We have been told time and again by motivational talkers that “We are either part of the problem or part of the solution.” We have also read this in their books. So many motivational books quote this sentence. But not everyone pays a serious thought to its meaning.

How many times have you heard people saying, “I can’t solve this problem?” How many times have you heard them saying “This problem will lead to a dead end, and there isn’t any hope?” Or how many times have you felt confused yourself about solving a particular problem? Have you ever felt that the problem is something you cannot solve and nobody can solve this problem? Or have you felt the need of seeking the advice of experts in problem solving?

Even if you think you can’t solve the problem, you are still facing it. Rather the problem is troubling you every hour of the day. And at the back of your mind, you hear yourself saying, “This problem should go any how, what I should do?” Or have you felt like you have exhausted all possible options and you have stopped thinking about possibilities to solve the problem?

Whether the problem is big or small, it’s solvable. Our problem was to land on the Moon. We solved it. Our problem now is to land on Mars. We will solve this problem also. There is always a means to find out the solution. We have learnt that every problem, big or small, comes with an in-built solution. The only thing we have to do is find a means to locate that solution, that’s all. However, finding a proper means is the difficulty for many of us.

I am sure you have also heard this sentence, “If I can do it, why not you?” This is the motivation we very often tell others. We very often say to our clients, “Don’t worry. I can solve your problem. I will find out the solution. Here is the solution to your problem.” Many people don’t accept our suggestions. They don’t seem to feel that our suggested solutions are the solutions to their problems. These people are the problem creators. I tell you why. They see problems in the solutions. Some of them might be thinking at the back of their mind, “If I can’t do it, how can you?”

When I say you have about 100 Billion neurons inside your brain and each of your neurons can make a minimum of 100 thousand connections. Each connection is called a synapse. That means you can make 100 trillion synapses. And remember, each synapse is responsible for one unit of your memory. You have such a huge potential, you can do so many great things in life what to talk of solving simple problems. Many people may think I must be kidding.

Some people listen attentively. And some people don’t. I used to enquire from the students at the end of my three months course in motivation at SAFE Group of Institutions, Bangalore, about the number of neurons. But not more than 10% of the students remembered the exact numbers, that is, 100 Billion neurons x 100 Thousand connections = 100 Trillion synapses. And those students who remembered used to get 90% to 97% marks in their final exams.

The purpose of narrating all this is to say that we are either problem creators or problem solvers. The choice is yours.

But for those who still think they can’t solve their problems, here are some tips.

1. Problem Solving Ability

Every one of us has got an inherent problem solving ability. The only thing you have to do is develop it and nourish it. You should know one important thing in your life that you can acquire any kind of skills. You can learn it.  You can learn so many techniques of problem solving. With some creative problem solving techniques you can look at your problems from different angles. And one of the angles will definitely lead you to a possible solution.

2. What Is Creativity

To be creative you don’t have to be very intelligent. Thomas Alva Edison was partially deaf and he was never intelligent. He didn’t complete his primary education. Bill Gates was a school dropout. He was never considered intelligent. But they were so creative that they became No. 1 in the world in their respective fields.

To be creative, you have to use the right side of your brain. Human brain has got two hemispheres. These hemispheres are astonishingly connected to your body in the opposite sides. The right hemisphere of your brain is connected to your left side of the entire body. And the left hemisphere of your brain is connected to your right side of the entire body.

To stimulate the right side of your brain, do some exercises involving the left side of your body.

3. Be Open Minded

You have to be open-minded and resort to free thinking in order to be able to solve all your problems. Don’t limit yourself to low thinking. Think high and aim for the star. Broaden your mental horizon. What is the difference between you and the Prime Minister/President of your country? Your President has myriads of problems for the entire nation. They carry on with the governance of the country and they can still sleep for hours.  But  they have got the same potential of 100 Trillion synapses as you have. Now open up your mind and listen to world what is going on everywhere. Only then you will be able to solve all your problems.

Yours forever,
Rajendra Sagolsem