Copyright (c)
2009 Valery Satterwhite
http://www.InnerWizard.com
"I
have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and
some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my
troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
- Dr. Seuss
In
these hectic, often stressful days, many people measure themselves on their ability,
or inability, to solve problems or "put out fires" in their daily life.
A successful day is a day when problems are solved. However, the same kinds of
problems keep coming up. Perhaps not every day but often enough to notice a pattern
if one only stops for a minute to examine the series of problems that they keep
solving over and over and over again.
Is it better to solve
a problem or resolve a problem? There is a distinction.
The
dictionary defines the word solve as to find the solution to a problem or question
or understand the meaning of a problem or question. The word resolve means decide,
bring to an end; settle conclusively. It's an important distinction.
I
was watching the television show Numb3ers one night and one character lamented
to the other about how nice it would be if they could stop people from shooting
each other. The other character responded that it would be even better if guns
and bullets were no longer manufactured. Yes, there are a few holes in that argument
but the point is well taken. Often we continue to put band-aids on symptoms, outcomes,
rather than clear up the root cause of the problem.
Lousy
job? Get a new job, problem solved. Or is it? Many people go from one lousy job
to the next. The jobs may be truly lousy or the person isn't pursuing work that
excites or inspires his natural calling. Either way, that person is just creating
the same, or similar, problem over and over again and applying the same solution
each time. To resolve the problem, to stop the pattern of lousy jobs, he would
have to get a good job that he enjoys.
We see the same problem
patterns in the various relationships some people have. Whether it be with their
spouse, family member, friend or romantic relationships, the same problems occur
over and over again. Each problem is eventually solved only to have another same
or similar type of problem recur later on. The band-aid came off of the root issue
and the sore is still festering.
Solving a problem works
to a point. It works until the problem shows up again in some form or fashion.
To
resolve problems it is essential to mindfully examine the problematic experience
to dig down deep to discover the root cause. For personal problems, the best place
to start is within. What within me is creating this problem? A bad decision that
was based in fear? Making erroneous assumptions? Allowing yourself to be a victim
to other people's "shoulds"? Taking the path of least resistance?
Remember,
everyone is always doing the best they can. No one gets out of bed in the morning
and wonders how they can create problems for themselves that day. As such, is
it important to leave judgment out of the equation when examining what role you
played in creating the problem. If it is a problem within a company, look within
the company. What within the company is creating this problem? An outdated system?
Inexperienced employees?
When you discover the root cause
of the problem make the corrections. The root cause is then removed, the festering
sore is healed, the pattern of similar problems is ended. For good.
Don't
just solve your problems; resolve your problems.
"Convert
difficulties into opportunities, for difficulties are divine surgeries to make
you better."
~Author Unknown
