Anatomy of Problems

Problems are actually the forces that change the world. Human encounter the problem, we solve it. We develop solutions, invent stuff and modernize. We, as much as posible want to get things done. Problems are good. It challenges you to be your best. It stretches your creativity and resourcefulness.

On the otherhand, percieving too many of these problems overwhelms us. There are moments that life seems to be an endless, dead-end maze. It frustrated us, made us sad, angry or even sick. The inability to cope with problems commonly leads to changes in behavior, delibitate functions and affect relationships.

There are a few preassumptions I have listed below. A compilation of what I learned, and picked-up in my personal journey. I don't say that these preassumptions is entirely true to you, but is true to those percieve them as true.

• Any problem has its solution.

• Problems are subjective. What is a problem to you may not be a problem to others.

• If you think something is a problem, your brain will tend to look for evidence to justify your claim. (Try to change the word problem into opportunity to see my point).

• We may choose to "move away" from the problem, or "move towards" the solution. We are more in favor of the "move towards" attitude.

• If you decide that the problem is hopeless, then there is no solution. The end.

• Problems will be solved once you understand your attitude of it.

• It can also dissapear like nothing happened if you decide to focus on something else more important.

• People have a tendency to cling on to their problems like a baby, so as to get the affection of others.

• Our view of a problem is bounded or framed by our beliefs and experiences. Reframing it to widen your perspective can help you understand more of the problem.

You can add more preassumptions if you wish.

The point is, what you see as "real" or "true" right now (such as your problem) is temporary. It can change and it will change. If it gets better or worse, it is you who should decide. Also, the time or how long it will take you to change your situation is also up to you.

Allow me to close this post with a qoute from the movie, The Martian.

Mark Watney: "At some point, everything's gonna go south on you... everything's going to go south and you're going to say, this is it. This is how I end. Now you can either accept that, or you can get to work. That's all it is. You just begin. You do the math. You solve one problem... and you solve the next one... and then the next. And If you solve enough problems, you get to come home. All right, questions?"

Yeah, any questions?