Does It Really Matter, A Positive Thought

When problems arise, it can be easy to become upset, frustrated, or stressed. But before we react, it can help to stop for a moment and ask ourselves, "Does it really matter?" Sometimes a calmer perspective can help us see that the situation is not as overwhelming as it first appeared.

In this positive thought, Catherine Pulsifer reminds us that we cannot always control the challenges we face, but we can control how we respond to them. By staying calm, looking for solutions, and treating challenges as opportunities to learn, we can reduce unnecessary stress and keep moving forward with a more positive attitude.

Updated October 2, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Does It Really Matter

Don't let challenges upset you or cause you stress. You can look at challenges as opportunities to do your best, or you can allow challenges to create stress in your life. Thomas Jefferson's quote makes the point also, "Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances."

Focus On The Solution
I have worked with people who overreact to situations and get easily ruffled about the most trivial issues. Unfortunately, these people don't focus on the solutions. They only focus on the problem, which makes a solution much harder to find. And, there is a positive solution to everything.

To quote Jim Rohn, "Focus on the solution, not on the problem." By focusing your energies on a solution to a problem, you are actually reducing the stress in your life. Those who only focus on the problem do not have any stress relief as they can only see the problem, they can not see the solution. A saying that I once heard is: "if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." That thought has remained with me over the years, and when I face a problem I often think of that saying!

Questions To Ask
When you are angry, the best thing to do is to say nothing. There is a Chinese Proverb that says, "If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow." Another technique is to stop and ask yourself, "Is it really important?" or "Does it really matter?" You may find this technique changes your perception, allowing you to react with clear thought and much less personal emotion.

It is important to understand that you are the master controller of your reactions, no matter what the circumstances. A wise Proverb to remember: "There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot."

A Learning Opportunity
Every challenge, every mistake can be viewed as a learning opportunity. So when faced with a challenge take the attitude that there is something that you can learn.

Rather than stressing out about the challenge, research it, talk to others about it, you may find that there is an opportunity to explore different ways of approaching the issue.

To Summarize
Do your best, give it all you got. Have the attitude that you can find ways around the challenge. Whatever you do - do not give in to anger, to blame or, to self-pity. Being stressed out will not help you resolve the issue. But keeping an open mind and a positive attitude will move you forward!

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Conclusion

The next time something upsets you or does not go as planned, stop before allowing frustration to take over. Ask yourself, "Does it really matter?" Then turn your attention away from the problem and toward what you can do about it. A calm mind often sees possibilities that frustration can hide.

Every challenge gives us a choice in how we respond. We can allow it to add stress to our lives, or we can look for a solution and consider what the experience may be teaching us. Keep an open mind, do the best you can, and remember that a positive attitude can help you move forward even when circumstances are difficult.

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