

### Problem Solving in Life

The Sure way to Solve Problems!

MP Pari

~~~

Smashwords Edition

### Copyright Page

Problem Solving in Life

Sure way to solve Problems!

Author: MP Pari

Original Ebook edition. Published at Chennai, India on 20/4/2014.

Website : www.factsoflife.in/wp

Email : mppari36@gmail.com

Copyright © 2014 by MP Pari:

All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. I you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 9781311534446

First Edition, 2014

### The Dedication Page

This book is dedicated to

my mother and father,

who lived as examples of

how to boldly face and overcome problems

despite huge odds.

Legal Disclaimer

This book is designed to provide information on problem solving only. This information is provided and sold with the knowledge that the publisher and author do not offer any legal, business, accounting, psychological, financial or other professional advice. In the case of a need for any such expertise consult with the appropriate professional before implementing any solutions to their problems and situations. This book does not contain all information available on the subject.

This book has not been created to be specific to any individual's or organizations' situation or needs.

Readers are cautioned to rely on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.

The Author/Publisher has striven to be as accurate and complete as possible in the making of this book, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the very nature of the subject.

The Author/Publisher do not undertake responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein, and are not liable for the consequences of any action taken by the reader. No guarantee of any kind is offered. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional. The author and publisher shall have no liability or responsibility to any person or entity regarding any loss or damage incurred, or alleged to have incurred, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book. Every effort has been made to make this book as accurate as possible. However, there may be typographical and or content errors. This book contains information that might be dated and is intended only to educate and entertain.

By continuing to read this book, you hereby agree to be bound by this disclaimer.

### Table of Contents

Foreword

Quote I

Author's Note for the Second Edition

Author's Note

Quote II

The Book

Problem solving: an Introduction.

Everyone has problems.

Even Animals, birds and insects have problems.

Different people, Different Problems.

People invite problems for themselves.

People who solve others' problems.

Problems are NOT negative.

Temporary weak position of the mind

We do Problem-solving at all times, often without being aware of the process.

Problems by Life Activities.

Dealing with Problems.

Solving Time

Preparing in Advance.

Problem solving is a way of life.

Problems and Opportunities.

How do you solve Problems.

Person Problems.

Problems created by people.

Personal Problems & Health Problems.

Business Problems.

Some Points.

Human mind is very powerful, and it can solve 99% problems.

But Defining the Problem is very important.

Avoiding problems is difficult, and often disadvantageous.

Solving Problems is always Beneficial.

Viability of Solving the Problem.

Many Problems have more than one solution!

Avoid distraction. Focus!

Always apply your full Mind-Power.

Your Body is designed to deal with problems and overcome them.

Your Mind is designed to deal with problems and overcome them.

Why do you seek more problems in Life.

Can we avoid problems?

What happens when you try to avoid problems?

The Value of Experience and Exposure.

Look at problems as your friends.

What to do when you cannot solve a problem?

What to do when you face big problems?

Facing a new Problem for which there appears to be No Solution.

Dealing with Impossible Problems.

Finding the person who can help you to solve your problem.

Problem sets.

Why do we need to take up Problem sets?

Select your problem sets, to match your Goals.

Finding Solutions.

Procedure to Deal with a Problem.

Break a problem into slices.

Solving friends' problems.

How to solve friends' problems.

Case Situations:

How life treats us.

Bigger Challenges.

Support, only when really needed.

Every living thing has to keep learning.

A Practical, Step-by-step approach to solving a problem.

Repeated Problems:

Sometimes the problems get repeated with slight modifications.

Financial Problems.

The Conclusion

About the Author

More Books and Products by M.P.Pari

Foreword

It is really wonderful that a great friend, Mr.MP Pari, whose journey from a banker to an entrepreneur to a consultant, authored a different and an interesting book titled "Problem Solving in Life".

He has portrayed problems of a different kind, which common as well as high profile people encounter in their day to day activities with simple and practical solutions that are more mind and sense oriented.

His emphasis on identifying the process involved in problem solving is lucid, yet a great technique. As a friend for long years, I knew most of the solutions offered by him were gained out of his 'Hands-on' experience with human characters associated with different set of people.

This book may not give you innovative solutions but insist on bringing out simple thought processes to dilute the step by step 'break-up' solutions of all kinds to all kinds of people, right from school kids to the 'Most powered' in the world.

I wish Mr.Pari to bring out more such books to this modern day complex society as a novel therapy.

With Best wishes

Janagan.V, Social Activist.

Quote

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

-Albert Einstein

Author's Note for the Second Edition

This is the second Edition(Update) of the book, "Problem Solving in Life".

Thank you people for the overwhelming support for the first edition. From the feedback, I felt the need to add more points and hence this update.

The book has gems strewn throughout. The topic is very wide and general, and I have tried to make it offer something useful for the different kinds of people who need to deal with problem. People need to read the whole book in detail to come across some points which are more relevant to each of them.

Author's Note

Life is a great thing.

God has created us, the most wonderful mechanisms on earth. He created the five senses(probably more than 5) and surrounded us with many pleasures which we can perceive with our senses. Of course the senses are designed to be more effective when we concentrate on them.

That means each one of us is having a life full of various pleasant feelings and perceptions, only if we focus on the senses. But we use the senses casually, thus missing most of the pleasure of life. The Reason? Because we have many problems, and we are always busy trying to deal with them.

Why should problems keep us away from life's pleasures? The reason is that people treat problems too seriously. Even worse, they worry about them.

Life is colorful. Problems are bound to be there, it is normal. Problems make life exciting. Our negative attitude should be corrected. Only this attitude robs our happiness and makes life painful.

You cannot change the fact that Problems do exist. You can, with a little effort, change your attitude towards problems.

After I gained a lot of experience my attitude has changed. In these times, when I face a sudden problem, the momentary dismay I feel is quickly overcome by the excitement. That I am facing another challenge. And the time I spend in whipping my creative mind to arrive at a solution, is pleasant, mainly due to the thrill. Because I know that the solution is there, just round the corner. All I have to do is to find it.

Problem-solving should actually add to the pleasures, like the good feeling we experience when we master a new challenging game. If we keep worrying and become tense about the game of life, then life appears tougher. The worry, uncertainty, the fear and the inferior feeling comes when we are unable to deal with our problems. But this inability has more to do with our attitude than our real skills and abilities.

That is what I discovered. Our attitudes have to change. To make our life better.

If Problems cannot make our life unpleasant, then only Happiness remains. Life becomes more enjoyable.

I have documented my thoughts about the subject as much as I could. Errors are bound to be there, as this is my first attempt to put it all in the form of a book. Please let me know your views through email. The errors will be removed in the subsequent editions.

If a few lives are better lived with less stress due to reading this book, then this book would have served its purpose. If you find it useful, please spread the word.

I dedicate this book to my parents, who have faced and overcame many problems in their life, and who taught me the art of tenacity, perseverance and the art of achieving things, beyond one's ability.

Quote

Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.

-Henry Ford

The Book

Throughout many past years, I have been facing problems. Problems were my childhood companions.

Don't think that only I had the problems. Whoever I met in the course of life, everyone had problems.

Many people have done the mistake of allowing unsolved problems to overwhelm them, turning them into something akin to broken dolls.

I have to confess, that I was one of them.

I have been overwhelmed by problems, sometimes to the extent that I am unable to think any other line except 'Oh My God! What am I going to do?". Again and again. Every second. I have broken down many times.

I was fortunate to get educated in one of the best colleges. Worked in many good jobs. Entered business and had my failures and successes.

Throughout my career, different problems loomed up. Some bigger than any of the previous ones. And every time they appeared large, making me feel that This is the End.

But invariably after some time, I was able to overcome the problems. Come to think of it, Every Time.

After many such occasions of being able to overcome the problems which threatened me a little while ago, I started feeling that finding a solution to a problem is only a matter of time and effort.

So whenever a problem tried to suffocate me, I mentally detached myself and took a view from a distance. A view without involvement. In this way, I got a much clearer view, and the problem was no more threatening.

Looking back, I find that each one of the problems I faced, made me stronger. Made me more smart and gave me knowledge and exposure.

Not that I have mastered all the problems in the world. But many problems, which make others swoon, are unable to discourage me or affect me greatly.

But still I am seeing many people who are unable to handle problems. People who run away from their native country. People who even commit suicide.

People who resort to violence because they don't know enough to handle a problem effectively.

I want to share my knowledge. And make a small contribution to a better society.

That is the reason I wrote this book.

Problem solving: an Introduction.

Once, a long while ago, I was sitting and thinking.

Till then, I never had a peaceful moment in my life.

There are always problems...problems. I was always facing this problem or that. And trying to solve them.

I hated Problems.

It appeared that I was not living my life, but was always busy trying to solve problems. And not always successfully, at that.

There was the perpetual problem of money. It looked like whatever you earned, was not enough.

And I found some new venture, made some money, but the new venture raised its own set of problems. Which I had to solve.

Often, it appeared that I need not have done these new ventures, so that I would have avoided these new problems. My friends who were fond of saying "I told you so !" were stressing the same thing.

But deep down, somehow, I felt that I was going in the right path. Though I was not able to understand how I was right!

Now, after many years, I am able to understand. I find that I have done just the right things, I am able to see the clear path I was following, although not realizing it at that time. I took actions which have taken me through the path of education. On how to deal with problems and the challenges of life.

The best thing is that even when facing difficult problems involving high stress, I am able to look at it from different points of view, and I am able to remain relaxed. This ability has gone a long way to make my life more peaceful.

And I now think that I should share my thinking and knowledge on this subject. So that others can find the right way much faster than the time I took. And thereby enable them to gain many years in their life, years I had to spend learning about these things.

You can train yourself to deal with high stress problems in a relaxed way. You can look at a problem from different angles. This ability helps you to lead a peaceful life.

Everyone has problems.

Is there anybody out there, who does not face problems?

When I was determined one day, that I will learn to deal with problems, I wanted to find out the people who did not have any problems. I wanted to learn from them, on how to avoid problems. Now please note, the word "avoid" instead of dealing with the problems head on and solving them.

Many of you will agree that this is the logical step to take. Find the people, learn from them, apply the knowledge in your own life.

So I was seeking those who have successfully "avoided" problems in their life. I discussed with my friends. I spent considerable time searching for problem-free people.

But whoever I met, had some problems of their own.

The point is that everyone has problems.

There are different types of problems that people faced.

Most of the poor people complained that they have no money, and their living conditions are poor. That they had to sleep outside their huts. That they are dependent on others for their daily job. The Government was not paying attention to them.

But I also observed something strange.

Some people were living in roadside huts in an area I cross daily on my way to work. The Government build housing board flats in a nearby area and allotted flats to these people. One day I found all huts vacated because the families have shifted to the flats. But after just a few days, I found that every one of these families have set up the huts again in the same places as earlier, and shifted back to the huts.

I went so far and actually asked a person living in the hut, as to why they did so. He replied:

"Sir, while living in the hut I can have my drink, food and come out and lie outside my hut, seeing the stars and enjoying natural air. We don't pay rent or electricity dues. All shops etc. situated just outside my hut. The drinking water tap is just two huts away. Our children play on the road and there is plenty of open space. Life in apartments is restricted. We tried it, we didn't like it at all.

Only for a few days in a year we are affected by rain and flooding. But we are used to this. Anyway, the moment there is some heavy rain, the local councillors arrange to cook food in mass kitchens created in nearby schools and ask us to shift there for the duration of the flood. Any political meetings, processions or demonstrations we are the first to be invited and rewarded handsomely, often in advance. During elections, we are smothered by the kindness shown by politicians and local leaders, regardless of which party they belong to.

Why should I leave this life and go into living in a flat, daily climbing steps just to go into my house?"

I was dumbstruck. I never thought that they were enjoying life so much. So, what appears like a problem to the outsiders can really be an enjoyment point for people!

The middle class people envied the rich and the poor. Those in poverty got many things free because the politicians wanted their vote. They have minimum living cost because they need not maintain an 'image', and cannot lie down on the road and sleep, seeing the stars. While the middle class needed to pay house rent, spend on necessities and image-maintaining things, and had to pay the income-tax even before they got their salary in hand. They envied the rich people in the facilities they have, ability to influence the Government, and the fact that they always had the cash available in their hand for buying anything they wanted.

At last, I thought I had pinned the root of all Problems. It should be the Lack of Money. We know money can solve all problems and possession of money should ensure a problem-free life. Or so I thought, at that time.

So I believed that the rich will be problem-free. I proceeded to check whether this was indeed the case.

The rich had their own tales of woes. The Government was paying too much attention to them and charging them high income tax, allowing the poor to go scot-free. They give freebies to the poor and tax the rich. They(the rich) had to meet various commitments like paying the salaries, earning the money necessary somehow, and have to maintain social status. They have many houses and vehicles and factories, each of which had its own set of problems of maintenance, safety and fund requirements. They had many bank loans and other liabilities which they had to take care strictly, not able to resort to any excuses.

