One thing you can’t avoid in life is problems and obstacles. They present themselves at work, at home, and in our most intimate and casual relationships. But at times it seems like we’re really enduring a season of struggle, and we find ourselves complaining ….a lot.

If you’re there now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And no, you don’t have to wait until your to-do list is complete to feel some relief. Instead, I’m going to challenge you to ask yourself three questions. It’s time to tackle your complaints head-on and confront what you’ve been tolerating this season.

Step 1: Make a List of Your Top Ten Complaints

These don’t necessarily need to be big issues; they can be as simple as a list of errands that you’ve been putting off since the new year. Big or small, make a list of all the things keeping you up at night.

Step 2: Make a List of Ten Requests

Learning to be proactive is part of growth and evolution. Making a list of requests will ensure you’re taking actionable steps. List out the requests for every complaint — these will be your resolutions and next steps toward decluttering your life.

Step 3: Follow Through With the Request and Solve the Problem

As you may have guessed, we won’t stop at writing our requests; we’ll be acting on them. Reach out to those who can support you — a mentor, a boss, or a spouse. Coordinate schedules, make calls and tackle one complaint at a time. You can only get your power back when you take control of your situation.

This is just one of the many coaching exercises I teach to aspiring coaches. If you’ve thought about coaching, go for it. It’s a skill for resilience, leadership, and living a more vibrant and direction-focused life. To develop your coaching foundation, sign-up for our upcoming Coach Training Intensive.