As long as there are two forces that are equal and opposite, there is a problem!!

In the present discussion of ‘Keeping it Simple,’ I aim to help you come to terms with the fact that we cannot live without problems. Either we create problems of our choice, or problems come by themselves. We create problems of our choice because we know that we have the ability to solve them. I will also discuss the different types of problems we have in life and explain the steps we can take to overcome them.

When you become more capable, you purposely invite more problems for yourself!

What is your view about life? Is it simple or complicated? For most people, life is complicated. For some, it is simple, but we make it complicated. For others, unless something happens, it makes them feel that it’s getting complicated again. Sometimes, it is simple in our daily lives but chaotic in our minds.

One thing that needs no clarification is that we try to live cautiously to make our lives simpler and avoid getting into complications. When I started the journey of self-discovery, I approached a counselor and told him about all the problems troubling me. Looking back, I laugh at how inconsequential these problems were. During those days, they seemed like real problems—such as the desire to establish my own enterprise, gain professional success, a difference of ideas with my parents, and worry about matrimonial alliances, among others.

He listened to me and said that there were solutions to these problems, which could be addressed through sessions. Hearing that my problems might disappear, I wondered if all my problems would really go away. I asked him, “So really, is it possible that all my problems will go away?” He laughed as if I had cracked a joke. I then asked him, “So why should I come there if all my problems wouldn’t disappear?”

I wanted quick solutions right there and demanded simplicity. He responded, “Your problems will never disappear from your life, but your ability to solve problems will increase.” When you get more capable, you purposely invite more and more problems for yourself—invite them on purpose, then get busy dealing with them, and then look for new problems.

Moreover, problems exist only when there is an equal and opposing force. The problem can be an individual idea versus a counter idea, an individual’s thought versus a counter thought, or an individual versus another individual.

But how do we define what a problem is?

The foremost thing you must do if you have a problem is define it. I believed that it was very easy for people to define a problem, but when I started talking to them, I found out that it was actually quite the opposite. Most people couldn’t simply define the problem right away. When you ask people directly, “What is your problem? Why do you behave in a particular way in a relationship? Why are you cranky?” they might say, “I don’t have any problem. You are the problem because you are asking it repeatedly.”

The definition of a problem is very simple—two forces equal and opposite is a problem. To understand the problem, you have to recognize both forces that are against each other. As long as there are two forces that are equal and opposite, there is a problem. It only gets solved when one force becomes less forceful and the other becomes more, making you win or lose.

Problems can be divided into the following three categories:

In the next blog, we will discuss these categories in detail and explore effective strategies to address them.