Because they had a large amount of money, they were worried about theft and they were the targets of many a crime. They were worried continuously about, about losing up to 50% of their wealth due to inflation every year.

They also had to deal day in and day out, with the jealousy and consequent ill-will of others.

Imagine my surprise when I found that some of the rich actually envied the poor, on their simple lifestyle and the fact that most of them have zero liability. Out of the many rich people I met at that time, not even one had a zero liability. They all had too many loans running and they were answering to many banks and private lenders. They were committed to a rich lifestyle due to social pressures and had to meet such commitments with large amounts of money regularly. They were in a sort of trap, and they were feeling constrained.

Business people were complaining of irregular, uncertain income and various other things. Salaried people, while receiving regular monthly income, complained about price rises without consequent increase in salary, and the effect of income tax every year.

Slowly, I started to realize, that everybody had problems.

Not a single person I met, has successfully avoided problems.

Young people had school problems. Those who just completed their education had problems of getting a job. Those who got jobs had various problems arising in the jobs, and problems in the home because they had to go to a job.

Teenagers had problems with their friends. Those of marriageable age had worries about finding the right person to get married. Those who were married had problems with the ways of their spouse. Those who did not have children worried too much, while those who had children are full of worries caused by the children. In short, there were problems everywhere.

Children worried about when they will be grown up. Grown ups were worried that they have lost their childhood. People were worried about getting old, getting sick, about financial insecurities.

People without a car faced the problem that they did not have a car, and had to brave the sun and rain. People who had cars faced the problems of additional expenses, traffic problems, breaking down just when they were about to start to some important meeting, driver problems etc.

The beggars were jealous of all the rich people who they came across. The rich people were envying the beggars that they did not have liabilities and tensions.

Finally I concluded that looking for the person who does not have problems is a waste of time. No such person existed.

Every human being has problems. Nobody can live a problem-free life.

This was all dejecting.

But wait, the people of the world on the whole are not that dejected, or broken-down. Many of them seem to be happy. Many of them seem to be succeeding. In fact, some of them seem to be getting success after success.

Many people of the world appear to be actually...Happy!

How is it possible? I appeared to have gone back to square one.

The point is, that you can get used to anything. To the most hostile of circumstances.

As you get used to them, the situations hurts less and less. And you start feeling more and more comfortable, even though the situations do not change.

It even goes to the extent that if you re-locate, you think longingly of your old life, which gives you a nostalgic happiness.

Well, strange is the way of life.

Even Animals, birds and insects have problems.

And they just deal with them.

If every human being has problems, what about the other life forms? The animals and birds, for example?

Finding food is a daily problem for every animal and bird. As each day starts, the creature does not know where it is going to get today's food. They should find food not only for themselves, but for their little ones who depend on them.

The animals of prey have to find herds of other animals. They have to find the weakest ones and race them and win the race in order to get that day's food. With all their hunger and weakness, they should work very hard to win their food.

The problems of other animals like deer are even more. They should find food and keep moving. They should be continuously aware of danger. They have to cross the streams knowing fully well that hungry crocodiles are waiting for them just to enter the water. They go to drink water from ponds knowing that the leopards or lions are waiting there looking for a chance to attack.

When a cub is born, it cannot move fast. Both the cub and the protecting mother is easy prey. But they somehow survive. Think of the problems they face!

Many living things keep solving the problems which they face, sometime much before the problem itself occurs. Ant colonies get flooded, so their caves are designed curve upward under the ground. Rats dig and create multiple ways to their living places. So even by smoking you cannot corner them. Birds find, or design themselves, the best and safest place for their eggs much before they lay the eggs.

In fact, other beings face much bigger problems than us. The insects, while they are flying and enjoying the flight can suddenly be eaten by flying birds.

The tarantula Spider has to find the female spider and deal carefully and run away lest it gets eaten. At lease we humans are better off, we don't have to sacrifice our life. At least literally.

Every living thing has problems. Every animal, insect, even trees & plants. And most of these problems get solved.

The ability to deal with problems and succeed has been imparted to all living organisms, including single-cell beings. That being the case, you can be rest assured that we humans have tremendous ability to solve the problems which arise in the course of our life.

Then why do we sometimes, succumb to a problem?

Different people, Different Problems.

People in different positions face different type of problems. The problems faced by the President or Prime minister of a country are of a different type, as compared to say, the problems faced by a common man. Or the type of problems faced by a businessman. How can then, one book be sufficient to cover all these?

The short answer is that it cannot. But at the same time, such a book can be helpful for all these persons. Because all problems have a somewhat similar and comparable structure. And the solver is always a human being. Whether he is a prime minister or a student.(You may say, for argument's sake, that a computer can solve a problem. But then the computer is only a tool which is operated according to a set program by a human being.)

Multiple Problems rush at us.

A person taking up the position of a top leader of a country finds that a large number of problems are waiting for him. He can easily get overwhelmed. Similar is the position of a businessman taking over a sick business or the one who gets promoted as a manager of a large division. Even the common man and the student find that they have to simultaneously deal with a number of problems. And all of these often find that they are not able to get help. There is a saying that the top position is a lonely position.

Rest awaiting, the only reason they are unable to get help from others is that they don't know how to ask, how to persuade others to help. Taking the help of experienced people is one sure way to make the problem lighter and easier to handle.

There is always a solution.

Never backdown from problems. Never feel beaten. Regardless of how powerful the problem or how powerful the person creating the problem. Regardless of how devastating the situation is. For you have always a way to solve. You always have a way to avoid the problem affecting you. And you have many ways to minimize the bad effects of the problem on you and your surroundings.

The solution often doesn't appear like a solution because often the solution can create problems in other areas. Similar to the case when we smother the fire in one place, it flares up in another place.

We should also realise that every solution has a cost attached to it, not necessarily in the form of money. Still a solution creating other, new problems is applicable because the other problems which arise can be tackled separately & successfully sometime later.

Attitude Correction

Why my life is filled with problems?

This is the thought of many an ordinary person.

This thought is wrong and potentially harmful. This makes it appear as if problems are our enemies. As if the problems are out to get us. By this thought, we are giving too much power to problems which are not at all powerful.

Let us say that God grants their wish and gives them a problem-free life. The point is, the very persons will get bored and lose interest in life. Many a rich man's son has sufferred this.

A simple attitude correction will make the life of these people quite pleasant.

Problems should be treated like the problems on the question paper of an academic examination. In that case, we don't break down, we try to solve them to the best of our ability.

Problems, and the process of solving them, is like playing a strategy video game. Viewed like that, problem-solving is a pleasant experience.

The reason why it is unpleasant is that we get involved too much. We treat it as if our life depends on it. Not at all.

Life goes on whether you solve the problem or not. It may change direction, but there is no unpleasantness. Unless you have too much expectation, there is no disappointment.

The second point is that Problems are vehicles of knowledge. To solve the problems you approach new contacts, learn new methods, acquire new knowledge. Which you otherwise will not do. The experience of solving problems always increases your basic ability in some way.

People invite problems for themselves.

When I was searching for the person who has successfully avoided problems in his life, I observed two types of people. It was a strange thing. I noted that in general, people invited problems for themselves.

If a person is given all his needs, and he is made to sit idle, then he goes out and invites problems by some way. We all know the saying that an idle mind is a devil's workshop.

The human mind cannot be quiet. A person who is contented otherwise, goes out and enters into quarrels which does not concern him. He does pranks. He gambles or otherwise goes into some adventure sport. He takes risks. He puts himself in a position that new problems attack him. And then he sets out to deal with them.

If he deals with the problems properly, it is ok. Life will be interesting. But the real problem arises, when he feels overwhelmed. When he feels that he cannot solve them. When he breaks down, and loses confidence.

Such people were going out of their way to find new problems. Without solving the existing ones.

They soon got overwhelmed and were unable to handle the huge load of problems which descended on them.

In short, these people who sought problems, and due to their effort, found a lot of problems. They were unable to solve the problems.

Instead, they got dejected and resorted to escapism. By taking to drinks, for instance.

As a result of their approach, their problems became serious. New problems came to them. Finally, they got smothered by the problems and wasted their life.

All this is unnecessary.

You take in what you can bite. Ok, a little larger bite perhaps. But you should not try to eat the whole buffalo in a single bite. That will make you fail, that will discourage you.

If you are unable to solve the problems already in your doorstep, avoid going out and inviting additional problems.

People who solve others' problems.

However, there was another type of person. Who had the capability of solving all his problems, and then helping others to solve theirs!

This type of person also sought problems.

What is different about this person is that he has developed the skill in solving problems. After solving all problems that he had, he goes out and makes genuine attempts to solve others' problems. And he is reasonably successful.

I found myself envying this type of person, because he went out of his way to find people with problems and solve them. He also helped other people to overcome their problems.

Some people feel that Solving others' Problems is unnecessary. Far from it.

You may think that solving others' problems is not needed, as you have enough problems of your own. But helping others to solve their problems has many great benefits for you.

You learn how to solve many different types of problems. This makes you stronger. The bonus is that you are able to do this without worrying about the result, as you are personally not affected. That puts your emotions in control, and increases your success rate in solving problems. Because of this aspect, we are much better in solving problems faced by others, when compared to solving problems of our own.

You create obligations in the process. Obligations you may be able to call upon in future.

You gain proficiency in problem-solving in general. This is a valuable life-skill to possess. You get practice. You get trained.

During the problem-solving process, you are likely to make new acquaintances. These contacts may be useful to you later.

So, provided you have learned the skills, inviting others to lay their problems in your footstep, is a good move on the whole.

Problems are NOT negative.

The word 'Problem' creates negative feelings in many people.

It Need Not.

Many people think that, "Problem solving is not for us. Let us avoid problems". Due to this type of thinking, the word "Problem" has become negative. And it looks like we should go to any extent to avoid problems.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

When you talk about Problems, you should have a different feeling. When you encounter a Math test, then you call each question as a 'Problem'. At that time you don't feel this negative.

When you mention the word 'Problem' in that context, you know that the problem exists there only to be solved.

It is the same way you should talk about life's problems.

Actually, we should welcome the problems. We should go out of the way to find new problems. Surprised? More on this later.

For now, know that Problems are not to be avoided unless you are weak, sick or tired. They just need to be managed.

Temporary weak position of the mind

Any problem, do not let it overwhelm you. With a proper approach, you can solve most of them with little effort. Unsolvable problems are never born. And for solving, your being mentally strong, confident and in control is very necessary.

Don't try to solve problems when you are affected in some way. When you are drunk, under the influence of some drug, or otherwise sick physically. Or when you are in severe mental stress. You need to come out of the stress factor to function efficiently. Not that you can never deal with problems in conditions of stress, but that needs some training of the mind. The Police, military and country leaders deal with problems when they are in high-stress, but they are experienced and well-trained for it.

What happens when an untrained person attempts problem-solving in such situations? He is unable to find the best solutions, sometimes any solutions. And he starts feeling discouraged and erroneously sees the problem as too big or impossible. Then he stops attempting solution even when he becomes alright.

Courage to face problems head on

Just for a fun analogy, imagine that Problems are a type of tortoise-like animals, which approach you without speed, but surely. They have a slope instead of the shell on their back with the lower portion resting on the head. You can run on the slope to reach the first floor, thereby escaping from the animal.

It takes courage not to run away, but to run toward the animal and run up on the slope on its back. If you try to run away, then you have to run really far away, otherwise it will approach you again. It is far better to run towards it with confidence and run up the slope, at the right point of time, thus going to the next floor. This problem will be unable to reach you in the next floor. But newer problems may exist, leading you to apply the same solution.

We do Problem-solving at all times, often without being aware of the process.

If you think deeper, you realize problems are nothing but decision-making. We make thousands of decisions every day, some without even realizing that we are going through this process(illustrated only to analyze the mechanism):

A Problem appears.

We understand the problem.

We consider various ways.

We select one way and decide the process of implementation.

We implement the solution.

It is amusing to see, but let us consider this example:

You are sitting at the computer.

Somebody serves you coffee, puts the cup on the computer table, just a little away from your right hand.

A Problem appears.(1) which hand to use to pick up the cup?

We understand(2) that the cup has to be picked up carefully, it is hot.

We consider(3) whether to use the right hand or left hand.

We decide(4) the right hand has the most convenience. The process? stop typing, look at the cup, and pick up the cup with the right hand, start sipping slowly.

We implement(5) the process which we have decided.

The point is that we are not even aware that we are going through all these steps. They have become automatic.

Yes. It is nothing but Problem-Solving.

It appears too simple? Yes. The process of Problem solving is simple.

As you have just seen, it is nothing special. We do it throughout the day. without realizing it.

Problems by Life Activities.

How do we lead life?

Apart from routine activities, most of which are essential, what does a person do?

If he is an employee of a large company or the Government, then he takes part in Union or Association activities. Or a person may make it a regular habit to join with friends and go to movies, or visit clubs in the evening. He may take up travel with family.

The point is, most of us take up some activity or other, apart from the mundane things which are essential for our survival. Thus, Activities are part of life.

