Behind Every ‘Problem’ is a Bigger You in Waiting (But Only If You Believe It)
If you think having more money means you’ll have fewer problems, then think twice about wanting to be a millionaire. Problems and obstacles don’t stop, you just get a new set of them.
Wealth and poverty aren’t distinguishable when it comes to problems, or, as I like to think of them, challenges. There are times when challenges are considerate, significant, and maybe even scary, and there are other times when we’re really just making a mountain out of a molehill.
Whether it’s over-coming a mountain of debt or making tough investment choices, it could seem daunting to take on these decisions and commit to following through.
Really, though, we all need to thank our lucky stars for mountains that seem to be in our way. Why, because I’m a glutton for punishment? No, because personally it was the only way for me to find out for myself one of the most important ideas most millionaires share in common—you have to be bigger than any problem you can ever face.
In other words, you have to think big! That’s so easy to hear, and nod your head, and say, “Well, yeah, of course.” Understanding it, knowing it, and living it, though, are different.
The truth is few people “think” big and even fewer “play” big. Why? Because “big” often means big responsibilities, big hassles and big problems. They look at that “bigness” and shrink. They’re smaller than their problems. They back away from challenges. Ironically, they back themselves into the biggest problem of all … being broke, or close to it.
The secret to success is to grow yourself so you’re bigger than any problem.
Imagine a “Level 2” person looking at a “Level 5” problem. Does this problem appear to be big or small? From a Level 2 perspective, a Level 5 problem would seem HUGE. How would it look to, say, a “Level 8” person? The same problem would seem small. To a “Level 10” person? NO problem at all. It’s just an everyday occurrence, like brushing your teeth.
It’s not a special skill that separates rich from poor, but a simple yet profound understanding—if you’re breathing, you will always have situations that aren’t perfect. Therefore, the size of the problem is never the problem. It’s always the size of you!
The bigger problems you can handle; the bigger business you can handle; the bigger responsibilities you can handle, the more customers you can handle, and the more money and wealth you can handle. Your income can only grow to the extent that you do!
So here’s your exercise this time:
Commit to growing yourself. This month, do not avoid problems and or complain about problems. Don’t let them bother you. In fact, don’t even call them problems; refer to them as “challenges” or “situations”.
Let go of the emotion and drama you create when you don’t get what you want. Just stay present and handle one situation at a time with an open mind and an open heart. Trust yourself and in the universe that everything will work out in the end.
I want to hear from you, so make sure you leave a comment and tell me your thoughts on this post. And after you do the exercise, let me know how it worked for you. Your feedback is valuable and others can learn from your experiences.







Great blog post, Harv. One of my first and favourite books was
“The Magic of Thinking Big”. We all face challenges in our lives, our relationships or our business. The goal is to “GET OVER IT”. Take things one step at a time. Someone once said “how to eat an elephant was to do it one bite at a time”. Thanks for all your do.
By calling something a “challenge” or “situation” instead of a “problem” does change the emotion and lessen the drama attached with that challenge.
In some cases it can actually change the entire way you take on or approach the challenge or situation. And the feelings you have regarding the challenge or situation can change as well, to the point where it actually becomes something exciting to do.
How do I know this, from personal experience. My business was going to have to close, and with that there was a number or “problems” which were going to have to be addressed. In the first few days, the problems mounted and were really starting to stress me out, something terrible. Until I remember something I had read about making a problem a challenge.
Once I got my head around it, my whole being changed, the stress levels came down, and I started feeling different and more positive about the whole situation and with how I was going to handle the entire process.
By changing the approach and the thinking the problem can actually became a learning process. Both from a business standpoint as well as from a personal development standpoint.
Agreed. And as I say in my next book, “Don't shrink from tall orders.”
Beth Rosen
Harv, that's really inspiring! And strangely, it is just what I needed right now at this moment. I have been trapped by a huge situation since the past few days and just got up this morning and thought of reading your blog as the tag is saved on my browser, and bang, I have just received the shot I needed right now. I have saved your quote “—you have to be bigger than any problem you can ever face.” and have decided to face my challenges right in their face; thanks and God bless you!
Wonderful post and I would like to take this opportunity to say how happy I am that you have entered the blogging arena. 🙂
As a graduate of MMI and Life Directions, it is nice to have these reminders show up at just the right time. Your posts so far have been synchronistic to say the least.
Kat~
As a big fan of your book, 'secrets of the millionaire mind', I find this blog really helpful as a time-to-time reminder to the principals of your book and ideas for all your readers.
Thanks you for sharing the 'secrets' and yes, let's grow bigger than our problems, to make this world a better place – at least for ourselves and others who are committed to work together with us.
