Everybody faces different giants throughout their lives. Even though we all face giants they come in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes these giants can be relationship issues. Sometimes they can be financial issues. Sometimes they can be work issues.
What makes something appear to be a giant is thinking that we can’t overcome the situation; the situation seems impossible or at least it feels that way.
The big question that needs to be asked and answered is: How do we overcome these giants?
7 steps to overcoming giants in our lives:
(These steps are not original to me. I have adapted them from a variety of resources that I have learned over the years.)
Step 1: Shrink the giant down to a manageable size.
We can do this by identifying and clearly defining the giant as precisely as possible. If our giant is finances then we need to ask ourselves this question: “Exactly what aspect of not having enough money is causing me to look at this situation as a giant?” By answering this question, we will be able to define more clearly the giant that we would like to tackle first. The more manageable sized giant might be: I do not have enough money to pay my credit card this month. This is a good first target to tackle. The goal here is make the giant small enough to overcome but still big enough to actually be of benefit.
Step 2: Brainstorm solutions to achieve your initial goal.
When we feel overwhelmed by our giant we begin to think “Why bother? This giant is too big to tackle.” One way around this is to try to step away from the giant and see whether any other solutions are possible. Keep in mind that the more solutions that are generated, the more likely a good solution will emerge. Some possible solutions to our financial giant might be: ignoring the problem, take out a loan, pay the minimum balance only, consolidate my debt to a lower interest loan or speak to a financial counsellor.
Step 3: Examine the pros and cons of each possible solution.
Let’s do that with some of our solutions from above. Ignore the problem completely: pros – easier in the short-term; cons – the giant will only get bigger in the long-term. Pay the minimum balance only: pros – it would prevent me from defaulting completely on the payments; cons – the debt will not get any smaller – it will actually get bigger and bigger over time. Speak to a financial counsellor: pros – this could be very helpful in the short-term and long-term; cons – I might feel embarrassed talking to them or I don’t know which one to contact.
Step 4: Pick one of the solutions.
The solution should be realistic and likely to succeed. The decision needs to be based on the answers in step 3 and it should fulfill these 3 criteria (1) Will it be useful for changing how I am? (2) Is it a clear task, so that I will know when I have done it? and (3) Is it something that is realistic, practical and achievable?
Step 5: Come up with a plan to carry out the solution.
If the solution is consolidating our debt then we would need to phone our bank and arrange for a time to come in. We will have to decide to be truthful and honest with the counsellor. We will have to make all the arrangements to get there and so on. The goal here is to come up with a very detailed and realistic plan to reduce the chances of not following through.
Step 6: Carry out the plan.
In other words, go and do it! If the plan doesn’t work out for some reason then go back to your list of solutions and choose the next best one.
Step 7: Review the outcome.
Ask these questions: (1) Was the selected solution successful? (2) Did it help overcome the targeted giant and (3) Were there any disadvantages to using this approach?
How do you overcome giants in your life? Do you have any giants in your life that need to be overcome right now?
I hate to be churchy and I'm sure this is somewhat assumed, but we can't leave out our complete reliance on God. Take the financial example. We can work as hard as we can and achieve some progress, but without God transforming our character we will most likely still make destructive decisions (waste, greed, etc.). When David slew Goliath, he did so knowing the God of Israel had his back.
Great post though Kevin. The practical advice is great. Just wanted to add my 2 cents!
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This is quite inspiring one Kevin, just landed her and liked your blog a lot.
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So how exactly did you know I was going to be presenting from the story of David and Goliath Sunday?
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Great post Kevin. Worth a stumble.
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Thanks for bringing that important point up Matt. I did make that assumption but I shouldn't because not everyone shares that assumption with me.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Matt!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing Suhasini!
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Thanks Marko!
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God works in mysterious ways, eh?
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This is a fantastic post, Kevin. It reminds me a lot of 'Facing the Giants' — have you watched the movie yet? highly recommended.
We're definitely all facing our giants in lives, I'm in the process of breaking through as well. In fact, I'm thinking of dealing with one today. 
It's a commitment I plan to give despite of the limited time and energy. Pray for me? Best wishes.
@wchingya
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Thanks Ching Ya! Facing the Giants is a great movie!
I will pray that you can overcome your "giant" today!
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Thanks, Kevin. Great encouragement to make a difference in my habbits this year. Pray for me as I follow through eith your advice.
I prat that God will empower you to make the changes that you need to make this year Kara!
Thanks for sharing!
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Really useful tips, your strategy is built up logically. I really like your point no analyzing the possible solutions and pick the best before taking action. Really helpful advices, I bet they work well!
Thanks for sharing Grete!
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Reallly great post
We truly create our own giants don’t we.
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Yes we do but we can also overcome them!
Thanks for sharing.
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Kevin, thanks for the great information on conquering giants. My favorite step is shrinking the giant down to a manageable size. That step alone makes it so much easier to face the giant. It also helps to bounce the giant off of another friend or colleague; sometimes they may see an angle we haven’t thought of.
That’s a great point Steve!
Thanks for sharing!
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Great article! Many of us have different types of giants in our lives and following the steps on overcoming your giants is a big help. Knowing that you are doing something and carefully analyzing each step results in success.
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Thanks for sharing Lynne!
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