5 Reasons to Think of Solutions Instead of Excuses

It’s not about excuses, it’s about finding solutions. 
Jeff Van Gundy

Do you look for excuses when you don’t exercise or eat healthily? When you cannot get something done, the easiest way out is to give excuses, but it does not solve the problem. The wise thing to do is to look for a workable solution because it offers many advantages:   

    

1.      Just as creative: Looking for a convincing excuse is just as creative as looking for a solution. Why not focus on an answer to solve the problem? The effort is the same, but you get to solve a problem. The longer you procrastinate the more difficult it is to overcome a problem.     

2.      A problem is an opportunity: It is especially so at work. Instead of throwing the problem at your boss, be resourceful to attack the problem. You will get more than just solving a problem, you build self-confidence. Your boss will regard you highly when you report a problem you have noted and solved.    

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.

Duke Ellington

3.      Be responsible: You are responsible for the outcome in whatever you do; you can’t blame others or your circumstances. Admit it that it does not work gracefully and do it in a different way.  

The most important thing to do in solving a problem is to begin.

Frank Tyger

4.      Be a solution provider: A problem gives you a chance to learn and grow. You also gain the respect of others when you are able to come up with solutions to their problems. Happiness is giving.

Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles, they toughen and make strong.  Norman Vincent Peale

5.      A positive mindset: Looking for solutions to problems is a positive mental attitude. Instead of dwelling on a problem, you direct your energy looking for a way out. It is a productive habit.

Believe it is possible to solve your problem.  Tremendous things happen to the believer.

Norman Vincent Peale

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems--not people; to focus your energies on answers--not excuses.

-William Arthur Ward

Are you looking for excuses or solutions for all your troubles?

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What Can Mathematics Teach You about Solving Problems

Effective Ways to Solve Problems

What Can Mathematics Teach You about Solving Problems

What you have learnt about solving mathematical problems can be equally applicable to solving your everyday problems by using the same strategy and approach:


1. Cool head: Like solving a mathematical problem, you avoid doing it when you are under stress, tired, and impatient. Work on a problem with a fresh and calm mind.

2. Focus: You need to do mathematics with mental concentration and avoid distractions. Likewise, you solve a problem with full attention and avoid interruption to your train of thought.

3. Be clear about your problem: A problem in mathematics is stated clearly, you know the problem precisely and you know what to do to solve the problem. It is easier to solve a problem when you know exactly what it is.

4. Simplify a problem: In mathematics, you are often asked to simplify a problem. Similarly, state your problem in simple terms so that you can see the problem clearly.

5. Solving a complicated problem part by part: A mathematics problem can be complicated, but it can be solved part by part, one step at a time. Your real-life problems are the same. Break down a complicated problem into bite-sized pieces and tackle one small part at a time.

6. Getting from the known factors to solve the unknowns: There are unknown factors in mathematics. However, you are given some known factors to find out what the unknown factors are. In solving a real-life problem, you start with what you know and slowly probing into the unknown to find a solution.

7. Write it down: You answer a mathematical problem by showing clearly the logical steps you have taken to arrive at the correct answer. In life, it is equally important to show the steps to be taken in solving a complicated problem. You want to make sure that a problem is resolved correctly, logically, and sequentially.


Are you solving your problems with a mathematical approach?

Effective Ways to Solve Problems

How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Life is challenging and you have to accept the fact that there will be problems, it is important to deal with them positively and effectively:

1.       State the problem clearly: Stating a problem clearly is like getting a problem half-solved. You look for the right solutions when you pinpoint a problem.

2.       Be direct: Don’t dwell on the problem. Take the bull by the horns and attack the problem head-on. Get the problem out of your mind and go on with life.

Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them.  ~ Henry Ford

3.       Be cool, calm, and collected: Do not try to do a thing in haste. Act only when you can think rationally and calmly.

4.       Get help and obtain information: Ask and get ideas from others about how they deal with a similar problem.  Look for more information to guide you to reach an acceptable solution.

5.       Be creative and resourceful:  Look at a problem from different angles and think of a cost-effective solution.

No problem can stand the assault of sustained thinking. ~ Voltaire

6.       Be decisive: When you have reached a decision, act on it quickly before the situation gets worse. Check and monitor the situation to see that you are getting the desired results.

7.       Be ready with alternative plans:  Do you have a plan B? When the one that you have implemented is not working, replace it with an alternative solution.  

Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will. ~     Norman Vincent Peale                 

10 Refreshing Tips to Solve Your Problems

From the ordinary people to the leaders of the world, they are all facing problems of one kind or another day in and day out. How do you look at problems? Here are ten tips from a positive perspective:


1. Acceptance: Life is about encountering problems. Only those people in the cemeteries are without problems. So we should look at problems positively.

2. Problems are opportunities: When you solve a problem, you are also solving other people’s problems. If you turn it into a business you make money while others are happy to get rid of their problems

3. Be resolute: Don’t ignore the problem. Take the bull by the horns. Do not allow a complicated problem to scare you. All problems become smaller when you don’t dodge them, but confront them

4. Prompt action: A very good example is debt. Don’t think that you can deal with it later. It will only get worse. When interest is added with more interest you will get into a situation that is beyond your control. Running away from a problem is a sure way of getting into more problems.

5. Problems at the workplace: When you face a problem, don’t pass it on to your boss. Solve it yourself and let your boss know, he or she will think highly of you and you will be more assured of yourself to solve bigger problems.

6. Trying is better than doing nothing: Don’t dwell on the problem, do something. Taking action is better than inaction.

7. Build confidence: Solving problems are a great way to boost your confidence. Each time you face a problem, you look at it as a challenge with a positive mindset.

8. Promote creativity: Welcome problems to sharpen your creative mind. The more problems you can solve the more resourceful and creative you will be.

9. Get help: Find out from others how they deal with problems similar to yours.

10. State the problem right: What is the cause of the problem? Go right into the root of it. A problem well stated is a problem half solved


Problems bring you excitement into your life. Let problem solving make you a more confident, resourceful and creative person.

7 Steps to Solve Your Problems

Problems

Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. M. Scott Peck

We all face problems in our life. The only difference is your reaction to the problems. Look at problems positively will make a world of difference in dealing with them. Do not view problems as obstacles to your growth. Problems are a challenge in our life. They are opportunities for growth. Here are the steps to solve problems: 

 1. Be calm: Do not allow negative emotions such as fear to frighten you when you are encountering a problem. Stay calm and collected. A positive mindset will allow you to look at a problem fully and clearly  

2. Look at the problem carefully: Closely examine the sources of the problem and gather enough information about the subject, Find out more about it from experienced people. Identify those that are beyond our control and find ways to tackle those we can deal with. 

 3. Take a break: When you are stuck, get away from it and have a break. Allow your mind to clear its clutter. 

 4. Find a solution: Based on the information that you have collected in the previous stage. You are now looking at ways to overcome the problem. Always find a simple solution to a complicated problem. 

 5. From the known to the unknown: Find out from your previous experience if you can use it to solve the present problem. Start with what you know about what to do and move on to the unknown. 

 6. The best solution: A solution should be beneficial to you and to others. Look at the solution impartially. You may not find the right answer, just look for a suitable solution 

 7. Action: Carry out the steps to solve the problem. Review the actions taken at regular intervals. Revise and make adjustments whenever necessary. 

 A positive mental attitude will be an advantage to deal with problems in life. For each problem that you are able to find a solution, you will achieve a higher level of satisfaction and happiness. 

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The 3 Mental Attitudes you must possess to Deal with Problems