Wow, thanks so much Harv. I totally needed to read this post today. I have been facing some “challenges” recently. I have been feeling so scared and overwhelmed because I have been focusing on what is wrong, what is not working. Thanks for reminding me that no matter where we are in life, we will always have challenges. I have been being a level 5 person. I need to take a good look and reorder my thinking. I am a warrior and I will begin to live like one. Thanks. AHO.
Thank you so much for your exercise & for your words!!! I really needed to hear what you said tonight @ this moment in time!!!
Love,
Meg
Harv,
After a few life lessons I took to calling my challenges, “character building moments”. some of these moments last a long time but when you disassociate the meaning to them… they are wonderful building blocks. Love your work, thanks for your investment in my life.
Sheila
The wisdom always is welcome and amazing!
Tis message comes at the perfect time for me. I am facing a couple of 'challenges' that require me to not only think big but 'act;' big. What I mean is that I feel I have to function like someone who can handle thee challenges with confidence and, as you say, faith that everything will turn out fine, even though at the moment I don't know how. Yet I know that my willingness to face these situations with presence and eyes (and heart) wide open and believe I can solve them will carry me through. Thank you.
Good post. We will become bigger by facing and overcoming challenges.
Great post, Harv!!! Thanks for sharing! We all have challenges that seem insurmountable at times. We must know that we can overcome them, take a deep breath and tackle them one step at a time. I have been challenged a great deal in my life, but I always seek out the best in every event and know that in all challenges lie opportunity. Additionally, we are better and stronger people for having gone through the situations. Onward and upward!!
Definitely, since the first time I read in your book “Secrets of a millionaire mind” (in spanish), i started to see myself at “levels” and try to increase my level a little more everyday so my “situations” look smaller.
This is a great advice.
Cheers!
Alex Kei
Thank you so much.
WONDERFUL!!!! Regards from Costa Rica!
Hey Harv,
I started this last year when I read “The Secrets of the Millionaire Mind”… and it works so well that I try to educate everyone I meet on it… Sometimes I find that I have to take a brisk walk or just step out of the “office zone” and into a quiet space to realign myself… and sometimes I am able to refocus even in the midst of chaos… I guess with more practice I would be able to refocus regardless of where I am… Thank you very much for sharing this!!! 🙂
The challenge i have today is i want more education, so i am learning to find an institution that will teach me for the price i want to pay, thank you for the inspiration to keep reading.
Thank you Harv.
A very timely message for me. Your words generate the awareness that I have been shrinking myself to accommodate my problems and have shrunk myself into even deeper “situations.” Time to play bigger. Thanks for the wake up call.
Curt
So far so good! Sounds great, lets put it to the test.
Many thanks Harv. This is brilliant what you are saying and so true. Thank you for the inspiration. Love. Soheila. Nam myoho renge kyo.
This guy is awesome isn't he!! – I'm a big follower….There is a bigger me in bursting to get out!!
Thanks to not avoiding my 'challenges' i tripled my sales in less than a month!.
Your informaiton is so right on. It is also so perfect for today's perceived economy “problems”. I have taken the word “problem” out of my vocabulary for quite some time. Now I am taking on your exercise to take the word “challenge” out of my vocabulary. Life is full of situations. We come up to decisions thousands of times each day. I am taking on this exercise to make better decisions in each “situation” of my daily routine. Stay tuned!
I think that I already think that way. I don't like to think that most situations are a problem because a problem “has to be solved”, but many challenges or situations need you to take the time to think about it and allow it to work itself out as you respond by simply making little changes by supporting it as it works itself out. Usually it isn't a “big problem.”
Hi Harv! The problems I always draw a deep breath. When this happens I go and stand in front of a picture of the universe, this pic I have it in my business, I observe and think about the problems of the universe and compare them with mine. I have always concluded that my problems are nothing. Sorry about my English, I hope you understand me. Saludos desde Mexico. JLuis
Thanks on your blog. It is really helpful to push myself beyond my limit. I always do what you share on your blog and challenge myself to do it.
Thank you. I love your blog. It keeps me grounded in reality. I like to look at challenges as opportunities to learn something new. I know that when I overcome them I will have a whole new set of skills to draw on. That said I still get bogged down in the menutia of challenges and don't always know where to start. Thank you for keeping us on track.
OK, I have a money problem now, and I'm getting over it!, thank you, Mr Harv!
Just another challenge, I'm happy and believe in it, my friends. I'm growing up, too! haha!
Sometimes something you read really speaks to your soul, and this blog post spoke to mine at just the right time. Thanks, Harv.
I listen to this song every time I really feel small…it says we are not afraid that we are small. Actually, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We manifest the magnificence of God that is bigger than any “challenges” and I feel better immediately. Just like when I read the articles in this site…
Dear Harv,
I read the ” secrets of the millionaire mind ” book in Persian language. It is very fantastic for me. It is the best book in my private library. You are my coach with your blog. Thank you for your devotion. We like you in Iran.
