We all have problems from time to time. Without problems, you could even argue that life wouldn’t be worth living, since the good times wouldn’t feel as good without a reference to problematic times. But let’s face it, when it comes down to it, we would all like to reduce our problems… This post is about the simplest, most effective way to reduce your problems … INSTANTLY!
Your own problems
There are 2 categories of problems. Those that are really yours and those that are not yours. Problems that are yours are those problems that truly originate from you. A very good example is money shortage. This is a problem that many people face, and which originates from a poor spending habit. This is the type of problem that you can only solve by self improvement.
Other people’s problems
The second category is other people’s problems. A good example is when a friend of yours is in money troubles. You lend him money, which effectively makes this your problem. Especially when you are a little short on cash a month later and are stuck, because your friend is out of money still…
This is how we make other people’s problems our own problems. I bet that when you think it over, you can identify a bunch of problems that you’ve had or still have, which are actually other people’s problems.
Eliminate problems of others
The simplest way to eliminate problems is to identify the situation when someone is trying to shift their problem onto you, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The same holds for situations where you are trying to ‘help’ people, but in effect you are creating extra work or stress for yourself. You can easily eliminate these problems once you have identified them.
In the example of a friend who has run out of money, there are a few simple ways to avoid this problem becoming your own. The first is to not lend the money, but in exchange, offer him help with getting his finances sorted out. After all, the real problem is his spending habit most probably, so try to work your way to the real problem.
Another way to solve the problem is to let him earn the money. For example, I could have him do some work at the office which needs to be done such as filing, or some other chore that is not urgent but important and never seems to get done. This way we create a win-win because I get cheap labor, and my friend gets some money. If you don’t run a company, you can have your friend help you out with a day of hard gardening, home improvement or other things that you can use a hand with.
Less problems instantly
If you adopt this method of problem solving, you’ll notice that the amount of problems you have is greatly reduced. Instantly. And if you solve it by creating a win-win, you don’t even have to disappoint people by not helping them!
Sun, May 23, 2010
Self Improvement