In this article, we will mention the most prominent steps that can help you deal with your problems without relying on others.
The First Step: Address The Problem
It is crucial to address the problem and its negative effects. Since problems cause stress, many people will try to evade, ignore, or procrastinate dealing with them. Unfortunately, your refusal to address your problems will usually cause them to recur. In other words, minor problems will accumulate into more serious ones over time. So, how can you identify a problem early on? Here is how:
1. List your problems
Get in the habit of listing the problems you encounter. As it is easier to deal with a problem if you have seen it written. Also, this method will help you predict the reoccurrence of some problems.
2. Define what causes your problems using your feelings
We often mistakenly think that our negative emotions are the root of our problems. But this isn't true. For example, you may think that work causes stress. However, saying I have problems at work, such as difficulties with my coworkers or a heavy workload, is more accurate. As this will normally make you feel overwhelmed.
Therefore, when you feel anxious, tense, frustrated, or sad about a particular situation, use your negative emotions as a guide. In order to effectively overcome this, try to identify the root problem that makes you feel this way.
3. Seek the challenge
The main challenge that most people encounter is their pessimistic perception of problems. In other words, if you believe that problems put you in risky situations and indicate weakness or failure, and if you perceive yourself as lacking problem-solving skills, you will feel defeated at the very first problem you encounter.
On the contrary, if you can find the opportunity that lies in the problem, you are more likely to overcome it. For example, if you're having difficulties confronting your co-workers, you can look at this problem as a means to improve your communication skills and perhaps an opportunity to resolve some disagreements with your co-workers by directly addressing the problem and working to solve it. By doing so, you will not only solve the problem but also reap some benefits from it.
The second step: Identify the problem
Before proceeding to solve the problem, you must first identify it. You may ask yourself, “What is the problem? What are the roots of this problem? What are its negative effects?”
The third step: Identify your objectives before tackling the problem
To ensure that you have solved your problems, it is crucial to know beforehand how they will turn out. In the following, we will discuss some tips on how to identify your objectives:
1. Be realistic about your post-problem objective
Avoid setting far-fetched or unrealistic objectives, as you will somehow feel that you have failed, or you may feel disappointed because you didn’t reach your destination. Therefore, ensure that your objectives are reasonable. For example, if you're having trouble implementing your assigned tasks, and since it's unrealistic to expect things to work out your way, you will occasionally have to compromise because circumstances won't always turn out the way you want them to.
2. Be as clear as possible in setting your objectives
You may become confused about whether you have overcome your problem. For instance, if your objective is to be content with your work, does that mean being happy all the time? What level of happiness do you want to reach? Be as specific as possible when setting your objective, because it is impossible for a human being to always be happy.
3. Try to determine whether it's a long-term or short-term problem
If it is long-term, such as getting a promotion, then it will take you a long time to resolve it. However, if it is a short-term problem, you can solve it in no time and seek its benefits directly.
The fourth step: Think outside the box
One of the deadliest mistakes we make when searching for solutions to our problems is relying on our old ways. In other words, if these old solutions worked in the first place, the same problem wouldn't have to reoccur. Take a look at the following golden tips in order to come up with new solutions:
1. Come up with a variety of solutions
You are more likely to end up with a good solution if you have a variety of options to choose from. Try to suggest at least 10 different solutions, but ensure that these solutions are applicable, organized, and useful.
2. Avoid prejudging your solutions
At first glance, the solution may seem silly and pointless. However, perhaps after reconsidering it, we'll find that it's an effective one. Therefore, never prejudge your solutions, and keep in mind that you're only considering as many solutions as possible.
3. Ensure that your solutions differ from each other
Make sure to consider a variety of different methods that tackle different aspects of the problem.
The Fifth Step: Make your mind about the solution
If you're suffering from anxiety, coming up with a solution can seem very difficult. However, you must keep in mind that not solving the problem can result in more anxiety since working on solving it reduces your stress level.
Here are some questions that can easily help you find the best solution to your problem:
1. Is this solution capable of solving my problem and helping me reach my main objective?
This may seem obvious. However, it is important to make sure that your solution will help you achieve your objectives. For example, Working hard to reach your goal, which is to work less, won't help you solve your work-related problem in one day.
2. How much time and effort does this solution require?
It's a fact that any solution will require some time and effort, but the desired objective must be related to your needs. For instance, quitting your job as a solution to a work-related problem may require a great deal of effort, as you will have to start looking for a new job.
3. How will I feel about this solution?
If you think a solution will make you feel bad, guilty, or anxious, it may not be the best decision to make. For example, you might feel bad if you lie to your manager about how much work you've done.
4. What are the immediate and long-term consequences and advantages of this solution for me and others?
The best solution will result in the most benefits and the fewest negative consequences. However, when considering the benefits and consequences, you also have to think about this solution's impact.
The Sixth Step: The actual implementation of the solution
Frequently, this is the most difficult step because you must now begin to work on the solution you have chosen. Most people fear that they may have chosen the wrong solution or that they overlooked a better one because they rushed things out. Although this is called unhelpful thinking, that's fine since it's normal. But keep in mind that it is always better to try than to be passive.
You can set up an action plan to help you put your solution into practice. You are more likely to carry out your solution successfully if you have an action plan. Your plan should be as detailed and realistic as possible. In addition, it should outline all the steps you will need to take to put the solution into practice. For instance, if you aspire to find a new job, some helpful tips in this regard might be:
- Write a list of the potential jobs you're searching for.
- Check the newspaper's job section daily.
- Contact employers about a job position you aspire to have.
- Rearrange your schedule so you can attend job interviews if needed.
The Seventh Step: Evaluate to what extent your solution has succeeded
Once your solution has been put into action, you must ensure that it works, because sometimes our plans don't turn out perfectly. Therefore, it's a good idea to have indicators that show us if we're on the right track. For instance, if you're dealing with a work-related problem, you can use your workload as an indicator to track your solution efficiency. In other words, if you notice that your workload is decreasing, then it's likely that your solution is working successfully.
In Conclusion
We can look at problems as challenges that stand in the way of man's greatness and success. As a result, we must be aware that the solution lies in our hands, but we need to think about it carefully and calmly while staying away from the fear that would make us collapse at the very first problem we encounter.
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