Dealing with problems – introduction
You can be hindered from making progress if you
ignore your problems. Could you be letting little challenges grow into huge
obstacles by not dealing with them?
When faced with unpleasant situations it is
tempting to ignore them and not deal with them. The path of least resistance is
an attractive one and the effort required to deal with the problem sometimes
seems too immense. At times it’s not so much that the problem is big but that
it requires us to admit something about ourselves or others that we just don’t
want to face. The trouble is “You won't find a solution by saying there is no
problem.”
Dealing with problems – the dangers of not handling your
problems
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. I remember working at a hospital where there are often
shortages of medical supplies. As medical staff there we got so used to
improvising that even when some supplies were in stock we did not think of
using them. For instance, we improvised arm slings for shoulder dislocations
and broken limbs by using bandages and empty fluid bags. One nurse actually had
to remind me that the pharmacy had plenty of arm slings so I should not be
wasting people’s money by telling them to buy bandages instead. My mind had
become accustomed to the abnormal to such an extent that it became normal and I
absolutely did not think there was any other way to get the job done.
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. “Making do” is not always a good thing.
Lastly, a problem that is not dealt with can
lead to other problems. Unfortunately, problems are very social creatures and
they will eagerly invite other problems into your life if you harbour them for
too long. By not controlling one you may be opening the door to many others.
It’s the domino effect: one action or lack of it in this case, can lead to many
different consequences.
Dealing with problems – change your thinking
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.
Dealing with problems – focus on the desired outcome
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.
Dealing with problems – have a sense of humour
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.
Dealing with problems – the conclusion
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.