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