The Value of Problems

The Value of Problems                                                               090111

            Most people cringe when they hear of yet another problem, but it is problems that make life tick. Every job is about solving one problem or another; some not as directly as others though. It is for this reason that we must value problems.

            All inventions and discoveries ever made were inspired by the desire to solve some existing problem. These men and women whom we call heroes today for discovering these solutions chose to face the problems that were there and tried to solve them. When they did they became heroes in the process. It is not those who shy away from problems who are great but those who face them head on.

            Problems usually do not disappear if we do not do something about them. For some time, they may go out of sight but they have a way of resurfacing at the most inconvenient time and place. When they emerge in this way the only thing to do is to face them, but it is usually not as convenient as it is when you address them when you are in control as far as when and how to solve them.

            There are many who have a tendency of sweeping things under the carpet. Soon the carpet is bulging in all places and causing those who try to walk on top to stumble and fall. When this happens the problems will once again become the centre of attraction because they cannot be ignored anymore. One way or the other problems are better addressed when they first appear.

            There are a number of ways of making sure that problems are valuable to you. The first is to realise that as long as you are alive you will face some problems. This will help you in the sense that you will always look forward to meeting the problems and this sort of prepares you for them. If you are prepared you do not panic when the problems arrive. In fact you can handle them with a level head because they do not surprise you as such. Once you realise that you are going to meet some problems somehow you are in a better position to solve them.

            When problems come your way, make it a habit to address them as soon as possible. This is because they do not go away on their own. If you keep them unattended you are giving them a chance to grow. A time may come when you have to handle many problems at the same time. Since one problem is usually enough to cause anxiety and stress, you are most likely going to be affected even more if you let problems accumulate until they are many. Solving problems as soon as they arise makes sure you are in a position to address one at a time unless, of course, if many of them happen concurrently, in which case you do not have control of events. Otherwise you will be assured of solving all your problems without being overwhelmed.

            When you address the problems that come your way, make sure you solve them as far as possible. A half solved problem is still a problem. It is like filling a five metre deep pit with soil until it is two metres deep. It is still a pit and as dangerous as a five meter one. You have to solve your problems until you are satisfied you have done your best. If there are any issues that will arise after some time you will address them as they come but make sure the problem is under control all the time.

            Problems have a way of strengthening you. If you face them head on they will give you the edge when other problems come your way in future. A tree that is planted and watered everyday may not appreciate that there are dry spells that come. When the watering is stopped the tree withers quickly. Because it is used to having plenty of water all the time, it usually loses as much as possible at any given time even in times of drought. For this reason such a tree dies quickly when drought comes. The same is true for individuals who do not want to face problems. They will be affected seriously when problem arise that they cannot run away from. They usually commit suicide when faced with what they call serious challenges.

            Ship builders use trees from mountain tops when making a ship's mast because it has faced windy conditions all its life. A tree from deep in the bush will not be able to survive the storms because it is shielded at all times by other trees. Endure the problems if you must but rejoice because these problems leave you a better person.

            Next time you have a problem in your hands appreciate the fact that it is one of the many that will come your way. Address the problem as soon as possible and as thoroughly s you can and because you will be a better person when the problem is over.