A simple way to deal with problems

Are you tired of getting sucked into things that just waste your time? Are you getting frustrated about things you have no control over? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too! Here’s one way I deal with it, that might help you as well.

If you want to avoid wasting your time on issues and incidents that are out of your control, change your perspective.

TV’s effect to make you angry
If you watch TV or are on the internet, you’ve probably gotten frustrated at some point, especially after witnessing some injustice being committed in which the perpetrators have not been served any punishment.

I try not to watch TV for that reason–a lot of the investigative news programs feature violent acts by criminals who’ve gotten light sentences or even been released on some technicality.

It can be maddening, and a big waste of time.

Sometimes I find myself getting so caught up in things that are beyond my control. I see some kind of injustice going on and I become furious. I want to lead a revolution for change.

However, instead of actually starting a revolution, I do a bunch of pushups, go for a walk, play keyboard, watch movie trailers, or watch a movie. Anything to change my state (of mind). Although I can imagine myself as a Don Quixote riding some invisible horse of destiny, aiming an old toothbrush at some imaginary windmill, I’m just another dreamer with an with a backpack full of excuses.

That’s why I write, because it helps sort out thoughts and enables me to have control over something, even if it’s just the digital impression made on digital paper, a cathartic exhale while I stare into this box of light.

Sucked into revolution
When you get caught up in trying to change something that is bigger than you, something that can’t be changed, you’re likely to end up spent, exhausted, deflated, tired, and confused. Whether it’s a protest rally or something you find when watching the news that riles you up, it’s out of your control, and, in the big picture, there’s little you can do.

Free yourself
One thing you can do is this: change your perspective.

Understand, that, the potholes are only as big as you want them to be.

If the problem is big, you’re too close to it. Move away from it to get some perspective. Get some friends to help you see it for what it really is.

If you’re getting riled up about something that you have little control over, recognize it for what it is, take action, then move on.

The potholes are only as big as you want them to be.

Your problems may look big to you. When you share them others, the size of them will shrink. In order to see the problem for what it really is, get others to help you analyze it, then find a solution.

The next time someone comes at you with a complaint, tell them, listen to them. Let them rant. Think of this as holding down the trigger button while the on the can of spraypaint while the paint escapes from the nozzle. Let them exit their frustration.

Then, ask them some questions. If there is a 1% chance that their problem can be solved, then the chance still exists. Use your questions like a shovel to dig out evidence to support more chances that the problem can be solved.

Then, tell them: The potholes are only as big as you want them to be.

A new perspective can help you look at life in a new way.