Trent Shelton, a former NFL player turned motivational speaker, emphasizes the message “I am the problem” in one of his talks. This phrase is not meant to be self-deprecating, but rather empowering. The idea is that if you are the problem, then you are also the solution. It’s about taking personal responsibility for your life and your actions. Instead of blaming external factors for your problems, you recognize that you have the power to change your situation. By acknowledging that you are the problem, you also acknowledge that you have the control to make things better. It’s a message of self-accountability, empowerment, and personal growth.
5-Minute Cup Filler Exercise
Here is a 5-minute daily exercise to develop your skills around recognizing you are the problem and the solution.
Recognize that in every problem, there lies an opportunity. When we accept ‘I am the problem,’ we also embrace ‘I am the solution.’ It’s in this acceptance that we unlock our true potential for growth and transformation.
Think back over the last 24 hours.
BECOME AWARE: Name something that you blamed someone else for instead of taking accountability? How has this impacted you? How could it impact you if you took responsibility?
BE GRATEFUL: Rephrase your original action into the choice you can be grateful for. What is the “better version of you” you choose instead?
I am grateful for __(insert what you became aware of)___ because it gives me a chance to __(insert what you will do differently)___ .
TAKE ACTION: What is one choice (when faced with it again) you can make to manage your reaction and improve the outcome?
Name an additional action you choose to take throughout the day to reinforce.
Choose to commit to repeat daily until it becomes natural!
