Solution Oriented.

There’s a problem? Okay. How do we fix it?

I’m realizing more and more that I’m a solution-oriented person, which is surprising because I’ve always been the one to yap about the minutest problems before working around a solution in the long run. I guess this recent self-discovery stems from my decision to become a better person by taking responsibility for my actions, admitting my wrongs even if it hurts my ego (because who ego epp?🤷🏽‍♀️) etc..

Everyone is allowed to grow right? Everyone is allowed to evolve. In fact, when you think about it more deeply you’ll realize growth is a requirement. We’re expected to grow. Physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and even spiritually. Stunted growth is always seen as a defect. So you’re allowed to be the way you are today but you’re also required to be a better version of who you are today, someday.

Turns out this is inevitable. Growth is inevitable so you can’t let someone shame your today just because of who you were yesterday.

Now that my TEDX tips are done, let’s get back to the theme. I’ve always considered myself a results-oriented person because I am, or should I say, I was. I’m actually a perfectionist, and in as much as perfectionism has its pros I think the bad side of it outweighs the former. It takes hours for me to start and finish something because I care so much about the outcome, so much that the process is as thorough as the word itself just so I can achieve the perfect outcome I envisioned.

Being a perfectionist also means being a control freak.

And so when things go a little off the chart, I tend to throw a huge tantrum, cry over the problem, talk, talk, talk, talk and its got nothing to do with a solution or at least finding one and then I’ll probably eat something( I do this while crying and talking to myself btw🙈) and go to sleep. I’d start thinking of a solution usually the next day or, depending on the severity of the problem on my perfectly thought-out plan, when I’m calm enough to think of a solution. This led to is a conducive environment for procrastination and the pro side of my perfectionist self couldn’t allow that so I decided to be better. Better for God, better for me, better my family, friends, etc. The process hasn’t been easy but it’s been worth it. A result of that is me leaning towards being a solutions person rather than a crybaby when little issues and problems disrupt my plans. I am much calmer because I need to be calm to think of the next steps.

The truth is that this is how life is. There’ll always be something that’ll disrupt your day, year or life. Your power lies in your ability to steer every challenge or problem in your favour. Is there a problem? Your default response should be, how do we fix it? No matter how it hurts. No matter the extent of a negative impact it’s had on you or a project you’re working on. Thinking of a solution makes you accept reality because no matter what happens you’ll end up working on a solution. That’s reality. That’s life. That’s how to live purposefully and meaningfully.

When there’s a problem or a challenge that needs fixing, who do you become? A solution-oriented person? Or like the old me who’d cry and yap about the situation to myself and think of a solution when the “time is right”? The clock is ticking. Hopefully, you’re the new me or even better.😉