Peter McWilliams said, "To avoid situations in which you might make mistakes, may be the biggest mistake of all." For the next few articles, lets look at some things you must overcome to succeed in life.

Do you feel like you are mired in a dead-end? Maybe you'd like to go to college but you can't afford it. Or change jobs, but you feel trapped by your salary or the fear of forfeiting your retirement pension. Perhaps you feel trapped by a physical challenge or illness.

The secret to overcoming is to divide your circumstances into situations you can change and those you can't. Nearly everything in life can be changed, or approached in a different way. But it can't always be done right now. Make a list of things you can change. Too many of us fail-and keep failing- because we persist in trying to change what can't be altered. Stop banging your head against a wall, and practice realistic thinking. Understand the difference between faith and fantasy. Somebody said, "For every problem under the sun, there is a remedy or there is none. If there's a solution go and find it, and if there isn't, never mind it."

God has given you certain gifts.When you discover, develop and deploy them He'll give you success in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Ignore what you can't change, focus on what you can, and opportunities will reveal themselves. As Hannibal said during his famous march across the Alps, "We will either find a way, or make one." You need that spirit too!