This is profound! I love it and I will Commit to growing yourself.
Thank you!
Thanks Harv! Enjoyed reading the post. A very nice reminder, I AM bigger than any challenge I face.
As always, your advice is worth millions. Thanks for the update and encouragement. Keep it up.
I have stayed in touch with everything T Harv Eker ever since I read the 'secrets of thre millioniare mind'. And since I have been unable to get myself to attend the famous Millionaire mind intensive seminar, I have been encouraged by access to this blog.
I am reminded again by this blog that to be bigger takes effort, takes time and resolute commitment (courage).
I am encouraged once more
Thank you
Harv. I've read your book. Truly amazing book. I am from Netherlands and I enjoy everything you write or say. Of all the books I've read, you're my eye opener. Every day I read your book, and I tell everyone that they should try not to complain for 7 days. And of course I am bigger than my problems. I hope to see you in the Netherlands
This post is right on time. Thank you for the positive encouragement to deal with a current “situation” I'm facing.
Reading this post made me realise that all problems are the same, and the challenge I face at the moment, although it may appear HUGE, actually the way to create the resolution to it is exactly the same way as a small problem.
It's reminded me to keep my focus on my goal, understand where I am right now, in relation to that & find the first step I need to take RIGHT NOW in order to create the outcome I desire.
I use my life experiences as just that- opportunities to learn. If I were to describe my present Challenge many people would be aghast at how calmly I'm approaching this. Others would scoff at the insignificance of it in comparison to their own “Challenges”.
I accept my life challenges today, because they are mine and I believe that everything happens for a reason. I trust that each challenge I face enables me to grow, personally, intellectually, spiritually and they are a great opportunity to develop my existing skills.
As they say, diamonds are made under pressure 🙂
Thank you for writing this post & inspiring this wonderful reminder of an excellent mental approach to life & it's many amazing opportunities.
Thanks for this post Harv…its just what I needed to remind myself to stop wallowing in self pity when things have appeared not to be 'working' in my favour! I realise as a Quantum Leap member I need to be bigger than any problem out there and its not all about me!
I am a big fan of you.
Keep share like the above.
BUDI R @ https://twitter.com/budi_rachmat
Well said, Mr. Eker ! How often I realized that I focus on the “challenges” at hand and forgotten about “growing” myself to be bigger than it. And the little voices that seemed to take over, emotionally, felt like being corner and no where to run.
Facing the challenges take courage to evaluate where I am really are and who I wanted to become.
Thanks !
Harv – you have an awesome blog – thank you.
Can't agree more… Problems are the same big or small. Its the consequences whose gravity, instigated by fear, is what magnifies the problem in our minds.
Growing bigger than your problems takes away the fear and makes you focus on what needs to be done to remove the obstacle to your moving forward. And in most cases, it takes common sense to find a solution but that you can't find when you are crowded by fear.
I will do whatever it takes to be a BIG PERSON to any problems/situations/circumstances/events.
WOW! Your view of life's inevitable challenges is so very grand! I love the way you put it, “You have to be bigger than any problem…” It is exhilirating and dynamic!!! You are truly inspirational and living proof! I enjoy discovering your inner world and your wisdom along with your endless energy and astonishing personal power. This blog and your other sites radiate dynamic, powerful, unlimited possibiliy energy!!!! Thank you……………………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Post Harv! I really needed this one right now! Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in everything that's happening around me and I lose sight of how important it is to have obstacles in my life. Without them, I would never grow. This is a great challenge and this week I will definitely grow A LOT! THANKS SO MUCH!
thanks harv, very nicely put…. i used to get bothered by all the small quirks, and i also sported frustration n overwhelm…. thank god i grew out of that… so your advice above is a great reminder to keep on growing n thinking big… and i'm having so much more fun, success and opportunity now…. love your work bro
not sure if my other comment posted, so in case not
THANKS harv for that great reminder and inspiration. which is practical, wise and empowering…. growing thru challenge is an amazing journey, one step at a time….. i have found things get easier when i step up to the plate, cos i have things 2 look back on to support my continued journey… and of course great folks along the ways 2 guide and inspire… like you…
abundant blessings
Devi (SoulJuiceTV)
I love your Blog on problem. The best thing about your millionaire mind secrets is that they apply in all sphere of life and not only in money matters
Absolutely Right. No matter how much money you have or don't have there will always be an equal amount of pleasure and pain, challenge and support etc… The interesting thing about challenges is that they are just lessons that allow us to love an unloved part of ourself. Challenges aren't “good” or “bad” events they just “are”. Our emotions are just a feedback system that force us to judge these events as good or bad based on how they make us feel. If an event threatens our values then we label it painful/challenging and tend to run from it. The opposite is true for events that feel good. Indifference will not break the pattern.
