Problems, Problems! Certainly, our lives are full of them. Only a meaningless person encounters no problem for you cease to exist as part of mankind if you no longer have problems. Problem actually arises when you no longer have one. So, the best way to deal with them is to accept them with complete resignation—to think of them as normal part of our lives. In all levels of existence, problem arises— be it in the domestic sphere or in the political or spiritual arena.

Solving a problem is not easy. It takes time and effort for one to come up with an intelligent solution. Not all problems can be solved overnight. Some problems appear simple at a surface but in deeper analysis, they are more complicated than you could ever imagine, with certain repercussions you might certainly wish to avoid in the future. Not all individuals are good decision-makers or problem solvers. Most people fail along this area. Why most people are failures in problem-solving can be explained by various reasons. But one thing is clear, there are instances when people arrived badly in their decisions because of certain pitfalls they commit when solving problems. The following are some of the pitfalls in problem-solving which you might wish to avoid when confronted with one. For convenience, they are represented by the acronym REST (Rationalization, Emotionalism, Selfishness and Timidity):

Rationalization. Rationalization is done when you refuse to acknowledge the root which caused the problem. Instead of recognizing that the problem cropped up out of a certain situation, you ignore the situation and justify it by thinking of other explanation that can take into account why the same existed. There are even instances when you know that you were contributory to the problem or took part in its commission but you refuse to admit it yourself, but you commit the foolish mistake of justifying yourself just to get away from the problem. This is one of the hardest things when trying to solve problem because you can’t just give a good start in dealing with the problem having been bias or prejudicial towards its real cause. Before a problem could really be properly addressed, it is necessary that you recognize that it exists and something or somebody has caused it. Failure to do this can make problem solving a real trouble on your part. Or granted that you recognized that the problem exists but if you really don’t acknowledge its real cause, you are not really solving it because you do not give the right solution to it. It is a downright exercise in futility.

Emotionalism. Don’t get emotional. Extreme emotionalism will not do you good when solving a problem. In a frantic or semi-frantic situation, a cool mind coupled with an enlightened reason is extremely important to keep you in control of a situation. Do not go berserk when something goes wrong or let your passion overpower your reason when a troubling situation comes in. A person who is angry, for example, can not make an intelligent decision because is carried away by his emotion—his biases sets in and can not deal squarely with a situation which calls for a deep analysis and reflection. An angry person is like candle whose light of reason has been extinguished by passion. It is a good counsel to follow that when you are angry to something or at somebody do not make any immediate confrontations or file a complaint instantly. Keep your cool and let the situation takes time to sink in. Only then could you get an impartial and objective assessment on what is about to take place.

Selfishness. A selfish person lives a miserable life. A manager which solves a problem through some underhanded means tilted to his favor alone is not a good manager. He sacrifices the organization for the good of individual, to cater for his self-vested interest. A state leader who gives a superficial solution to a national crisis with the intention of giving the impression to the people that he is doing his assignment but think of pure politics to retain himself in power exercises bad governance. How many times have you heard of decision-makers who appear to suggest a solution to a problem and implements it but at he back of their mind they have a selfish agenda that is purely self-serving? When you are thinking for a solution to a problem you cannot be so selfish as to suggest one that will serve your ass alone. Let everybody benefit from it. Think of an ultimate solution which will give the greatest benefit for the greatest good of the greatest number.

Timidity. Naivety certainly has no place in analyzing or solving a problem. Dare to get into the real issue. Know the real score. Face the facts right in the face to get into the root of the issue even though it would mean an involvement of something or somebody. Suggest solutions, be that weird, eccentric or a bit unconventional. Innovate and think of a more aggressive and responsive solution. Do not fear of the consequences of your acts but be sure to take calculated risk and not just a shot in the dark.

Problems do exist. We have lots of them. In fact, our personal lives have more problems than physics and statistics do. But as long as we are intelligent and diligent enough to find solutions for them, we can exist and co-exist with them. Being able to recognize our human frailties and foibles and overcoming the “self” is certainly a self-liberating experience. And that, I think, gives life its sweet existence.