Life is about a lot of things. At its core, however, it is a problem-solving journey. Life throws problems -- decisions, challenges, relationships, puzzles, choices, thoughts -- at you every day. You wake up, put your feet on the floor, and start solving problems.

Skillful problem solving leads to success and happiness. Poor problem solving...well, doesn’t.

Great, and good, problem solvers expect challenges daily, and embrace each and every one of them. They understand the path to mastery in life is a deep passion and commitment to the challenges and problems life throws at them. And, they’re grateful for the opportunity. After all, having challenges, and doing the work, is what makes you human, and what reminds you that you are alive.

Simply, problems are good things. One of your goals should be to share this love of problems which, when embraced, offers you a path to mastery in your life. In their daily lives and challenges, inspired problem solvers see this path clearly:

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over stagnation. Problems invite you to learn new skills, to grow, to adapt, to venture beyond your comfort zone, to pursue and shape your and others’ future.

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over irrelevance. You matter. Your ideas, skills, knowledge and insights matter. The world needs you. You have something to contribute to the battle. How dare you not think so.

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over chaos. You really do have a measure of control over your life, over your results, over your direction. It’s your ability to be a great problem solver.

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over fear. Fear, uncertainty, doubt and instability thrive on our inability or unwillingness to address challenges in our lives and work. Solve problems well, and they lose their power to terrify you. Also, look around you. There aren’t a lot of great problem solvers in the world. Be one -- it’s terrific job security.

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over isolation. Reach out. Ask for help. Connect with other people, and other ideas, insights and experiences. You are never alone.

• Your problems are an opportunity to achieve mastery over boredom. Let your brain out of its cage. Experiment and play. Have fun. Invent something. Be inspired.