What are Problems? Let’s understand the meaning of
problems before we proceed so we are
all on the same page. Webster Dictionary has 3 definitions for a
problem: something that is difficult to deal with :
something that is a source of trouble,
worry, etc
difficulty in understanding something
a feeling of not liking or wanting to do
something So these definitions confirm that we all
have problems and there need to know
the best approach to solving them. Options in Problems When there is a problem, you have three
options and we always have to choose
one each time there is a problem,
consciously or unconsciously. Option 1: Talk about the problem. This one is the easiest to choose of all.
You have chosen this option when we go
round telling everybody willing to listen
about the problem not minding whether
they can help or not. In fact, in most cases we are looking for
are listening ears, that’s all. And the
psychologists and counsellors will tell
you that most people who pay for their
service, are not looking for a solution but
just a listening ear OR somebody that will re-enforce the fact that the problem is
very big and unsolvable. Option 2: Hide it and live with it In this option, we pretend that the
problem doesn’t exist and hope that it
will go away without any action. However, we all know that Newton's First
Law states that: “An object will remain at rest or in
uniform motion in a straight line unless
acted upon by an external force.” So the problem persists or even expands
beyond the initial size while the chances
of solving the problem diminish. Option 3: Take action and Solve the
Problem. This is the best option! In this option you take responsibility for
the situation, face the problem and solve
it. It doesn’t matter if the problem is
solvable or not but by actively looking for
ways to solve the problem, you will put
yourself in a better position. How to Cultivate Problem Solving
Mindset To give yourself a chance of coming out
of the problem, your mindset is critical.
You must learn to see the problems for
what they are: They are problems and a part of life,
everybody has a problem!
Problems do not mean the end of the
world; you have dealt with problems in
the past.
You are not the first person to have that problem, so it’s nothing personal.
It is not there to break you but to build
you, so see it as an opportunity to grow
rather than a threat to your existence.
Problems keep us all on feet and do 2
things for us: Remind us that we have outdated
knowledge for our current status
OR Reminds us that it is time to go to the
next level in live. As you will agree, both of the above are
to our advantage. To get to the stage where you are able to
read and understand this article, you
passed through some form of education. To go to the next class, you must go
through some assessment to confirm that
you qualify. It is the same thing with life,
you cannot rise higher without passing
your assessment (this is what we call
problems in everyday life). When next you hit a problem think about
these. What the mindset will do for You If you cultivate this mindset; it will help
you to understand and believe that there
is a solution, or at least a way forward. Next, you will have some clarity of mind
to identify the help you need and seek
out people or powers who are able to
help you. It will help you understand that
telling everybody about your problem is
not a solution of any form but a sign of irresponsibility. You will be able to dig deep and
understand the problem clearly by
looking for information from people who
have had the same problem in the past. The solution mindset will help you
discover the root cause of the problem
which is critical to solving any problem.
This is because if you do not know the
root cause, then you have set up yourself
for a life of solving the same problem for the rest of your life. Solution mindset will help you to devise,
the possible solutions to the problem. As
you know, 5 + 5 = 10 and 7 + 3 = 10 as
well. There always many options to
solving a problem. Next, it will guide you in choosing what
the best solution option is, by looking at
the pros and cons of each option and
attempting to match them to the desired
options. Once, you have chosen your preferred
option, the solution mindset will empower
you to go to work and execute the
chosen option and learning whatever
lesson you can from it. The solution mindset is critical in life as
each of us, whether we believe it or not: Is either in a problem OR coming out of a
problem OR walking into a problem. So get these skills, keep them safely and
use them to your advantage. That way,
you will always be prepared to face
whatever comes your way. Remember that this is a key weapon in
the warrior’s arsenal!
