Problem Solving Does Not Have to Be a Problem

We encounter problems daily. Often multiple times in a day. Generally, most quotidian problems are of small dimensions; a thorn introducing chaos in an otherwise orderly environment that is our life condition. Chaos and order can coexist harmoniously, one feeding and stemming from the other in a yin-yang tango. Sometimes small problems keep our otherwise boring lives entertaining. They provide us with a concrete challenge to stretch our imagination, and, consequently, expand our potential.

At times (rarely for most individuals—and thankfully so), massive unfavorable circumstances may arise. These are extremely challenging issues like a sudden major financial struggle, being diagnosed with terminal cancer, getting involved in a disastrous car accident.

Most times, what we perceive as "problems" knocking on the doors of our existence fall between "very small inconveniences" and "massive life-changing catastrophes". Sometimes, the problems we face are novel, hence requiring original solutions. For the most part, we cannot control the external circumstances occurring in our personal or professional lives. We can control our response to them. That is one of the core pillars of Stoicism, the ancient philosophy with timeless wisdom. That is amor fati, as German philosopher, Nietzchewould put it.

Sometimes, we can influence—to some degree—the occurrence of problems through our behaviors. When we fail to act transparently, we know, somewhere deep, that our wrongdoing will be revealed at some point. When we fail to take ownership of our actions, we are aware that such a choice may have a future impact on our consciousness.

*Problem-solving *is how we respond to problems. A problem exists when we are consciously faced with a gap between reality and the status quo. In such a case, we may decide that change is needed. That is where problem-solving originates. This essay delves into the problem-solving process, applying a systematic approach to tackling seemingly unfavorable life circumstances. Everything begins with a clear principle: the first step toward solving a problem is understanding it.