Any Activity automatically means you are taking some more problems and solving them. Starting from which movie to watch, which destination to visit, and going ahead to how the financing will be arranged, there are many problems to solve.

If it is difficult to solve existing problems, why do people take up additional activities, and thereby invite more problems?

There lies a basic quality of mankind. A human being is unable to lead a problem-free existence. He needs to solve problems daily, so that life is not boring. Like Air, Food and Water, every person needs his share of problems to solve, otherwise he will go mad with inactivity.

This is why people need progressively more difficult computer games. The moment a game becomes easy to score, people start losing interest. This is typical.

How do you live life?

Each day of your life, as the day breaks, problems keep coming at you. You keep solving them. The more able ones among us are given the more number of problems. We use our skills and deal with all the problems thrown at us. This is the way to live life.

And if you want to grow?

Select bigger problems and solve.

Dealing with Problems.

Imagine that you are a doctor sitting at a table and Problems are patients standing in a line, for your attention. You attend to them One-by-one, saying "Next". If the Queue is long, the doctor does not feel bad. Instead, he feels good about the income for the day, the benefits which the long line of patients bring.

Each patient can be viewed as a problem. Or a blessing.

You NEVER try to solve the problems all at one time, but you attend to them one-by-one. When you do this, you apply your FULL mind to each of the problems, your mind power is much bigger than any of the problems standing in the queue, Hence you are easily able to solve them.

You always get benefited by solving a problem.

Solving Time

While you can solve 99% of the problems. The process consumes some real time. The process involves your study of the problem, finding a way, experiment a little if necessary, implementing the steps. Sometimes getting external inputs also. Let us call this the Solving Time.

During the Solving Time, the problem continues to be alive. If it has a continously damaging nature, the damage continues during this Solving Time. So speed becomes of essence.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to apply a short-term solution, just to contain the damage during the Solving Time.

Preparing in Advance.

The best way to solve problems is preparing in advance. But then, the next question arises.

How do I foresee what problems I will face, so that I can prepare in advance for them?

The answer is that you cannot foresee what problems you are going to face. But it is possible to generally prepare yourself much in advance, for most of the problems you are going to face later.

Such preparation is very important, and can mean your success or failure in facing further problems and successfully overcoming them.

How does the problem look?

The first time you face a problem, it has high "Threatening Value". You get scared. The problem appears too big. You are sure that it will overwhelm you. You feel that there are no solutions for that problems. Not even a single solution. You start feeling that at last you are about to fail totally. You feel weak.

Many of the problems we face are not original. Others have faced the same problems. Many of them have arrived at successful solutions. In fact, many different solutions. It helps to study their experience in dealing with the particular problem. So that we can learn and adapt the solution to our own situation.

Often, you tend to face the same set of problems over and over again. When a problem, which you have already faced successfully once, confronts you a second or third time, it doesn't threaten you. It is actually easier to deal with, as you already have experience in dealing with this particular problem.

Problem solving is a way of life.

From the moment we are born, we face problems. Each time a problem faces us, in due course, we find that we are ALREADY equipped to deal with that problem. When we are babies, we simply go ahead and solve each problem as it arises. Thus we learn to roll over, move, sit up, stand up and walk. As we grow older, we need a new thing called Confidence before we can attempt to deal with the problems. We get doubts whether we can deal with the problems those arise.

There is no need for these doubts. There is a natural process taking place, which feeds us only those problems which we can solve. And mostly, we get plenty of time to solve the problems.

Problem solving is a way of life. No.

In fact, Problem-solving is the _Only way of life_ !

That is what life is made of. That is the purpose of life.

Humans are the best form of life on earth. Why?

They are the only ones who have developed well. They are the ones who have acquired new capabilities through Artificial Means. Instead of natural evolution.

To be sure, there are other life forms who achieve things which are impossible for human beings. Like living in the deep sea. Like flying to cover hundreds of miles. We cannot compete with the ant and the termites in building skills. Proportionately speaking, their buildings are many miles tall. We cannot compete with the spider in calculating and constructing the perfect web.

But they have achieved this only by natural evolution. Over many generations.

Humans have acquired huge capabilities by developing their skills of thinking, visualizing and implementing. Now no other life form does that. On any significant scale.

In other words taking up and solving problems. All scientific research is nothing but problem-solving. For example, the wright brothers and others found out how to fly, with heavier than air apparatus. They didn't even know, when they started, that this is possible. There is no comparable thing in nature.

Still they thought hard, worked hard, and solved the problem. That, is the capability of the human. The skill to solve seemingly impossible Problems.

So ALL human development, is the result of Problem Solving.

Including the first settlements in places for agriculture and animal farming, till the latest scientific research and travelling to distant planets.

That is why I say, _Problem-solving is the_ _Only way of life_ !

Problems and Opportunities.

As you solve each problem, it gives you some benefit. Don't be surprised, this is the very nature of any problem! We can consider this as one of the opportunities that the problem provides.

There are many different ways you can think that Problems are Opportunities. In fact, I wonder whether the reality is that the Opportunities disguise themselves as Problems and then approach us!

You can also consider the fact that whenever we realize that there is a problem, we are also looking at a business opportunity. Because there will be a million other people who face the same problem that you just identified! When you find a solution, you can sell the solution to a million people, thereby earning a million dollars!

We routinely face small daily irritants like rain water getting into your shoes, making your socks wet, and forcing you to wear damp socks for a long time. If you think, you will be able to find a simple solution. And there you have a money-spinner!

Regardless of the business angle, at the end of solving every problem, you get some benefit. It may be added strength, or increased confidence. It may be new discoveries of your capabilities which you have not been aware of, so far. It may be new contacts. But the benefit is there, for sure!

So keep your eyes open for opportunities which hide behind the façade of a problem. Don't be deceived by the tough face of it.

How do you solve Problems.

Though every one of us has been solving problems throughout our life, and can do it blindfolded, it helps to have a clear step-by-step process.

Given below is such a process:

Make sure that it is indeed, a Problem which you have to solve.

The point to attack is the point where the problem was created. If possible, go back and cancel the creation. Surprisingly, often this cancelling is possible, and many times it is our ego which prevents us from doing so.

Ego stands in the way of many simple solutions. For example, borrowing money or taking help from a close friend or relative may solve the problem. But we would find it difficult to do it.

Find out how and why it has arisen suddenly. Has something else, which was preventing this problem from arising, failed? if so, the solution is instantly found.

Define the problem. Define the end result which we want.

Analyze and understand the problem.

Start your mind process to find various ways to solve. There may be many solutions, which may not appear instantly. So keep thinking even after you find a solution. Go to sleep on the problem and wake up. Think about the problem in different environments, surroundings, and ambiences. Do Brainstorming, discuss with many people about the problem, they may give crazy ideas, some of which will be brilliant solutions which did not occur to you.

Select one of the solutions depending on all pros and cons.

Decide the process of implementation. Think about who can implement, whether we may face any resistance or new problems while implementing the solution.

Go ahead and implement the solution.

Person Problems.

Many of the problems which are thrown at us are created by other people. Alternatively, they instigate or encourage others to create and send problems our way, while remaining apparently blameless.

Why do they do this? The causes are many, as shown below:

Causes : Ego. Personal Space. Blaming. Envy or Jealousy. Revenge.

Problems are often created by people

Most problems which reach you are created by people. The process of creation of a problem consists of a starting point, a growing phase and a trigger. If you are efficient in finding information about the possible problems and threats, then it is often possible to find out about the problem during its growing phase, and create counter-effects to avoid the trigger. Thereby the problem never happens. This is one of the best ways to abort the problems before they are born!

When we say that the problems are created by people, that includes you! In a surprising majority of the cases many problems originate from your actions, attitudes and beliefs. This being the case, self-analysis and modification of any of these can avoid the problems rising at all.

Problems are also created involuntarily by people having the following defects in their personality:

Not responsible. Not dependable.: There are some people who are just not dependable. Giving them serious work will almost always result in a problem for you. Identify these by giving harmless work, while acting as if your life depends on it. Once you identify them, weed them out and keep your distance.

Carelessness.: This is more prevalent. Can be changed for the better, but only if the person wants to.

Forgetting.: This happens too often, but the person always acts and claims as if forgetting is not an issue.

Not taking instructions seriously.

Conflicting instructions given by us and their taking advantage of them. :This is particularly true where there are two partners, dealing with subordinates separately.

Manners & Etiquette.: People with these defects increase tension and restlessness all around them.

Anger. Losing control due to emotions.: Emotions are almost synonymous with loss of control.

Our reactions to Peoples' Selfishness. Communication Problems. Playing Politics. Talking behind one's back and Gossiping. Expectations and our reactions to Disappointments.

Attitude that 'Everyone else is Bad, everyone else is cheap'. The ability to come out of the situation. Viewing from a distance. The ability to think from the angle of the other person.

Problems created by people.

These are a whole class of problems.

Why do people create problems for others?

The motive of gain: The person feels that he will materially gain by creating problems for you.

Solution : Create a situation that he wont gain by giving problems to you, or the losses he achieves will be more than the gains.

The Motive of revenge: The person feels that he has been unfairly treated, and seeks to get revenge on you by creating problems for you.

This is an emotional issue. Remove yourself away from his reach. Try to reason with him directly or through others. If you have really done it, try to undo it. Involve powerful people and make him understand that it is not a simple thing, and it wont end there.

The main point is to bring down the emotion, so that he will be able to listen to Logic.

The Motive of Jealousy: People feel jealous about your achievements, and create problems for you.

This has to be dealt simultaneously in a number of fronts. You have to deal with the problem. You have to make some benefit for him and try to create gratefulness in him. You have to let him know about your sufferings in life, so that he will feel less jealous. You have to share your wealth with him.

A difficult situation is when your close friend or partner becomes your enemy and starts creating problems for you. He knows a lot of things about you, so he is able to hurt. The saying that "God! Please save me from my friends! Enemies, I will take care of them myself!" is really meaningful and practical.

In dealing with persons who create problems for you, you can take the help of the law in the form of a lawyer, police or both. You can also secure yourself for the time being by using private security, being unreachable, and by being always surrounded by people.

Counter action in the form of filing law suits will work some time. If you are on the right side, try to involve the courts. But then think about the practical aspects namely the time delays and the expenses involved before initiating such action.

Personal Problems & Health Problems.

There are some type of problems which have to do with us as a person. These can be of different types:

A feeling of Low Confidence.

A feeling of Inability, that our skills are inadequate.

Or the knowledge we have is not enough.

A feeling that we are, in some way, lesser than others.

A physical impairment or handicap.

The situational necessity of having to depend on others for even routine things, due to physical handicap.

Dealing with one or more persons who continually remind us of our weakness. Or simply continue to abuse us. Or they show their superior abilities continuously and find fault with us for our existence with lesser skills than them.

Sometimes people join together as a group and insult us. Because of the imaginary power of a group of people, they may even be wrong, but they create too much noise for our right stand to be asserted. This robs us of our self-confidence, only if we allow their group actions to have an effect on us. This happens usually in school or college and more rarely in parties, workplaces and power circles.

The cure for these problems is easy. It involves a slight adjustment of our mind, and our attitudes.

The first point is that most skills can be acquired by spending time on training ourselves. With or without a teacher.

The second point is that absence of a skill does not really matter because, skills can be purchased. Through employing somebody. Or hiring them as a contractor. Or by requesting help.

Acquiring a new skill is a two-step process.

First, you gather Knowledge. Second, you practice applying that knowledge, implementing what you have learnt.

In these days, there are many methods for gathering knowledge. You can research through internet. Join a course. Participate in Seminars. Listen to a Podcast or Webinar. Watch "How to" Videos. Or hire a consultant.

Applying the knowledge yourself needs that you practice. You spend your real time. It is just like flying. The more hours you put in, the more proficient you become.

If you do not have the time, inclination or patience, then go ahead and hire a person who can do the thing for you. There are people available for every skill on earth.

Business Problems.

Think of Business as just one form of activity, an activity which gives the payoff as literal money. What points apply to an activity also apply to business. There are many problems which a businessman has to solve just because he takes responsibility for the business.

There are businessmen who feel that problems are a type of punishment, and there are those who feel excited to face problems and challenges everyday, and go ahead to solve them. The latter enjoy being in business. In fact, a seasoned businessman will feel like a fish out of water if he is made to sit at a home and no problems are brought to him to solve !

Business is an extension of life, it is but just one branch of life. So naturally there are similarities. Problem-solving applies to both Life and Business. Both of them are made easier when you make Problem-Solving as a Way of Life.

In fact, business, viewed in one way, is nothing but the action of inviting more problems, in view of the additional benefits which we will get when we deal with these problems. This is done voluntarily. For any businessman who complains about the problems he faces, my most important question will be why he has to enter business if he does not find problem-solving a pleasant exercise.

That said, there are clear reasons for the problems being tougher than they should be. Some of these reasons are:

Poor Planning and preparation or no planning.

The attitude of "Let us deal with that when it comes".

Starting with inadequate finance support.

Taking in people without studying them properly.

