Posts tagged ‘reality’
Comment LINK: ‘Note Verbale‘, Manila Times (Sunday-Career Section) - 2 December 2007 Issue
A problem is a situation, a condition or a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved to reach a desired goal or conclusion. Many problems arise when one becomes aware of the substantial distinction between reality and expectation.
Thus, every problem seeks for an answer or perhaps a solution. And the process is known as problem solving. Whether or not a problem is simple or difficult is really dependent on the amount of time spent to find or realize a solution. The sad reality is that there are certain problems that would never have any solution during one’s era of human existence.
Problem solving is always a thought process but the approaches by which problems are resolved vary, depending of the type of the problem. This article classifies them as either concrete or abstract.
Concrete problems, or those where solutions can be derived using the fundamental logic of mental faculties and the inherent attributes or laws of nature, are not usually affective. Mathematical and scientific problems are typical of this type. A sound understanding of evolved bodies of knowledge is the cornerstone of every solution.
But abstract problems, or those borne out of hope or expectation like personal concerns or issues, are more complicated to handle because of emotive factors. They normally involve a set of options and consequently the need to take or make a decision. This type of problem may even present a dilemma, or a state of uncertainty or perplexity that necessitate a choice between equally unfavorable options, a matter of choosing the lesser the evil, so to speak. At times, decisions are not easy to take because they are burdened by morals, some ethical considerations, customs, and even faith.
There is no definite formula or some hard and fast rules to successfully resolve abstract problems although some experts suggest some systematic approaches on how to deal with them. Solving these problems certainly need a lot of creativity and strategy. Many times however they are blurred or prevailed upon by emotional issues that tend to foreclose the application of some structured or theoretical process. Opted solutions may be intuitive and not necessarily objective.
But it is always useful to approach abstract problems with a good strategy.
The first rule is to have a clear definition or understanding of the problem or the question sought to be resolved and simultaneously identify in a definite fashion the expected outcome or answer because this will serve as the goal. The goal must realize or evoke a ‘feel good’ outcome. Otherwise, finding a solution to the problem would not make any sense or may not be worth the effort after all, especially if the end would not justify the means. But one should bear in mind that the more gratifying the goal being sought, the longer and more difficult the solution to the problem becomes. This then would leave the focus in finding or exploring the solution to make the problem and the end meet.
In developing a solution, it is prudent to detach oneself from all emotional elements as much as possible so as not to distract the creative thought process. The next step is to answer the questions: What are then the available options? Are there moral, ethical or normative limitations to the options? What skills, attitude or resources are available to pursue each option? How long and difficult would each option take? In deciding the appropriate solution, it is always wise to choose the easier and shorter path, or sometimes the lesser evil, that would produce the expected outcome. Then, adopt the solution and do all what it takes to make it work.
If the solution did not work, or if the problem does not offer a viable or a working solution, or if the goal is not realized as expected, there must be some good reasons why things did not work.
Accept things as they are, treat them as lessons learned, move on with life, and believe that everything happens for a reason. Remember that by swallowing the bitter pill many human illnesses are also solved.
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