I have found that until I learn to see the “good” in a challenge and love it for what it is rather than judging it and thinking things would be better some other way, then I will continue to face similar challenges in my path. Once I honor both sides in the event and have no more “emotional charge” (stress or elation) about the challenge, then I'm free to evolve to the next bigger and better challenge from a place of inspiration.
Great Topic
Thanks for sharing
Absolutely Right. No matter how much money you have or don't have there will always be an equal amount of pleasure and pain, challenge and support etc… The interesting thing about challenges is that they are just lessons that allow us to love an unloved part of ourself. Challenges aren't “good” or “bad” events they just “are”. Our emotions are just a feedback system that force us to judge these events as good or bad based on how they make us feel. If an event threatens our values then we label it painful/challenging and tend to run from it. The opposite is true for events that feel good. Indifference will not break the pattern.
I have found that until I learn to see the “good” in a challenge and love it for what it is rather than judging it and thinking things would be better some other way, then I will continue to face similar challenges in my path. Once I honor both sides in the event and have no more “emotional charge” (stress or elation) about the challenge, then I'm free to evolve to the next bigger and better challenge from a place of inspiration.
Great Topic
Thanks for sharing
Voglio un seminar mind in italia
Harv u gotta do a piece on Karl Rebeder the miserable millionaire who gave all his money to charity.
Hi there…you are speaking directly to a person who had her flight canceled for Costa Rica! It was rescheduled, but the time will be less there. I was so upset as I am in the DC area and we were just slammed with massive amounts of snow as I'm sure you saw on the news. Bad timing I thought…nope, wrong, it worked out on so many levels. We did not understand just how not ready we were. Goodness, I get to leave now with a really clean house, all my laundry done. Work done on the computer..my husband did the taxes. YEAH, this works and now, we're grateful. The snow? A bear to shovel, but its so beautiful! What problem???
Helpful post – brightens my thinking about problems and mindset, money and success.
Thank you very much for sharing that. I must say it feels that this particular blog is a direct message to me, couldn't have come at a better time!
Thank you for such a wonderful message. I learned that by facing my challenges, I have found the joy and fun in my life which I had forgotten. I read somewhere that a challenge never leaves you where it found you, so personal growth comes naturally with each challenge.
am reading The book and trying to apply the “mini-me” mantra! My tenant has left and I still can't find a replacement…and another tenant is leaving today!!! I'm trying to get used to “I am bigger than this “challenge””….Wish me luck…I already have some ideas about what to to now that I can omit the “drama” of this situation I'm in. Wish me luck T Harv Eker and your book is Great!
Absolute Hemmorhaging. I think, hopefully finally this time I have hit bottom. I believe I am finally at the core of my self-sabotage. I constantly manifest and attract and create massive wealth, and then spend of sabotage myself through all of it. I accomplish amazing things, I was a top 15 Eco Challenge Competitor in 2002, finished as the only woman Team Captain and navigator, with a team whom had never met before the race, I have managed to save my home from forclosure after 18 months of not paying a mortgage, I am absolutely so successful , and then its like I punish myself. I am an entrepreneur, however I am my own worst employee and boss. And then I am salf-employed always trading time for money. my credit is in the tank, I did purchase my home in 2005 18 months out of BK 6 years ago. I am now cleared of the BK. I was workign making $8000-10,000 a month , now I work part time for $15/hour. I am one minor emergency away from total destitution, I feel. I am SO committed yet SO clear I cannot in anyway shaope or form rely only on myself anymore to do anything different.I am an amazing beautiful woman, and everyone loves me and I am wantign to make only the BIGGEST differences in teh world, for myself and those I love and the entire community, I just cannot get out of my own way. I am feeling overwhelmed, I have attended the MMI 7 years ago, after I declared BK..well I fell off the wagon I guess. It was amazing, and I always wanted to do the Quantum Leap program, but never committed to the tools enough to make that happen…well, Thanks for everything you do Harv. I will see you in May, and with every small bite of the elepnhant I take between now and then, I may have a nice chunk of money to NOT throw away..nd tuly dive fully into the pool that you offer.
The vibrational law says that when the focus is on the problem the universal vibrational match is also on the problem. If a person is focused on the now of the problem it is not possible to focus on writing the new story of expansion and the resolution of the problem. What each of us consider the apparent truth is an after thought. It is only possible to expand into the future when the person creates the future focus as the now and the universe realizes that it will have to adjust everything into place to expand into the persons imagined now.
Harv, I wanted to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for many reasons but more importantly because today I finished a 2-week long project where I failed miserably!!
You see, I aimed for the stars and I missed… I am soooo excited…. not even close….
BUT
The result was 200% more of the best result I have achieved to date (my old ceiling)
So, thank you Harv and I promise that next time I am going to aim outside of our galaxy!!