Depending on external agencies too much in the hope that they will never let us down.

Not being always prepared with alternatives.

Ignoring the initial bad signs and allowing the problem, unattended, to grow to the level of a Crisis.

Attend to a problem as soon as it appears, do not let it grow. If you find it difficult to solve the problems, then exit at an early stage by selling the business, or by taking in dependable partners and delegating the management to them.

Some Points.

All problems have solutions.

Well, at least 99% of the problems have solutions. Though not impossible, it is rare that a problem without solution is presented to us by life.

When you come across an impossible (!) problem, it may merely be that you are not applying the right solution or may be you do not have the right attitude. Or you are not applying the full mind-power that you have. Or you simply do not have the inputs, knowledge, skill or ability needed.

Sometimes you allow a problem to grow too much by ignoring it. Then it becomes more difficult to solve it. Still it will never be impossible to solve.

For all of these, the common solution is to seek help from others. But there are other solutions like developing our ability, changing our approach etc.

The TV serials are full of people who go on to create many problems for themselves which others then proceed to solve.

The point to deal is the point of Creation of the problem. Find out how it got created. The solution may be available there.

Why go out of the way to create problems, and then use all your extraordinary skills to solve? Or looking up to others, in the hope that they will come and solve our problems on our behalf.

The problem is, as soon as we are free of the earlier problem, we become inventive, go out and create a new one.

Remember: YOU are the reason for everything that happened. And you are the one who is going to improve it, correct it.

Postponing can find you time. When you are unable to find a solution to immediately solve the problem, postpone it. That will give you time to ponder, consult and try to find solutions.

A problem, which you attempted to solve sometime ago, and failed need not be permanently labelled unsolvable by you. You have to attempt it again. Chances are, that you may easily succeed in the second time or in a later attempt. Because everything keeps changing. The problem itself. Your circumstances. Your abilities. The type of resources available to you. The environment. Each of this changes continuously.

So keep attacking unsolved problems periodically. Do not classify them as unsolvable.

Human mind is very powerful, and it can solve 99% problems.

Well. I am tempted to tell all problems, but it is always wise to reserve that 1% for things like moving the earth or the Moon, or traveling through time! But who knows! They may become possible in future!

But I am the one who believes when a problem is presented to us by Nature, many solutions are also presented to us simultaneously. It is only that Nature plays a game with us and hides the solutions in easy-to-find closets. So the solutions are not available to us straightforward, and we have to work to find them, instead of easily getting discouraged. So, I can mostly say, that there is simply No problem that has No solution.

The power of the human mind is extraordinary! Education only sharpens it more. Many times, I have been stunned by the skills displayed by people who have never stepped into a school in their life!

People may argue that we do not have a computer's ability to perform millions of calculations per second. My answer is that the computer is a problem-solving tool invented by man, so it is merely a way to solve that problem, again done by the human mind. And there still are things that the human mind can do and the computer cannot!

So put your faith in the human mind. If a single mind finds it tough, then a group of minds can do better. This is because a single person can have his thought pattern locked in a rut. Whereas different members of a group think differently. Note down all the points in a brainstorming session, without analyzing them too much. Later do the studying. Some of the best solutions, at the time they appear, look like madness and the blabbering of an insane person. Later they appear as the great truth. Remember how the ordinary people would have reacted to Einstein's words.

But Defining the Problem is very important.

You always plan a journey by first remembering where you are right now. In the same way, before starting the solving process, it is important to define the problem. You can use the P-form(later described) to define the problem and make your approach systematic.

Avoiding problems is difficult, and often disadvantageous.

Preventing a problem from ever arising is ok. But once it comes at you, avoiding it is often disadvantageous. It is better to face it, not trying to escape.

You cannot avoid All problems. Some of them you can avoid, but by avoiding a problem, you mostly face a disadvantage.

But you can postpone many of the problems without losing any advantage, most of the time. Postponing can be applied when you feel a later time will be better suited for you to face that problem, you will have a fresh mind, or you will be in a better mood. Postponing is a weapon available for you except on a few occasions. However, you should not get addicted to it, and start postponing everything.

Also remember that sometimes, dealing with a problem immediately may prove to be highly advantageous for you.

Solving Problems is always Beneficial.

Every time you solve a problem, you will be getting some benefit.

There is a fairy tale about a young traveller meeting people carrying bags of valuables passing in the opposite direction to which he is travelling. Each one gives him one riddle. When our young person solves the riddle, he is given the bag as reward.

Now you can visualize each problem like these 'riddle persons'. As you solve each problem, it gives you some benefit.

What shape do the rewards take?

Often, the process of your solving the problem gives you increased ability and a higher level of confidence. You always develop a skill when you solve each problem. You feel better equipped to face life in the future. And future problems appear easier.

Also, because we deal with the problem, some benefit occurs in the changed situation.

Because of these almost assured rewards, experienced people often welcome problems. They become very dull when they do not face new challenges.

Viability of Solving the Problem.

At the same time, you should ensure that you are not getting into fresh problems by the very process of solving the previous problem.

If that happens, it means that there is an alternative solution available. Try to find and apply it.

For this purpose, you should decide is whether you really need to solve the problem.

Sometimes, the solution may be more expensive than the problem itself. If the money aspect is important, you are better off not solving the problem!

At other times, the solution itself can create new problems for you, some of which are difficult to solve.

In the above situations, solving the problem is not viable.

Examples: Buying a yacht. Buying an elephant. Marrying a rich princess.

Many Problems have more than one solution!

It is but natural, that many problems have many different solutions. For example, there are millions of ways to solve the problem of hunger!

When you find many solutions, you have the opportunity to select the best solution which will apply to your unique situation. Do it !

Now all the solutions may not appear to you right away. One best method is to take paper and pen, or sit before the computer. Write down all the different solutions appearing in your mind. Don't try to analyze too much. Just enter them sequentially. You can always discard the impractical ones later. But you should not miss anything by forgetting it.

If you are able to find more than one solution, then select the best solution based on how much resources each solution will use. Also based on the effectiveness of the solution.

Avoid distraction. Focus!

Thinking about other things is a distraction. Examples are the person you met. The emotional scene you have just gone through. The meeting you are going to have tomorrow. Even Worrying is a distraction.

When you attempt problem solving, it will not help to think about any other thing. Because your mental powers get dissipated. It doesn't help when you apply half your mind to the problem. It effectively weakens you.

Remember to Focus, avoid distractions when you are attempting to solve a problem.

For the same reason, being tense when you solve the problem is not acceptable. If you are practicing compartmental thinking, put all your worries in one compartment and close the door. Put all your other problems in some other compartment and close the door of that too. Then come to a new compartment put in Only This problem and start solving it.

Always apply your full Mind-Power.

Apply your FULL MIND POWER to the problem.

Select the time, place and environment, which help you to do this. Do not think about any other thing like your tomorrow's schedule, evening programs etc.

When you are physically sick, or mentally stressed, problems may appear to be overwhelming you. Just get better and then attempt those problems.

If you are a team, tell the other team members not to open or branch out on unrelated topics. They may distract. Have a short and focused session. Or ask them to think in their leisure and contact you with possible solutions.

Your Body is designed to deal with problems and overcome them.

When you are in the process of developing a new skill, it appears not only difficult, but impossible.

Let us take the example of lifting a weight.

You are presently able to lift, let us say, 20 Kgs with one hand. You are unable to lift 21 Kgs.

Keep lifting the 20 Kg a number of times till you feel that you cannot lift it one more time.

Then still try to lift it.

You may find it difficult to lift it the full height, but try hard. Try your utmost height.

This last try is crucial for development. It gives your body the message, "I somehow want to lift more than 20 Kgs".

Within a few days, you will find that you are able to lift 21 Kgs easily.

How does this happen? Once your body understands that you seriously want to lift the higher weight, it allots more resources to the concerned muscles and makes them stronger. It solves the problem for you !

It is not only for lifting weight, but balancing on a cycle or doing skating, dealing with speed on a motorcycle or a car, playing a musical instrument, or just designing your signature. Once the body understands that there is a problem that you want to seriously overcome, it does it for you.

Soon, your body acquires the new skill.

That is how your body solves your problem for you.

The body solves many more problems. Problems you don't even know that they exist. Like infections. Your body deals with them as it is well trained to do so.

Your Mind is designed to deal with problems and overcome them.

Keep attempting a puzzle, crossword, or a chess game, and you will grow your expertise on it. Chess players know that initially they are able to think one move ahead, whereas as they keep on training they are able to think more than six moves ahead. Their Mind-power improves.

So as you attempt to solve each problem, your mind gets exercised, and achieves increased ability to handle more data and process more complicated situations. You keep training your mind by giving it exercises and you find your mind growing in its ability, sometimes to Champion levels !

The growth of mental ability is a natural thing. We are all blessed with this ability.

Why do you seek more problems in Life.

Any person who views problems as simply challenges to be overcome, needs more problems to keep his mind busy. Moreover, when you seek more problems and solve them, you get more benefits. For example, even though there is no need, if you solve the problem of how to market a particular item, money is going to flow into your bank account. But there is no compulsion that you have to learn this.

If you have needs, you create Goals to be achieved. To achieve each Goal you have to solve its own Problem Set. So you invite more problems if you are confident. Then you go ahead and solve them.

This is particularly true about business problems.

In Business, taking up and solving a new problem means achieving some Growth. Growth is very important for Business.

A businessman wants to start a new business. He makes a project plan which consists of tasks. Each single task is nothing but a single problem. As he deals with each problem(or task), the business starts off, giving him lifelong benefits.

There are of course, other situations where you go out in search of others facing problems, and proceed to solve it.

When you are skilled more than average in a certain area, then your skills can be used to solve others' problems, thereby getting you income or other obligations.

For example, an advocate knows about the courts and the law, and can advise people how best to deal with conflicts. People bring their problems to him, he solves it and charges a fee.

When we have a problem related to our physique, we reach a doctor, who knows about these things. His knowledge about problem-solving related to illnesses is made use of by us. Of course, we pay him.

In this way, there is so much expertise with different people in different areas. They can handle the problems much better, in their area. When we find it difficult to solve a problem in a certain area, one of the ways we should consider is to use the services of an expert.

Of course, nobody can be an expert in all the areas of life. So even an expert, when he faces the problem of a different kind, may have to seek an expert in that different line. This is one way to find solutions to problems.

Fact is, that some businessmen who are not experts in anything are wildly successful. Because they know one thing well. How to make use of other experts, in the most efficient way!

Can we avoid problems?

As we mentioned in the introduction chapter, we are dealing with problems without even being aware of the process. Hence we will be solving some problems which we recognize as our daily routines.

We cannot avoid many problems. For example, a student has to write an exam. A mother has to feed milk to her baby. These are all problems for some people. Only if they view them like that.

Viewed wrongly, cleaning the office daily is a problem to be solved. Viewed in another way, that is a normal, repetitive, routine work.

Instead of avoiding, learning to accommodate some activities can make problems disappear, and make them as routine things.

We can avoid taking up additional problems. For example, you can avoid asking your boss for a rise. No problem is no problem. Simply you wont be getting an increment. You avoid all the preparation, the difficult meeting, the request. Life goes on as normal, without the increase. But- You have to give up the benefits it brings.

If a businessman tries to avoid problems, then it is obvious that business is not his cup of tea. We start businesses only because we are not feeling that the problems which we are already having are enough for us. A businessman looks for more problems to solve and thereby get a benefit or profit.

The only place where you can successfully avoid problems is deep under the earth in a Cemetery. There will be nor problems there. Life will be calm.

The summary? While it is possible to avoid problems in some cases, by avoiding you have to give up some benefit. Depending on the exact problem, some of them are better prevented. That is prevention. But no benefit comes from running away. Avoiding is refusing to face the problem. Please note Preventing is different from avoiding.

What happens when you try to avoid problems?

When you try to avoid problems, you stop growing. You start to avoid getting exposure and experience. That makes you weak.

You become a recluse, or a vegetable. You will not learn how to handle things. These aspects are serious enough not to ignore.

The Value of Experience and Exposure.

Inexperienced people make one or more of the following mistakes, when they face problems:

1. They feel that the problem has NO solution.

2. They feel that the problem has No solution which they can apply. A solution within their reach.

3. They feel it is the End of Life.

4. They feel that Violence or Suicide is the only solution. They attempt to harm others or try to harm themselves.

5. They get very angry, become uncontrolled, use loud voice, use abusing words, hurt and create pain to those close to them, often damaging relationships and friendships permanently.

All these are Needless Over-reactions on the part of the problem-facing person. These actions do not help to solve the problem in any way. Neither do they help in improving the situation. Actually dealing and solving the problem is much easier, much more effortless, and less damaging.

The main reason for these type of violent over-reactions is the lack of experience or exposure, and the wrong attitudes of this person. Feeling low confidence and feeling weak, that they are helpless. Hence the anger.

So, we repeat.

99% of the problems have solutions. In fact, some problems have many solutions, one of which you can pick and choose.

Some solutions appear out of reach to you. But you can always find a person who will help you. Only you have to look hard. Seek and find the helper.

