responsibility for living in the solution. Things have a way of unfolding when we are willing and patient."
- Dual Recovery Anonymous website
Wise words for overcoming poverty and anything else.