How to Solve Your Problems in a Better Manner

"Nobody has a perfect life. Everybody has their own problems" is one of the oft-repeated quotes. But some people seem to know how to solve their problems more easily. You may wonder how they possess this ability while you keep on struggling to come out of the tough situations you are mired in. Experts on personal development suggest that you should ask a few basic questions to change your approach to handling such situations.  

1.  What is the situation?
 
2.  I do not like the situation. I am ill at ease and feeling suffocated. So, what is the preferred situation that can lift me to a "tensionless state," as Victor Frankl puts it in his "Man's Search for Meaning." ?
 
3.  How can I create the preferred situation?
 
4.  How can I know that I have succeeded in creating the preferred situation?

Unfortunately, there is a caveat. The answers to questions 3 and 4 are very difficult to get, though it is comparatively easier to get the answers to questions 1 and 2. This is because the answers to questions 3 and 4 depend on several factors, most of which may not be under your control. This being the case, how can you be objective while analyzing the situation to find the most appropriate solution for the situation you are facing? This is a real tussle, a tussle between objectivity and reality. So, let us find out how you should go about getting the right answers to all the above questions.
 

In order to succeed in this vital step, you have to embrace two things and they are compromise and tactfulness. When I talk of "tactfulness," it should not be construed that I am advocating "deceit."  On the contrary, embracing compromise and tactfulness, of course, over trivial points will help in avoiding unnecessary, energy-sapping debates and confrontations. Simply put, you should "let go of little irritants," as experts advise. This is a pragmatic approach and it is a life-time and ongoing project. 

But while making compromises, should you compromise on your principles as well? "Never should you do it" is the answer. You should never give any room for diminution or dilution of your principles. You should not also try to impose your principles on others even if you mask your action behind the euphemistic phrase like "for the good of others."

So, if you take your eyes off trivial matters and focus only on more important factors, you will certainly be able to get the most appropriate answers for questions 3 and 4. Once you have answers for all the four questions, you can amazingly solve your problems in a better manner.