The End of life comes only once, not riding the back of every problem you face.

There is no need for violent methods. 99% of the situations can be handled by negotiation. And for that remaining 1%, avoid the situation and disappear from the scene. Return later when things are in better control.

All these antiques are unnecessary and serve no purpose. Losing control makes you weak. And experienced opponents can identify that you are helpless, by your emotional actions. That may actually work against your interests in dealing with the problem.

Remember. When two people are fighting, the man who is in control has a better chance of winning.

Look at problems as your friends.

Change your attitude. Look at problems as your friends. Because-

Problems make you stronger. As you solve each problem, you become more confident. The next time the same problem appears, you would not hesitate, as you know by now, how to deal with that.

Let us take an example of a small boy, running a hurdle race. The first time he faces a two-feet fence, he wonders how he is going to cross it. He is afraid of tripping. He hesitates, make two or three trial runs...and, Ohhhh ! he has jumped across !

The boy continues running, and comes across the next hurdle, again a two-feet fence. This time, does he hesitate? Not at all ! Without a moment's thought, he sails through !

How did he get this confidence? Because he has already proved to himself, that two feet height is nothing for him.

Has his ability increased since he crossed the first hurdle? Though physically he has not become stronger, he is now able to cross 2 feet height just because his mind now believes that it can. Earlier he was not sure of crossing the same height! Now he is able to! That is all that matters!

If you identify the first hurdle as A Problem, then it is that problem which improved the ability of the boy, and gave him confidence.

Yes. Problems make you stronger !

**Problems educate you.** They teach how to deal with situations. A person, who lives a reclusive life, avoiding problems, remains ignorant. He will be overcome by the first problem that he faces. He remains weak.

Problems give you new abilities.

**Problems give you Challenges,** which **makes life more interesting.** Without problems life becomes boring.

**Problems are the stepping-** stones **of success in life.** You climb on each problem to grow up to that height.

After facing many problems and solving them, your confidence level increases to a great extent. You have a marked advantage over those lucky(unlucky?) ones who did not have to face any problems. Those poor persons will wither and wilt when they face a small problem, which you will be just breathing away.

What to do when you cannot solve a problem?

Simple. Get help. Read the topic "Dealing with impossible problems".

But before you decide that the problem is "impossible", pause. Read the next topic, "Facing a new Problem for which there appears to be No Solution".

The only reason a problem exists is to be solved.

It has no other reason to exist. It is Created to challenge us, to make our life interesting, to train us to deal with life, and to make us stronger. Also to create opportunities for us to help people.

What to do when you face big problems?

The main thing is not to feel tensed. It is easy to say, difficult to bring to practice, but it has to be done. A stressed person is not the ideal candidate to solve problems, as his mind is temporarily inefficient.

A big problem may just appear big, while it is not so. Because of your angle of view. Try changing the angle, and the problem may become small enough to solve.

When you are in the firing line, when you feel that you are directly affected by a problem, invariably it appears big. Step outside mentally, and deal as if you are a consultant helping others. That role play may help you to see things in their real perspective. And you may find that the problem can be handled by you, without too much effort.

Creativity plays an important role in finding solutions to the problems. Unfortunately, if you are stressed, if you are worried that you have too much at stake based on your ability to solve, then Creativity becomes a difficult thing to practice. Solutions elude you. It is a simple attitude adjustment and compartmentalizing exercise to approach the situation in a different way.

If you ever think that the problem is unsolvable, then let me tell straightaway that you are wrong. What is more likely is in your tension-filled condition, the problem appears to be overwhelming you, there appears to be no solution in sight. cut down your tension and solutions will start appearing. But only when your mind remains calm.!

A really big problem does not simply land on you, without some warning. And without some active effort from your part. Or you are reckless enough to invite such a problem on yourself, without enough preparation.

Never allow your mind to weaken. Never allow failure thoughts to come to your mind. Persistence and a strong belief in your cause are important. Many people will discourage you, but don't pay heed.

The consolation is that if you solve big problems, you get big benefits. But it is tough. You will find it difficult to do it alone. So the most popular and effective method to handle Truly Big Problems is to approach it as a team, which you assemble. Creating an effective team and motivating it to handle such big problems is a lot of work, but very rewarding. Approached properly, the success rate is more than 50%!

So try it. Put in more planning. A little recklessness, and some luck will be required. But you will leapfrog to great heights. Learn to stick there, and you have created a record which others find difficult. I have known people to do it, so it is not impossible at all.

When you feel that you need others' help, Do Not go and drop the problem in their lap. They will hate you for it. Take your time in preparing them for the problem.

Facing a new Problem for which there appears to be No Solution.

When we face a problem the first time, we are usually overwhelmed. We tend to overestimate the size of the problem, and the damages we may suffer if we are unable to solve it.

This is unwarranted. First of all, in 99.99% of the cases, there is No problem that is without solution. And if it is a routine life problem which others have faced and solved with their abilities, then you also should be able to solve it. You solve problems with your own ability or borrowed abilities.

It also helps to remember that the Human mind is very powerful, much more powerful and resourceful than it appears, that it can solve any problem in one way or another. The important thing here is that you have to apply your FULL MIND POWER to the problem. It is important to Focus. It simply won't do to think about the problem casually, while simultaneously you think about a thousand things! If you do that, you will find that the simplest problems appear Impossible to solve!

In the life of a young person, many problems appear for the first time. The first time a problem appears, it appears to be too big. Insurmountable. We feel that at last, we have come across a problem for which there is no solution. It appears that, this is, indeed, The End.

It has happened to me.

We feel that life is unfair. That only we have been handed this problem, while others are enjoying life. The entire world is happy, while we are sad. We have no luck. Fate has been cruel to us.

There is nobody to whom we can go for support. This problem has not even a single solution. We are finished.

But I did not commit suicide. I lived on. All I did is that I stopped thinking about the problem for a while, calmed my mind, and then again looked at the problem.

Suddenly, I found a solution. That gave me encouragement. I went ahead to implement the solution.

My mind became lighter. My tensions reduced. I continued to think about the problem. A funny thing happened.

One more solution appeared. Then another!

I had not less than Three solutions. For a problem which I thought there was NO solution!! Not too long ago.

This has happened so many times since. So nowadays, when a problem appears to have no solution, I know that the problem is trying to fool me. All I do, is to stop thinking about the problem, and think about it when my mind is less busy.

That is All it takes!

Dealing with Impossible Problems.

"Impossible" problems are only "Impossible for you". (Most likely not even that!) There are other people in the world for whom this problem is just nothing. There are experienced people who have solved this type of problem many times in their life. You should find a person who has the capability, the experience of solving the type of problems faced by you.

All you have to do is to seek their help.

Find the person. Persuade the person. Involve the person.

The person should be able : 1.To Guide you. 2.To Work with you jointly to solve your problem. 3.To Take over the problem and solve it for you.

Persuading the person to extend his help.

Remember that even that person will be otherwise busy, and may find it difficult to allot time for _your_ problems. So study his position before you ask him for help.

You may require only Guidance, or only a little handholding. That may not be too difficult for the other person.

Still, you have to motivate that person to spare his time and the effort needed.

Make the person like you. See what you can do to help him. Get his introduction through someone he respects or admires. There are many more ways.

Refer to friends to find a common link. If that doesn't work, then look at the yellow pages, or newspapers for an employee, contractor or working partner. Pay their price in the form of salary or contract payments and get the job done. Or promise them to pay from the results.

Chances are that they will agree to your proposal, especially if you do not put huge demands on their daily hours. You may ask them to continue in their existing job and also help you now and then.

You cannot always convince people by offering money. They may expect some other obligation. Or a counter-assistance to deal with their situations. There will always be a price, which you should be prepared to offer.

There are no impossible problems. They may be 'impossible' for you, but easy for others.

Finding the person who can help you to solve your problem.

How can you find persons who have solved the type of problems that you face?

You have to do research. Discuss with like-minded friends.

If you are looking at problems related to a business, look at your seniors in a similar business. If you are a student, look at your seniors. Ask your teachers about how your seniors dealt with the problems in their time.

Look at your competitors. Study them. See what types of problems happen to them, and how they are going about solving them.

Remember, though it is sometimes tough to find them, They're There!

When you look around you, you will find that there are different styles in solving problems!

Big companies face the same problems as you and I do. They employ different methods to deal with them.

A company which has deep pockets and staying power will attempt to solve many problems by filing court cases, and throwing money in extensive publicity campaigns. Or by Lobbying.

Now these ways may not be affordable to us.

To find what tools we can use, we should find people similar to us. And learn how they solve similar problems like those we face. Their methods will be more likely to work for us.

Sometimes the bigger companies' methods may also be applicable. For example you want to sue your opponent and you cannot afford it. It is always possible that your small business is taken over by a large company who will proceed to sue your opponent! Nothing is impossible!

There are enough Experts. Experienced people. Consultants. Contractors. Knowledge sources. All around you. Learn to make use of them. And come out successful.

Problem sets.

A set of Problems is just that. By a single decision, you take up the responsibility to deal with a number of problems.

Taking up is fine, but dealing with the problems to solve them can be tougher, as they need to be tackled one by one.

This collection of problems is a Problem Set.

Their characteristic is that you either take up all of them or don't. There is no choice of taking only a few of them, as the combined goal cannot be achieved unless they are all tackled.

Why do we need to take up Problem sets?

Problem sets are taken up usually because you take up some activity.

As you take up a particular business, vocation or study, you automatically opt for a set of problems. For example, start dealing with a product and you have to decide how to purchase, store and market the product. How to arrange finance. How to cut down on expenses. etc.

Any activity has a few goals, and a number of tasks necessary to be done. Each task is, in effect, a problem.

You have to deal with all these problems, if you are to be effectively involved in That activity.

Don't like to add problems for yourself ? Cut off, discontinue, exit from that activity.

Please remember that sometimes, the very process of exiting from an activity involves a process. Still it may be worth to exit.

But in general, discontinuing an activity automatically means that you are giving up the advantages, which were to be the result of that activity.

Every activity has a payoff. In business or job, the main payoff is income, there can simultaneously be other payoffs too. Like in a job, the opportunity to mingle with colleagues. In business, the knowledge, skills and experience you acquire.

Example of activities:

Any vocation of study. Any Hobby. Any social service. A job. A business.

Select your problem sets, to match your Goals.

Take up your Life Goals, one at a time.

Make a complete Task List for each Goal. Each task can be identified as a problem.

Each Goal's Task List is a Problem Set for that Goal.

Decide which Goals are important, by checking which Problem sets you find easy to tackle.

Solve that particular Problem Set, and you have achieved that Goal.

Individual problems can be handed over to different team members to solve and achieve results. That way, the focus on each task will be high.

You should do the co-ordination, and solve the entire problem set.

Finding Solutions.

Define the problem. As you clearly define it, solutions can appear.

Find the source and try to abort the problem from being born, or from approaching you. This is prevention.

Similarly, you may think of solutions as you go through the following steps:

Analyze the problem.

Break the problem into slices.

Using the definition of the problem, find out who faces similar types of problems regularly. They may be able to help you by sharing their experiences.

Using the definition, identify which type of experts can help you in the process of dealing and solving the problem. Approach the experts with the request to help. Pay their charges.

Some of your seniors may have come across similar problems earlier in their life. Check.

The person who was promoted from your position might have handled these type or problems regularly. Ask him to help. If necessary ask the company top management to request him to help you.

Go through the grape vine to find out who has the expertise.

If all else fails, advertise and find out who else is in the world who can solve this problem.

Procedure to Deal with a Problem.

Define and understand the problem.

If necessary, clearly write down the problem and possible steps you can take, to go towards a solution.

Writing down actually helps. So please try it.

There are two major activity areas to finding and defining solutions. And confirming that it is in fact, the solution which effectively solves the problem.

One is acquiring knowledge. The second is to implement the knowledge.

Both are independent capabilities.

A person who has knowledge about how to go about solving a problem, may not be in a position to solve it himself. A person who is good at implementing may not be in the possession of the complete knowledge as to the solution. So both are important.

You should first seek the knowledge. Next you should acquire the skill to implement the solution.

To appreciate the difference between these two things, you can think about an example of dieting. You may study the internet and read books to know all about dieting, what works and what doesn't. But implementing the knowledge acquired is another thing, as most of us know.

The same applies to learning a new skill like playing a musical instrument, and to solve a problem.

If you try to implement solutions without acquiring the right knowledge, you will either fail, or apply the wrong solution which may not be fully effective.

You can find help from others, for both these areas.

Proceed to find solutions, find the persons who can implement the solution, and find out who can help us to implement the solutions.

Break a problem into slices.

Sometimes it helps to break a big problem into a number of small problems. This enables you to focus on each task and deal with it in a most efficient way.

This approach also allows you to delegate each task or a set of tasks to different people. By asking them to work parallel, and giving them overlapping time slots, you can bring down the total time taken by the project dramatically. Get more done in less time.

Creating a project file and creating a set of tasks achieve this. The set, when completed, should result in a complete solution to the Big Problem. Each task becomes a new problem.

