WHERE THERE IS A PROBLEM, THERE IS A SOLUTION TOO

In our long journey of life, all of us face small or big problems, but it is good that most of us try our best to solve the problems. Gradually it becomes easier to find solutions to our day-to-day problems because of our growing knowledge, skills and experience together with suitable guidance and support of our elders from time to time. Can you think of any person in the world in past and present times who didn’t and don’t have any problem and will not have one in the coming days? Many great people are of the opinion that problems are like gifts and without problems you can’t develop well. Swami Vivekananda asserts that in a day if you do not come across any problem, you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path. Actually, problems are not a big problem, but our attitude to look at them is. Isn’t it?

Normally it is found that some people take a problem like an opportunity, whereas some others take an opportunity as a problem. Some people are of a special category who always find problems in everything and depend mainly on others for solutions. Generally, they are also in the habit of blowing up a small or insignificant problem to make it look like a huge one and present it to their colleagues and friends in the same way. They are basically lazy, timid and manipulative by nature. As such, they present a small difficulty in the workplace to look like a big problem, particularly in front of their superiors so as to divert the attention of the authorities from their shortcomings and also to get some sympathy. In this way, they not only harm themselves, but also harm their entire team. Such people need urgent counselling and if not found improving, should be punished suitably.

I firmly believe that wherever there is a problem, there is a solution too. Not only this, normally you get the signal or indication of the solution from the problem itself. Let us understand this by a small example. Sometimes, while driving your vehicle, you find an unexpected traffic congestion or jam ahead. You immediately make out that it is now going to be difficult to pass through this route. Hence, you start looking for alternative routes, maybe a by lane which connects you to the main route after a kilometer or so. To say, during the different phases of life, facing the problems is not abnormal. To get very disturbed, panicky and stressed is abnormal. It is also observed that some people completely surrender when faced with any problem. They even abandon the work in hand. It is not correct. Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution. Actually, they should understand that any problem is just a normal challenge of life which takes the test of their knowledge, skills, experience, courage, patience, common sense and confidence. So, the best way to get rid of any problem is to find a solution to it. Trying to escape from a problem is a sign of weakness.  

 Now the question is how to develop the requisite attitude or skills so as to find the solution of any problem easily? Firstly, always think positive in any situation. As you think, so will be the reaction of your body. Hence, face the problem with the thought of “I can and I will” and matching confidence. Just try to be calm, cool and composed. Keep your eyes, ears and mind open to capture the signals of the right solution of the problem. It is advisable to find the solution based on the type and nature of the problem you are confronted with. Choose the best alternative available in the given circumstances. It is rightly said that the bigger the problem, the bigger should be the preparation for solving it. To say, if the problem is really big enough, collect all the necessary details related to it for logical and objective analysis. It is always better to write down the details and salient points in a notebook instead of keeping everything in your mind. This helps you to go through every aspect of the problem clearly at a glance and act accordingly. At any point of time, if you feel the need to consult an expert or your parents or mentors, never hesitate to approach them for suitable guidance as they have ample experience of solving or tackling problems in their long journey of life. Yes, whatever be the situation, never lose hope and your confidence; and have faith in your ability to achieve success finally. The lives of great persons are nothing but transforming the problems into opportunities and taking the best possible efforts to get the suitable solutions for self and others.

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

                    

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

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