Dealing with Problems


Everyday life throws up new challenges and troubles to deal with. I have never met anyone who has an ideal life, without any problems. Life is neither simple nor straightforward and problems perpetuate forever!

When I ask my folks about their problems, the typical problems they usually face in their day-to-day lives include:

• Addicted to bad habits, such as binge-watching and surfing on the internet
• Gaming for hours
• Procrastinating the work to be done 
• Messed-up career
• Poor sleeping habits
• Dealing with an upset mind and/or depression
• Overindulging in  junk food 
• Unable to study for more than an hour
• Struggling with relationships
• Financial crisis
• Dealing with health crisis or disease

It’s an endless list. So, let me tell you. Everyone has their own set of unique problems that they have to deal with. Life is a rollercoaster ride, full of highs and lows and mountains and valleys. Feeling lost over a mountain of problems is indeed normal. 

Thus, what to do with the problems? How to face tough times and eventually overcome them?

The only solution is: DEAL WITH IT, TO GET RID OF IT!

Despite how big and scary the problem is, firstly keep in mind that it’s a phase that shall pass, and secondly, believe in your abilities to find a way for all the obstacles. It may take days, months, or even years to completely get rid of the problem, but you have to deal with it. There’s no good in avoiding, ignoring, and delaying it because you have to face it, no matter what. In fact, delaying brings a sense of regret and guilt in our hearts. Whenever I work through my problems, it makes me happier and gives me a sense of accomplishment. So, always remember facing it today is better than tomorrow. The sooner we accept it, the faster it is to adapt to the difficult situation and evolve through it. 

Also, people often tend to cry and complain about their problems. They show frustration and dissatisfaction with their current situations. But complaining to others makes things worse for the complainer. It badly affects mental health and thus, people tend to lose focus from finding out the solution. The brain is left powerless and rather, it gets diverted to gain the sympathy and attention of everyone.

So, how to approach the problem?

The Solution is – TRANSFORM YOUR MINDSET

To face the problem, you must think differently. Your attitude and mindset towards the problem will determine how sooner you get rid of the problem. Instead of feeling lost and helpless, make an extra effort to supersede the negativity and fear associated with the problem. If you feed the mind with fear and pessimism and lose sanity over it, then you will just keep on delaying the real issue. However, if you look at it another way, every problem presents us with a chance to re-think and transform our thoughts. Believe you can. And in the end, you will find a newer version of yourself!! 

How to solve life’s problems? Is there any formula? Well, there may not be any formula, rather solving a problem is more of a skill, wherein you need to have the right approach and a stress-free frame-of-mind. 

Following are six steps that may help you approach any problem in a better way:  

1. Know your problem: You should have a deep understanding of the problem. You must know if it’s actually a problem for you that you would like to overcome or you have just created the problem in your head. So, spend quality time pondering over your problem! 
2. Analyze the problem: Once you know that the problem actually exists, take responsibility for your problem. Ask yourself: how big is the problem? If a problem is big, then break it into smaller parts.
3. Evaluate the solutions: Take a piece of paper and make a list of all the sensible and achievable solutions that you can think of. Writing all the thoughts will give you a better perspective and a clearer picture of the ideas stuck in your head. Make sure your solutions are realistic and doable. Try to think of as many solutions as you can (at least 5-6 different possible solutions). You can also find solutions by discussing with others (remember not to whine over the problem). Ask them how they would deal with similar problems. Is their approach towards the problem different than yours? If yes, write their inputs and ideas as well. Look for all pros and cons of all the solutions. This requires deep and thorough thinking.
4. Create mind map: Mind map is a visual diagram, representing tasks or problems and all possible solutions. You can make a Mind Map by putting your problem as the central idea. Add branches consisting of all the possible reasons and solutions for the problem. You can further add sub-branches to write more details. Then, make a final branch with the most suitable action plan for the existing problem.
   
5. Decide and take action: The most important step is to act! Once you have decided the best possible solution, be prompt in acting on your plan. 
   • Action brings change. Have the courage to try anything and everything, but do not give up and do not stop until it’s done! 
   • If you fail, don’t be disheartened and find another solution to it. Repeating the same thing again and again is of no use. So, be flexible to change your plan of action at any point in time, if the solution is getting you nowhere.
6. Learn: While dealing with a problem, ask yourself: What hidden opportunities it brings in to improve me? What good a problem presents? What can I learn from this?

   Regardless of any sort of problem, learn how to embrace the discomfort and transform your perspective towards life! With new problems, comes new experiences and thus, it’s a journey of solving the problems that make us evolve...life would be really meaningless and boring without the challenges it throws at us!
   

   Here’s what you need to realize: you may hit the rock bottom, but growth comes only when you are out of your comfort zone. So don’t panic about any problem and enjoy the journey of solving the problem. And eventually, you will find a new strong fearless version of you.