If you are doing them all, then you should not think about even two tasks at a time. You should take up a single task, solve it, and Then should go to another task.

The only point to remember in this approach is not to get lost in the details. So many things will be delegated and be done so you may have to overwork just to keep track of what is going on, and who does what. Well. Initially it is somewhat overwhelming. But later it becomes fun. And remember also the high rewards.

There are so many tools out there. Project files. Gantt charts. Pert charts. Mindmapping. Etc.

You can use whatever is convenient to you.

Solving friends' problems.

Each one of your friends will have many problems.

Some of which he/she will not be able to see the end of it.

Since every human being has problems, your friends are sure to have their share of problems, though they may not openly display.

If you are sure of their co-operation, offer to help. But before committing, make sure that it is within your abilities. Help them to solve their problems and they become obligated.

Many books have been written, showing how people try to unload _their_ problems on you, and how to resist them.

But think a little. The people are trying to unload the problems on you only because of any of the following reasons:

-they do not know the first thing about how to solve the problem. And they feel that you are capable.

-they are overwhelmed by all the problems which they are already facing. They are afraid that this additional problem may 'break the camel's back'.

-they have not considered the possibility that they can just be guided by you and can solve the problem for themselves.

-or they are plain lazy.

-of because they have not yet read this book.

Don't resist and refuse to help. You may lose their friendship. Help them, and they will be obligated to you.

How to solve friends' problems.

The common mistake nice people do when dealing with a friend's problem is to take the entire responsibility of solving the problem.

That is not required. Moreover, it does not benefit your friend.

What your friend needs is not a takeover of his problem. It will be much better if you guide him and assist him, while he solves him problem.

In this way, he feels great that he was able to solve the problem.

What is more, he has learned how to deal with that problem. If he sees a similar problem in future, he will feel strong enough to deal with that problem himself, as he has already dealt with such a problem.

If the main thing he needs is expertise in a particular area like management, legal or accounting, then you may be doing him and yourself a big favor by introducing him to the right professional service provider.

Don't take up their problems and lose your valuable time. Instead, teach them how to solve, and how to can help them to do it. Be with them while they learn, and they solve it. They will never forget you, and be obligated to you.

Case Situations:

Case Example:

Let us say a President or Prime Minister faces the problem that a majority of people are uneducated. He wants to tackle this problem.

Attack the root: The main problem can be people do not want to get educated. Reason can be that they are not convinced that education can get them a financially better life. This is to be solved by propoganda.

Suppose the reason is that Parents want their children to earn, instead of going to school. Solution can be to establish a large number of schools with the help of international charity organisations and get the parents some employment possibility from the resulting business activity, and the need for teachers.

Of course, the president needs to conduct brainstorming sessions with his colleagues about these solutions and modify them to suit the situation of his country.

Case Example:

Let us take another problem the President faces. The unrest created by local mafia dons.

Attack the root: The main point is the support given by people to such bad elements. This has to be nullified by a combination of propaganda, persuasion and punishment. Simultaneously steps should be taken to improve the people's living standard and do some welfare measures.

The second point is discouraging the bad elements. The President should use technology to police the country with a minimum budget. He should use drones, CCTV and the like to establish the law.

Case Example:

Now let us take the case of a businessman or a newly promoted manager. They find problems rushing at them, all of them important, allof them demanding priority attention.

The earliest thing to do is sequencing them according to importance. Apply crisis management systems where required. Delegate other non-threatening problems. Ask some problems to wait.

In short, tackle only one problem at a time. Let the others wait, or be delegated.

Dealing with the Problems : Find out the origin. Most of the problems are man-made. Try to deal with the creator of the problem using all your negotiation skills, if not threatening and fighting skills.

Even ignoring and refusing to recognise a problem works sometimes.

For other problems, seek help from experienced people. But don't apply whatever they say. Use the inputs, and design your own strategies to handle the problems.

A young man, completed studies, entering a career.

You are a young man, just graduated out of college.

You are wondering whether to go in search of a job, or to start a business. The later is tempting, but you don't want to start with your father's capital(or it is not available).

Now that decision is a Problem.

At this stage, you are fresh. You need knowledge. Believe me, the knowledge you acquired in your education may not be immediately relevant. What you need now is practical knowledge, to deal things in the real world. That too the type of knowledge you need for the beginning stage. And the need to understand how people act and react.

Without this knowledge and practical experience, starting a business is very risky, and prone to failure.

Simple, you don't have that. So you should set upon to acquire that. The best way is to work in a normal job. You can start with any job, but soon you should move to a job which has a lot of responsibilities. The moving can be by promotion, transfer or shifting companies.

You may feel that getting a job is difficult. But if you analyze, everyone clamors for jobs having the least responsibility, and the most creature comforts. That type of job is hardly going to improve you, add value to you as a person. So try for a job with high responsibilities and less comforts, with even low salary, and you will find it a lot easier.

Contrary to the belief of all young graduates, salary or the monthly compensation(or perks whatever you call it) is the least important aspect of a job. The most important aspect? What you can learn while in the job. You should think every day(That is right, every day) as to what you have learnt today.

Such a job will increase your value in the job market, tremendously. You will be sought after. With the experience and the abilities you acquire, you can demand your benefits. And get them.

Once you hold experience in a particular line of job, you can think about starting a small business in that line. But this should always be thought of, after a few years of working for others. That is safety.

A Salaried Employee facing loan repayment problems

People borrow against all their savings, pension, etc. Then they borrow from outsiders at high interest. Then they borrow new loans just to repay interest. Getting new loans becomes impossible. They lead a high tension life. Each minute of the day is spent in worry.

As a salaried employee, you may find yourself in this situation. This is applicable to anybody. How can you come out of this?

As a first step, stop taking new loans. Deal with the pressure in other ways rather than taking a new loan. Yes, there are ways.

Read my other book getting published shortly, titled "Dealing with Finance problems". One of the many methods may help.

Negotiate concessions with each lender.

Create new incomes by doing a part-time job or business. Apply the entire additional income towards principals of the loans. Take the help of an advocate, if necessary.

Once the loans are cleared, receive back the documents and destroy them. Decide a policy that you will not take a loan to meet expenses. Loans may be taken only if the monthly commitments they create can be fully met by already existing surplus income. Otherwise, it is a strict No. Credit cards should only be availed against 100% bank fixed deposits.

Follow this, and you will not have financial tensions.

A Rich man, failing in his business, facing ruin.

To overcome the situation, you should have good control of your mind. You should not allow any emotions to influence your decisions.

Remember the opening titled "Sicilian defense" in Chess.

Start parallel things anew, without having any connection to your existing business. Keep them confidential. Develop the new businesses as fast as possible. Use all your resources, all your abilities, influence and intuition.

Stop spending your resources on the dying business. It is throwing good money after bad. Instead, put them in your new activity.

Remember, time is the deciding factor. And you have to get the new business going before a crisis happens in your old business. To this extent, keep buying time. Apply some resources for this, if required.

Soon, the new activity will become strong, and will start supporting you. Then you can start dealing with the old one.

This period is good because you would have learnt a few things. You would have identified who is who. Now you are better off with your situation. Apply what you have learned and prevent such a situation from happening again.

How life treats us.

Imagine a father and a child. How does the father train the child?

He gives easy tasks to the child. Say, arranging alphabetical blocks or piling them on top of each other. As the child accomplishes a task, he encourages the child by appreciating by clapping or exclaiming, "Good !".

After the child achieves a task, the father gives the child gradually more difficult tasks, and encourages the child to do it.

The child always tries to do it. And most of the times, achieves the task.

Does the child hate the work? No. Does the Child dislike the father because he gives it works? No.

Is it a mistake of the father to burden the child with new and new works? Not at all.

The father knows that only by giving new challenges, the child will grow its capabilities. He puts the child in school and makes the child work throughout its young years, on many challenging works. Like reciting rhymes and tables. Acquiring skills and proficiency in language and various subjects. He encourages the child to participate in sports and other physical activity, which offer GRADUALLY INCREASING CHALLENGES to build up the Child's capability.

Let us take sports. If the Child does well at the School level, then the father encourages the child to participate in larger tournaments. In other words, he asks the child to face bigger challenges and win.

Why does the father do that?

What if somebody accuses the father that he is trying to pose challenges to the child that the child cannot meet, and to get the child to get discouraged and suffer? That will be wrong, ridiculously wrong. We know, for a fact, that the father does it for the betterment of the child. To make it stronger.

To increase the Child's ability, by giving Challenges Just beyond the present ability of the child, and encouraging it to deal with the Challenges successfully. (Remember these words.)

That is how a loving father will deal with a Child. A father who is interested in the Child's growth, and in building up its confidence and capabilities.

That is how God deals with us.

But we give a label to the works He gives us. We call them PROBLEMS. We view them negatively. We treat them as unnecessary and burdensome. We almost always look at these works with dislike, and try our best to avoid them, to run away from them.

And some of us Complain to God that he gives us Problems.

In life, we are given various problems to face and overcome. Initially, we do it without any negative feelings. As the time goes, our capability is supposed to grow. We gain experience. Then, just like a loving father, God gives us Problems of increasing difficulty. He hides the solutions and challenges us to find them.

And sometimes we break down just on looking at a problem. We get tense. Instead of calmly seeking the solutions which he has hidden from us, we get upset. We fill our mind with negative feelings and worry. We make our mind as inefficient as possible and attempt to solve the problem with less than half a mind.

And the problem, naturally, appears more difficult. It appears impossible to solve. Like any puzzle game which you play.

But remember, it is not that the problem has NO solution. God has merely hidden the solutions from your immediate view. He is challenging you to find them.

There is a meaning for the plural word "Solutions". Because most of the time, there are many solutions to a single problem.

A businessperson can easily understand this concept. Because when you start doing business, you accept and solve them. You keep enjoying the process of facing and solving these problems. But sometimes, we forget our acceptance and start getting discouraged on seeing new problems. We start avoiding the problems, which, of course, is impossible. We start breaking down and complaining that God gave us(!) so many problems.

Well, you have volunteered to enter business. You could have led a reclusive life, just meeting the Basic problems of Food, Clothing and Shelter. You opt for more, and you should not complain. Moreover, it is all for your own development. It is not a punishment as some of us would like to feel.

Bigger Challenges.

When a father finds out that he has a gifted child, who can achieve more than other children, what does he do?

He gives the child much bigger challenges.

We see, in singing competitions gifted children taking up complicated songs sung by highly experienced, lifetime trained, older singers. And rendering the songs in a surprisingly correct way. We wonder at the high level of skills shown by these children.

How _their_ parents would have dealt with the child?

They would have encouraged the child. They would have asked the child to do bigger tasks. Which other children of their equal age will not be given.

Does the child hate her parents because they are giving powerful tasks? Tasks which other children are not asked to perform by their parents. Tasks which are clearly beyond the present ability of the child. Tasks which are unnecessary in the normal living.

Does the child feel that her parents are "UNFAIR" ? No.

Even though all of these are true, the child gives it a try. With all conviction that she can do it.

And She Wins!

Shocking and surprising us (the audience) in the process! How a child can achieve this level of proficiency!

In short, if a parent believes that a child is capable of more than what is Normal, the parent gives it much bigger tasks, apparently impossible to do. This shows the parents' confidence in the child's present ability.

And God does the same. That is how God deals with us.

He sometime gives _some_ of us, difficult tasks that are apparently large, and appear to be Without Solution. Tasks which others of our equal rank are not given. And we fret and fume at the "UNFAIRNESS" of God.

Nothing like that. It is simply that he believes that we are Capable of More ! And he wants to increase our abilities faster. Just like loving Parents !

Amusing reactions from us.

When a father gives Gradually Increasing Challenges to the child, we approve. But when God does the same to us, we complain that as soon as we solve one problem, we are made to face another bigger problem!

Support, only when really needed.

What does a father do, when the child falters? He gives it a helping hand.

Imagine a father teaching his baby to walk.

He holds the baby's hand and makes it walk.

Then he removes his hand. He tries to see whether the baby can walk by itself.

Does the baby feel "Bad" that the father has removed his hand? No. It tries to walk itself without support.

If the father _always_ holds the baby's hand, it will start depending on the hand. It will not be able to walk by itself. Now that is not the father's purpose.

He removes his hand only to make the baby acquire the new ability to walk. To make the child grow to the next level.

When the child falters, and about to fall, then the father is near. Ready to help.

But he waits for some time. To give the baby a chance to learn to set rights itself.

When it is clear that the baby is about to fall, he quickly lends a helping hand.

And God does the same way. Most people have the experience when they find it difficult to find a solution to a life-affecting problem, somebody comes and helps, just to overcome the crisis. But the help offered by them is usually temporary.

I have had this experience many times in my life. My close friends have also observed it and shared my surprise. Has anything like that happened to you?

Every living thing has to keep learning.

Apart from doing the essential things to live and sustain, the one act that every living thing is forced to do, is to keep Learning.

We humans are given new challenges every day. We call these problems and we try to run away from them. I feel that no one can escape from these challenges. We try to avoid one type of problem, only to land in a different type of problem.

