Key to problem solving: No UPSIZE!

I had this inspiration while talking to a friend few days ago when this friend shared with me some difficulties this friend is having! Would you not agree that when we do think of the problems and difficulties that need our immediate attention, they seem very 'big' and almost impossible to resolve? Have you felt that way?

I used to do track and field in the sprints department, and people keep saying life is like a marathon... A long distance race! I actually disagree. I think it is like steeplechase! There will be times when you are thrown with a problem, a hurdle and you need to find a solution to overcome and jump over it! Tiring? yes. Boring? yes. Depressing? Sometimes. I quote my friend: No life is a bed of roses. none.

Imagine an emotional teenager's stressed out mind:

I just completed my exams and I don't think I did a good job. I am worried for my results. I'm going to enlist to NS in 1 month(there goes my freedom), and I still owe someone money for the soccer bets i gambled on last month. I'm also worried my girlfriend will love an ORD personnel more than a soldier. My best friend is too busy with his Christmas plans because he enlist in April to even hear me out. My dad just got into a fight with my mum and I was like a messenger during breakfast. To make things worse, the bus uncle drove the bus off when I just reached the bus stop just now on the way here.

Okay, this kind of statement would probably have played in your mind before, or you have heard someone tell/whine to you in this manner before. Even when you read it, you would actually think that is really a lot of things that this fellow is going through. I realised the key to minimize the issues is to break it down. Try it out! If we break down the above mentioned, there are actually only FOUR substantial 'problems' he is in right now:

1)I'm worried for my exams.( What is done is done, and it is over. There really isn't anything you can do other than to pray)
2)I owe someone money.( This is actually the only issue that he needs to focus on at this point of time)
3) girlfriend loving an ORD personnel more than me.( You are in no position to dictate who she meets, who she likes, who she go out with. Speaking of losing a girlfriend in NS, you can always look for me, haha)
4)Parents got into a fight.(I personally think there isn't much a child can do when their parents fight, but to be a good child. Show them you are a good filial child, and them fighting for the marriage will be worth it)

I really don't know if it is your mind or your eyes, but when you see the whole issue broken down into point form, it really isn't as 'big' as it seemed to be! The other thing I realised is that when you have problems, every small thing that is NOT going YOUR WAY will become a a new problem! That is why the statement mentioned included a)the bus b)Best friend going for holiday. These things just happen to be unfortunate due to the coincidental clash of timings.

Breaking down your problems into point form next time will probably help you realise that things are not as bad as it seemed to be. Being an economics student, breaking down your issues will also assist you with one of the most important component of economics of scale: Division of FOCUS! Take a deep breath, free your mind and write down your problems into point form, and focus on those that is really actually affecting you!

*Disclaimer: if the above quoted story is related to any person in reality or fiction is due to absolute coincidence. The post is in no way meant to relate to any specific person.