Problems - Let's deal

Everyone has problems in life. For the most part, we are able to quickly solve them without much trouble. One can be hindered from making progress if you ignore the problems. Could you be letting little challenges grow into huge obstacles by ignoring and not dealing with them? When faced with unpleasant situations it is tempting to ignore them and not deal with them. We either come up with a quick solution or use a strategy that worked in the past. The path of least resistance is an attractive one and the effort required to deal with the problem sometimes seems too immense. Hope you agree with the line, The trouble is “You won't find a solution by saying there is no problem.”

The longer you take to deal with your problems the bigger they will grow and the harder it will be to sort them out. They are like weeds that grow in a beautiful garden. If not recognized and uprooted early enough they will dominate the garden and choke the beautiful flowers in the garden. In fact you will forget there was ever a lovely garden there to begin with. Secondly, when ignored, problems may become accepted as the norm. There are many abnormal situations and circumstances in our lives that we have become used to and comfortable with to the extent that we do not see the need for change. It is possible for you to become used to poverty and lack. It is even possible to get used to mediocrity and failure. Ignore the problem long enough and it may no longer become a problem to you. The trouble is you will not be living the kind of life you should be living. “Its Fine, Let it be” is not always a good thing. Lastly, a problem that is not dealt with can lead to other problems unfortunately, It’s the domino effect, By not controlling one you may be opening the door to many others.

So how do you deal with problems?

• The first and best way is to change the way you think about problems. . “The way you see the problem is the problem.” I like to think of such things as “challenges” rather than problems because “Problem” is a dead-end word. It leaves no room for solutions. When you regard something as a challenge instead, it leaves your mind free to think about how to respond to it. If you see it as a temporary obstacle you are more likely to feel empowered and able to deal with it.

• A Second way to deal with a problem is to focus on the solution instead. Focusing on the problem too much may actually make it more impossible to solve. This can make the problem so big in your mind that it obscures or overshadows any possible solution. Try instead to think about what life would be like if the problem were solved. This brings your creativity into play and your mind will soon find ways to solve the problem. According to Albert Einstein “You can't solve a problem with the same kind of thinking that created it.”

• A third way to deal with problems, then, is to alter your viewpoint. One way of doing this is to distance yourself emotionally from the problem. Try looking at the problem as an impartial observer and not as someone actively involved in it. This technique will not only make the problem seem less daunting, but will also help you to find possible solutions. When you are emotionally involved in something it clouds your judgment and dulls your creativity.

Finally, “laugh at your problems; everybody else does.” It is important to realise that any problem, no matter how big it may seem at the time, has a solution and is usually not the end of our lives as we may often feel. As long as you are breathing no problem is beyond solving. There is always hope to those that will look for it. Take life in your stride. Do not get bogged down by it and don’t ever forget to enjoy it. A free and fun mindset alone will go a long way in helping you to deal with your problems.

Look ahead with confidence. Stay focused on what you want and not what’s in your way. “Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” You are all you can be. Go on and be it.