Animals and birds face various problems. From the time it is born, an animal has to defend itself from preying animals. Initially, of course it may get some help from its parents. But it is a limited help and for a short duration.

It has to seek food and it has to learn to migrate to seek new sources of food. It has to protect its food from other scavengers like hyenas. It has to overcome various challenges in migration like deep rivers filled with crocodiles. It has to find safe places for its eggs or to breed. It has to face problems of feeding its young, while protecting them, till they become stronger.

It makes good reading to study the lives of animals and birds, how they face these challenges, and how each one has found a different, creative solution for these problems!

Plants face various problems. They have an additional restriction that they are not able to move very far from their roots. Some of their problems are: Finding water and nutrients, spreading the nutrients to all their cells, obtaining sunlight and producing food. Ensuring that the extremities of temperature are managed. Plants in the desert have to protect whatever water they possess, which leads them to take extraordinary measures.

A plant has to protect itself from being eaten. It has to ensure that its children, namely the seeds, are well protected from natural forces and germs. And when the time comes, it has to ensure that the seeds travel some distance before they settle on the ground, so that they do not fight for the same resources as the parent tree. Wow! A handful amount of management tasks for a mere plant!

In olden times, a plant faced a problem transporting pollen for long distances. It was an 'impossible' problem. The only solution appeared to be that the pollen should fly to the far away plant. (The plant tried this also but it involved a lot of wastage.).

Finally, the plant solved its problem by getting the bees to work for it, by offering them honey, and adorning pretty colorful petals to advertise the fact! What a creative solution! Arrived by just a plant! And how effective! So effective, it was copied by many other plants.(By the way, 'using bees by paying honey' is a good way to solve our problems too!)

Now do you feel that you are facing an 'impossible' problem?

Do you think that the smallest beings in the sea do not have problems? Each smallest creature has problems of food, prey and that of ensuring that all of its children do not die. Do you think that the largest creatures like elephants and whales do not have problems? Well, ask them why they are moving about here and there.

By facing the problems, the animals become intelligent, they gather knowledge on how to efficiently go about living their life. That is how Lions and Chimpanzees do coordinated group hunting; that is how birds build nice nests. That is why ants, termites and spiders build impressively engineered homes for themselves, which even our modern engineers cannot.

Still feel like complaining?

A Practical, Step-by-step approach to solving a problem.

When you face a problem, it appears insurmountable. Tension about what to do. Fear that you may be unable to solve the problem. Worry when you think of the consequences of not solving it. Your mind is filled with all these things. Consequently, no solution appears, however long you think.

The earliest step is to remove the negative aspects from the mind. Only if you remove these things which fill your mind, you will free the processing power. So you give up the tension, fear and worry.

Easier said than done. It is not easily possible to remove these feelings.

But unless you empty your mind of these, the thoughts required to solve the problem cannot fill in. The space is occupied by negative thoughts, and the brain finds it difficult to process the data available. And we find things very tough.

The Stages of a Problem

There are stages how a problem happens.

Being Aware.

This is the very first stage where you come to know of a problem.

You may think this is superfluous, but not being aware of a problem is a major cause of trouble.

i) You become aware that a problem exists. You don't know how it started, or where it came from, but it is present there. Though it is not critical right now, it can create havoc sooner or later.

As a rough example, you can think of a physical ailment like cancer. Not being aware for a long time, you fail to take action. The problem grows. When you are actually aware that you have a problem, it is often too late. It becomes difficult to solve because of the passage of time, often impossible.

A problem, like a living thing, grows. The best time to attack a problem is as soon as it occurs, or in its early stages. Even better is prevention, before it occurs.

If you allow a problem to grow unattended, it becomes progressively difficult to solve. Remember. There is always a cost to the solution. It may be in the form of money, effort or other resources. In the later stages, the cost becomes so high that it is unviable, not worth solving.

Even if possible to solve, it becomes a Crisis Management where you cannot afford to worry about the costs. Somehow you have to solve, regardless of the losses you incur in the process. Like putting out a fire which you have allowed to grow. The firemen break windows, throw water, damaging computers, valuable papers and interiors in the process. Crisis management is like that.

You spend the lowest resources when you prevent a problem from arising. That requires creative 'What-If' type of thinking and imagination capability, to visualize the scenarios that can happen. To the untrained person, it can also involve some stress.

How to foresee a problem?

The 'T' in SWOT analysis stands for THREATS. As a manager of things, you should think about possible threats which can affect the process negatively. That will help you to foresee the possible problem before they happen.(Those who are new to SWOT analysis, Google it).

What sort of threats can happen?

The answer likes in the 'W' of SWOT analysis, which stands for WEAKNESSES in the system. A competitor can take advantage of our weaknesses and create a threat. Some routine thing can convert into threat because of our weaknesses. Take care of your weaknesses and you will be preventing many problems from even happening.

Being aware is important. As a top manager or business-owner, you may think that your business is going well because no complaints reach you. But there may be internal things happening, which do not come to your notice. Most people are good at hiding things, even though they are not good at managing. Your employees also can be like that.

When you fly in a plane and watch the surface of the earth, everything appears super calm. But you know how much movement, commotion, misunderstandings and fights-to-death are happening there.

So come out of your high-level seat and get into the forest. Then only you will be truly aware of the problems that have born there and are growing day-by-day.

ii) Sometimes, you are aware of a problem when somebody draws your attention to it.

You should immediately take notice and decide whether it is serious enough to attend to it. Because there is definitely the possibility of false alarms.

iii) Some other person brings his problem to you, requesting help to solve it for him.

You should decide whether to take it up, whether you have sufficient time and free mindspace. Often the best way is not to take up the responsibility, but give him suggestions on dealing with the problem.(if you are too busy even to give suggestions, you can recommend him to read this book).

iv) A relative or friend suddenly creates a problem and loads it on your head.

Think whether it is worth it to deal with the problem, whether the relationship or friendship is deep enough to take the trouble. Otherwise, seriously consider cutting off the relationship or friendship to avoid the problem altogether. That can be a simple, low-cost solution. Remember, this book is about problem-solving and not about sentiments.

If cutting-off is ruled out, then you may consider delegating the problem to somebody else, while supporting the effort from behind-the-scenes, or giving suggestions without getting involved.

OK, so preventing or avoiding the problem is not possible. Then we have to go to the next stage.

Never think about two are more problems at the same time. That type of thinking makes you weak.

You should get trained in compartmentalized thinking. You should make your mind into a number of rooms or compartments. Put each problem in one compartment. When you are in one compartment, think only about the problem in that compartment. Once you leave this compartment and go into another compartment, forget the earlier problems as you move. Let go of the earlier problems and concentrate on the problems in the new compartment. Let it fill your mind.

You would have heard that office problems should be left in the office, and home problems should be left at home. It is the same thing.

As you deal with each problem in turn, have a blank mind to start solving the problem.

If you are unable to remove the tension or worry, and they occupy your mind forcefully, the solution is to distract yourself. Totally forget the problem for a brief period. Listen to music, Watch a movie, visit a friend. Let your mind temporarily forget about the problem. After the distraction, sit in a calm place where you will not be disturbed, with pen, paper and computer. Start the solving process before you start get worrying again.

Is the problem your own creation? Can you totally avoid the problem by taking a clear decision?

Find the origin of the problem. How did it arise? Could it have been avoided? How will you avoid such problems in future?

Can you now go and deal with the Origin so that the problem is totally cancelled?

Is the problem the result of your own decision, taken with some result in mind? By modifying or not expecting that result, can you change your decision and will it remove the problem? Can you achieve the same result in some other way, without facing this problem?

Is there any benefit you gain by solving this problem? If that is so, is it possible to transfer this benefit along with the problem to someone else?

Is it possible to transfer this problem to someone else? By simply being unavailable at crucial times? Or is it possible to insist on others taking part responsibility to solve the problem?

Can you break the problem into Bits & pieces in such a way that each piece becomes a small problem to be solved with less effort? Even better, some of these bits can now be passed on to others!

Can you avoid the problem by not being available for a certain time? By changing your location, visiting places, or permanently Changing address. Even if the problem is not solvable by this way, you may gain much more time to attend to the problem.

Try to postpone facing the problem: When you Gain more time, use the time to become stronger, and prepare yourself to face the problem later, in a more effective way. In addition, on a future date, the situation may change. Legal issues can get time-barred, people may lose interest or get distracted in their own problems. People may face some change in their lives, they may change jobs, get transferred or promoted to a different job. So if you are unable to solve the problem attempt to buy time in one of the many ways.

Analyse a problem

Why did it arise.? Did we invite it? Or is it being imposed on us?

If imposed, should we work on avoiding it or escaping from it? Or should be take up the challenge and solve it? Which is more beneficial? To take the selected course, are we capable? Or do we need help from others? Whom?

What are the damages and negative consequences of not solving the problem at all? Or not solving within the deadline given?

If we have invited it? Why did we do so? Are we expecting some benefit in solving it? What is our present decision? Are we free to send it back, or are we committed to solve it?

Practical Approach to solve a Problem

1. Understand the Problem

2. Decide Goals

3. Decide Resources

4. Analyse methods and variations on how to attack the problem

5. Make a Plan

6. Check with others

7. Implement it

8. Do course correction

Understanding the Problem

It is important to understand the problem. Answer the following questions and analyse the answers:

How serious is the problem. Does it have the potential to threaten our Life? Our Safety? Safety of our Assets? Our Status in the society? Our future?

What is the source of the problem? Is it possible to attack the source thus nullifying the problem? Is it possible to otherwise influence the source? If the source is a human being or a Corporation, is it possible to use other people, Corporations, or the Government, Courts or the Media?

Is the problem life-threatening?

Is there any way to avoid the problem?

Is it possible to pass the problem to others?

How much time can you take to solve the problem? Is there any time limit?

What is practically, the last date by which you MUST solve the problem?

What will happen if you do not solve the problem?

Those things that will happen. Are they serious? Life-threatening?

Define the problem further.

Why is it a Problem? What needs to be solved?

What negative effects is it creating at the present time? Instead of dealing with it, is it possible to tolerate the effects? Or avoid the effects? Deflect the effects?

If you are able to deal with the effects without any damage, then you need not deal with the problem at all. You can allow it to die out due to the passage of time. Later, if required, you can deal with the problem from a better position.

A crude example will be a leakage of rain water in a hut. The occupant of the hut cannot go out in the rain to plug the leak. Instead he arranges to place a bucket where the water leaks and empties the bucket periodically. Thereby he avoids the hut getting flooded. Later, the rain stops and he goes out and plugs the leaking hole in the roof, which is a permanent solution.

This brings us to deferring the problem.

When you cannot find an immediate solution to a problem, you can defer it.

You may ask what is the use of deferring a problem, when you know that there is no solution. A small story about Tenali Raman will help here.

Tenali Raman was a courtier under a King in India. The King was not very wise, and was influenced by other courtiers who were jealous of Tenali Raman. They told the King that Tenali Raman had the powers to make the King's horse able to fly. As the story goes, the king believed it.

He told Tenali Raman to make the horse fly, or face a death punishment. Tenali Raman understood that he is in real trouble.

He asked the King for three months' time by which he will make the horse fly. The King agreed, thinking that the request was reasonable.

When later, Tenali Raman's wife asked him how it is possible to make the horse fly in three months, he agreed that he cannot do it. To the question why he deferred it to three months, he told as follows:

"Who knows what will happen in three months? I may be able to leave the kingdom. The horse may die. The King may die. Or the horse may even fly. The alternative is to face immediate death. But now I have got three months time to plan my next move"!

That is why deferring the problem is advantageous when you cannot find a solution. You gain time. Use this time to consult others and find a solution. Or at least to find good reasons to defer further.

How long it is possible to defer like this? Well. The answer is "A Life-time if needed".

Remember that most medical work is not a cure, only postponement of the inevitable. The doctors deal with the problem of death only by deferring it.

By the way, war criminals succeeding in living incognito, and getting caught only when they are 96 years old, do not have much to lose, even by the death penalty. The have succeeded in deferring the punishment till it is too late.

Cut off Sustenance

The next step is to find where the problem is getting its sustenance. Cut off the oxygen and the problem dies.

If there is a problem in one branch of your business, consider closing out that branch and opening a new branch in some other area.

If an employee becomes too experienced, troublesome, egoistic and difficult to handle, consider firing him and recruit another person. Of course there will be some loss, then you have to outweigh the benefits of the move, and decide.

Taking over the parent company of your competitor puts you in power over him and you can do what you please with the competing business. It has been done.

Distract the problem creator.

If the problems are being created by a person, who is running a calm business, then one way is to create disturbance to his business. Let somebody file a suit, or create bad opinion among his employees. He becomes busy attending to these new problems, that he finds it difficult to create and maintain problems affecting you.

But these things have to be done in a legal way. You should never break the law, and I am not advising you to do so. There are so many things you can do within the legal framework. For example, bad publicity of genuine defects in your competitor's business.

Insulate yourself.

Consider Insulating yourself from the effects of the problem, thereby making the problem ineffective.

