Life on the edge

There are times when we find ourselves in situations that are just deadlocked and we find ourselves saying there might and could be no other solution to the problem, and that the problem leads to a dead end and the end of our lives. How many times have you been faced with a problem that […]

There are times when we find ourselves in situations that are just deadlocked and we find ourselves saying there might and could be no other solution to the problem, and that the problem leads to a dead end and the end of our lives. How many times have you been faced with a problem that has no leads, no options and no solutions and just left you worthless and vulnerable, several times, I guess.

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem lying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads. No options. No solutions.

A life without hurdles is seen to be a lifeless one, but then, there are problems that might come our way and you’ll think this is the end of the road because there is no way out of it. Most times when we are faced with problems or difficulties we tend to give up on it almost immediately and on everything.  Problems must definitely come, if they do not, how do we learn from our mistakes? Life is not a bed of roses; life is a process where we keep learning. Difficulties are seen as challenges for the brave and strong, but a problem for the weak. Every problem has a solution if you want it solved.

There are solutions to every problem. All we need to do is to search and if we do not find any, the problem will definitely provide a solution one way or the other. It is said that identifying a problem is as good as solving it half way. Some of us allow the problems we find ourselves in to weigh us down forgetting that out of every problem born there is solution that comes along with it. When people are being able to solve their problems effectively it is not because of their intelligence or because they are more knowledgeable but because they have been able to identify the problem and spot a potential solution to the problem. Sometimes it is not the solution but the clue that leads you to the actual solution. “Instead of solving problems the way you believe, it is better you are open to alternative solutions. Though the solution might not be appropriate or the best for the problem but at least you might be making a head way,” says Mr. Patrick Anthony.

Try to bring the problem down to its simplest terms. Resolve the core problem and you will likely solve several layers of conflict right there. It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by a complex problem and very easy to avoid the situation because it does feel like more than you can handle. Denial of the overall problem will not present a solution.

A problem ignored becomes larger and more difficult to deal with as time passes. Facing the problem head-on reduces the size and scope of it, making it easier to handle and overcome.

“Most solutions to problems lie where the problem is. Most times we feel over-burdened when obstacles come our way and they seem insurmountable, but the truth is that we always face problems in our lives when we give room and chance for the problem. When we stop seeing life as a problem solutions become unnecessary.  Even if there really is a problem, it is not forever for every problem has an expiry date no matter what,” says Franca Obi.

On the other hand some people see problems as a step to better opportunities. “Problems are good because without problems there is no way one can grow in life. Problems are bound to come as challenges but with zeal and commitment you can overcome such challenges likewise finding   solution to such problems. And to also get a good solution one has to look at the whole thing from a different perspective and you will see that the solution just comes along with the problem,” says Abdul Adekunle.

Confidence in your ability to solve your problems is also key here. If you go into the situation feeling like you can’t possibly find the answer, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever you think you can or cannot do, you might be right, because it is psychological in nature. It is important to think of every problem as a challenge or an opportunity to learn something new and move forward with your life. Each time you solve a problem it gives you the courage to tackle the next one.

There are many of us who feel that the whole world has come crumbling on us because of the gravity of the problem we are facing at a particular time. Though totally not ignoring the fact that there are overwhelming pressures that come with such situations as the situation seems hopeless and unconquerable but then the solution might just be staring you in the face if only you look closely and think wisely. There is no problem in the world without a solution, though it might take time and requires a lot of patience. But then, nothing is impossible as all hope is never lost.