Tips On How To Deal With Problems
“It’s not the strongest of the species nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin
A crucial truth we have to completely embrace about life is, nothing is static or 
linear. Life occurs in waves or cycles. Just look at all kinds of charts on inflation, unemployment rates, interest rates, stock market, etc. Life occurs like the waves in a chart, some up and some down with a support level. If we were to make a chart on our lives called the ‘happiness rates’ it would not be linear would it? The key point is to place our support level line in such a way that the ups and downs are not so steep.
One of the best definitions of the term ‘problem’ I have ever read was “a problem is a situation in which there’s a discrepancy between the present state and some goal state, with no obvious way of reducing it”. It is vital to keep in mind that there is always a solution even if it is not obvious. We just have to look for it with an open mind.
Be flexible and adaptable, changes are inevitable. Just think about all the changes in communication since the invention of the telephone. The speed of change will be quicker and quicker. So let’s fasten our seat belts and be flexible and adaptable. When facing a problem explore every possible solution even if it appears rather weird at the time, just brainstorm and write down everything that comes to your mind.
Try the solutions you have brainstormed and follow the trial-and-error route until you succeed. Use your intuition it is always a very powerful tool. The best way to do so is by asking yourself: “What is the best move to make in order to overcome the discrepancy?” Let it incubate for some time and remember what Einstein so wisely said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge”.
Past experiences are also a good source to even-out the discrepancy. Use events from the past that would help you with this new situation. It could be something that happened either to you or someone you know. Try also to distance yourself from the discrepancy and pretend you are the advisor. We always show more wisdom when we are giving advice.
Be very wary of the thought ‘I am OK, the problem is everyone else’s’. This is very tricky because we have a tendency to see what is outside a lot more than we see our most recondite feelings, thoughts and emotions. That’s fine! It must be God’s fault as He put our eyes facing the outside. WRONG! We can close our eyes more often and meditate and we will see those recondite areas and have some answers thrown out.
Be humble seek some advice and feedback. Talk to somebody you trust listen to what he or she has to say and be receptive and do not be prejudiced. If what you have tried before is not working try something new even if you think it is not going to work. Keep trying until you eliminate the discrepancy.
Tags: hard time, how to overcome a problem, problems
Daily Life Tips | Carmen Beese October 25, 2008