For example, people break the law in one country and face a problem. They promptly migrate to another country where the former country has no jurisdiction. They have insulated themselves.

It is possible to do such insulation much earlier, even before a problem happens.

For example your business can be done in the name of a Limited company. When a person files a lawsuit against your company and wins, he still cannot affect your personal assets. At the most he can bankrupt the company. You promptly start another company through which you continue to do the business. This is possible because you are already insulated.

Foreseeing a problem before it happens, and raising protection barriers, is the most effective way. Most problems relating to security issues have to be handled this way. You have to think, "What can possibly go wrong". SWOT analysis, again.

Type of Problems:

• Fear of Unknown Consequences.

• Shortage of Resources.

• Fear of an almost certain outcome.

• Not being able to keep your promise to someone

Fear of the Unknown Consequences.

This may again sound simple, but there are people who are so upset about the problem, that they do not want to think much about it. They spend a lot of time worrying. Worrying about what? Their thinking goes like this.

"The problem is serious. If we do this, it may get solved. Or it may become worse. If it becomes worse, then we will ask the person not to affect us. If he does not agree, then it is even worse. If it becomes worse, then we will ask our friend for help. But if the friend does not want to help, we will be left alone. If we are alone in this thing, then something bad can happen at times. If something bad happens then we may be affected too much. So better don't think about the problem too much. O God, what I can do now?"... and so on.

This type of thinking is error-prone and wrong. You may notice that the thinker only assumes that the negatives will happen at all times. He carries on in that assumption. But most of this is not likely, as one of the steps can return a positive outcome.

The thing to do is to courageously face the problem and analyze it. Once you analyze, it often becomes simpler to solve. If we avoid going near the problem, the factor of "The fear of the unknown" affects you and makes you weak. You worry and worry without doing any constructive thing.

Another thing is that we should analyze on the patterns of "What if this happens?". But we should not be biased when thinking like this. We should not assume that always the negative will happen, nor always positive. Instead, we should prepare our moves for both eventualities. Then only, we will be prepared and rehearsed when it actually happens, regardless of the outcome.

Shortage of Resources

A type of problem many people face is a Shortage of Resources.

This problem is almost always the results of poor planning. People, particularly business people, need to plan there future requirement of resources well. And arrange for it.

If it was not possible to arrange the resources, then why go ahead to implement the plan at all. We have the choice not to go ahead.

More often, it is a case of not providing enough cushion. Not having alternative means. This affects the business when some unexpected thing happens, which drains the available resources. Or some source did not materialize in time.

As always, the best solution is to prepare ahead of time. When it is not possible the following ways can be thought of:

If it is a matter of sources not materializing at the right time, simply deferring the application of the resource can deal with the situation. Once you defer, all your skills and energy should be spent on quickly making the source come into action.

Not providing enough cushion will not normally affect, but will have a crippling effect when the unexpected happens. This can be a management shortfall, like in the case of not taking insurance and losing it all. It helps to have lots and lots or resources hiddren away everywhere, so that you even forget that they exist. When all appears desolate, you will suddenly remember the stashed up resource, and become cheerful again.

If you are unable to find alternative means, then defer the application to gain time. Use the time to find alternative resources which can be applied. Ask people for help. If necessary, be prepared to pay a price.

Fear of an almost certain outcome.

When you dread something that is going to happen, don't. There is always a way to deal with these things. Only if you worry too much, even simple solutions will not appear to you.

Most probably, you are over-reacting. The thing you fear may not happen at all.

What are the actual steps?

You have to regain control of your mind. You have to come out of the emotional state. That is very difficult. The way to achieve it is to totally distract yourself. Do something unusual and which is time consuming. Do something which demands your total attention. Some people play a difficult video game. Some go for a short tour or to watch a movie. Some lose themselves in some activity like trekking, swimming, surfing or mountain-climbing.

The point is to engage your full mind. When your mind is filled with some task, it forgets to worry.

Once you are able to overcome the meaningless worry, sit and think.

Find out what will happen in the extreme case, whcn everything goes against you.

The probability is that you will find that you can deal with the situation even in the extreme case.

Try to change your beliefs. For example you may lose your luxury car and you are worried about what people will think when they see you in public transport. The problem here is more in your beliefs rather than in the real situations.

Stop worrying about what others think, and your problem disappears. If what others think is very important for you, you may consider taking a short(or long) vacation, or ask for a transfer of job. You see, we use our luxury vehicles only in the city of our home. In another country, we do not think much about using public transport.

By shifting your place of work, you can deal with this. The new neighbours will not know you earlier, and you can start with a clean slate.

Not being able to keep your promise.

This affects many honest people. Well there are bad times, when we cannot keep our promises.

To deal with this, you should call the other person ahead of time and tell the reason why you cannot do the thing. Of course, there will be some disappointment but it will be lesser if you adopt this way.

You can provide some alternative, if possible, to reduce the negative effect.

If it is only a matter of time, make it as soon as possible, when you can do the thing originally promised. But try to avoid one more promise.

If you have to assure, do remember to have sufficient cushioning this time.

You should also be prepared to face a highly negative outcome, if it happens. In spite of all your efforts. So prepare yourself for that situation too.

Simply avoiding the situation is not going to help permanently. Of course, you can defer the confrontation for a few times. And use the time you gain, to improve on the situation. Or to brace yourself.

Further dealing with the problem

When the problem is allowed to grow big, then you have to become efficient in dealing with it. Usually this means that time is short, and more resources are required. This is the time you have to think about taking in help from others, if you have not already sought it.

Though we use the word 'help', it may involve the use of paying somebody to assist you in solving the problem. This may take the form of employment, Contract or consultancy. If paying money is out of the question because the potential helper is too proud, then you have to use your persuasion skills, and other forms of compensation. You may ask others to recommend your case to him.

Apart from taking help, you can try to apply the general principles. Like,

Breaking the problem into different segments and dealing with each one separately.

Gaining time by modifying your insulation or modifying your reaction to the effects of the problem.

If the problem is maintained by another person, creating a problem for him, thereby distracting him from attacking us.

If the problem is from our own actions, taking similar actions now to deflect or delay the problems. For example, let us say that you are in a problem because you have taken a loan and the due date has arrived. You take another loan from a different source with longer repayment term and repay the earlier loan, thereby gaining time for further action.

Crisis Management

wherever

Do not approach problems with a pre-conceived notion.

No negative attitude.

Solving :

Problem Example. Keeping the Elderly relatives and attending to their needs.

Suppose there are four of you. Each of you can take the responsibility for three months. A few months can be spent in old people homes or hospitals, or in travel.

This type of solution can help because they are offering their services for only a short time. You can even hold a hot potato in your hands, provided that it is only for a few seconds.

That is the Temporary Concept. (To understand the 'Temporary' Concept, refer to my forthcoming book, "The Conceptbook".)

Situations

A powerful man has become your enemy. And really determined to harm you.

Prevention:

First of all, it is not very clever to openly antagonize a powerful person, who is capable of harming you. If you want to play with fire, do it with finesse. Not like a bull in the china shop.

Hints for solution:

You can approach his superior and complain. Either directly(if it is safe), or through others. The superior person may take action to remove the power of your enemy. He may do this just to appear straightforward. This is more likely to happen when you are in the limelight, and in the glare of full publicity.

Even if you achieve success, you should assume that it is temporary. You may be attacked again after things cool down a bit. So use this gained time to place yourself out of reach of your enemy. Go abroad, join a political party or shift your residence far away without leaving a forwarding address.

Before you take offensive steps like complaining, try appeasing methods like asking for apology etc. you lose nothing by doing this, just turn off the heat.

Critical Problems

Suppose you have just done an illegal thing, and realise the predicament you are in.

In a story, a girl hit a would-be rapist on the head with a jar, and he died on the spot.

The girl panicked, hid the body and cleaned the bloodstains. Later, she got arrested.

She had a difficult time explaining her actions. The opposite lawyer kept arguing that she has committed a 'pre-meditated' murder.

People do wrong things in times like this.

What should she do?

She should immediately inform the police and explain why it happened.

There is a possibility that the police will not believe her and abuse her. For this purpose, she should call a lawyer first, and then she or the lawyer should inform the police. The lawyer will see that the procedures are followed correctly without abuse.

Hiding the body, cleaning the evidences, or absconding can work against the innocent girl, who has only acted in self-defense.

In the heat of the moment and high panic, it is easy to do mistakes and imagine things which may happen. That is why it is better to take counsel.

Suppose you are made to sign some documents under duress. If possible, sign in a different way. And the moment you are free, complain to the authorities immediately, along with your advocate.

Come out and release an advertisement that blank signed documents are lost, and a re-confirmatory signature is necessary.

These steps can possibly make the documents null and void. Or they can be proved false by forensic evidence.

Stress and Tension

Check this. If you try to lift a heavy log and find it impossible, you get physically stressed and mentally upset. But you can use a Lever and move it with minimum effort, while you are smiling and relaxed. Here, the Log was as it was. Only your method changed. May be the other problems we face are like this. The stress is not because of the problems, but is because of the inadequate methods we use to solve them.

Repeated Problems:

There are some problems which we face again and again.

Balancing the monthly budget. Meeting the expenses every month.

Handling the anger of a friend.

Meeting the challenge created by a new competitor for our business.

Staff behaving with disobedience, or in a wrong way.

An advantage with repeated problems is this. The first time we faced the problem, we would have learned how to deal with it. We would have created a process, consisting of a few steps, to deal with that problem. When the problem gets repeated, we are already experienced to deal with that problem.

Another advantage of repeated problems. We know that they are going to be repeated. So we can prepare ourselves in advance. We have a lot of time to find and implement the solutions for the problem, which is going to be repeated in future.

But this needs discipline. We tend not to prepare for the problems which are "going to come" and we tend to think let us deal with that problem when it comes. This makes the problem stronger, and our management becomes somewhat difficult.

Sometimes the problems get repeated with slight modifications.

Examples:

Meeting the monthly expenses. The monthly budget figure is changing from month to month, mostly increasing.

Dealing with difficult people. While the general principles are the same, each time we encounter a new person, their characters are different.

Solution? We have to slightly modify our approach.

We should add additional steps or otherwise modify the standard solution we have found, according to the now slightly changed situation.

In the budget example, may be new revenue routes are required to be created. May be a cushion has to be created, in the expectation of rising expenses.

In the person example, may be it involves bringing in another person in order to neutralize the power of the new difficult person.

Financial Problems.

Many people feel that Most of the problems faced by people are due to money.

But this is not a true fact. Because shortage of finance is not a problem in itself. It is a symptom, it is a result of some other management problem.

For example if a person is poor in income creation, whatever money he had will be spent off, and there is an inability to meet financial commitments.

So we can safely say that all money problems are in fact, money management problems.

This is a very big topic, so I have decided to write separate books for Dealing with Finance Problems, Money management and Becoming Rich. Please subscribe to my blog site: <http://factsoflife.in/wp>

However, the steps in brief are as follows:

Plan well before starting a venture.

Always have cushions for unexpected setbacks.

Cut out and repair the leakages of finance.

Create new sources of finance.

Learn and do finance management effectively and efficiently.

Case Situation :

A businessman facing funds shortage problems

The best way to deal with this is before the problem occurs.

Funds shortage problem happens only when the commitments in a month exceed the inflows in that month. Long before this, the commitments would have exceeded the actual income and we would not have noticed the crossing of that threshold.

Business people should take care that their financial commitments for a period do not exceed the actual income for the same period. Sometimes projections do fail, and this may indicate that the planned cushioning or safety factor is less. This results in lower income and consequent shortfall. If left unattended, the shortfall will drain away all the remaining funds. The immediate step to be taken is to ruthlessly cut down expenses, to a figure which is less than the income. The next step to be taken is to improve the income in so many ways.

How you do these things is beyond the scope of this book. They may be subjects of my subsequent books. Look out for announcements in my blog site http://factsoflife.in/wp.

The Conclusion

After reading this book, Problems should never affect you negatively. You should never be afraid to face problems. In fact, you should welcome them as a source of personal development.

Please send your feedback to : mppari36@gmail.com, with the subject line marked as PSF.

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Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer?

Thanks!

MP Pari

About the Author

The Author of this eBook, Mr.MP Pari, is an ex-bank officer and a business consultant. He has served in senior management positions of many Companies and have helped many business people to solve their business problems. He has often provided simple solutions to their complex problems and has pleasantly surprised many of them with his creative talents.

Possessing about 30 years of business experience, well travelled. With an unlimited thirst for knowledge. Interested in people welfare. These qualities have equipped him with rich and varied practical knowledge which he is keen to share with all, through a series of books like this.

More Books and Products by M.P.Pari

Why People Suffer?

A brief study about the reason many people face hardships and tension, which they can easily avoid.

Mr.Pari also provides business consulting services in India. He specializes in helping to create Revenue sources for clients in the form of Cash Flow Assets, Profit Centers and additional Revenue areas within their business. For more details, email to mppari36@gmail.com .

His Blog Page is at <http://factsoflife.in/wp>
