2026 Q3 Note
NavigatingProblems
Hi there,
As we quest for the best in our career, marriage, education and so on, one thing we cannot escape is problems. They come in different forms, shapes and sizes. Problems are like storms—they come unannounced and sometimes when and in areas we least expect. Problems don’t choose their carriers many times; they come naturally, though in one or two instances they may be self-inflicted. It is okay to have problems; after all, even God and the gods do. I believe you are not shocked by that fact. But before you go along taking up problems that are not coming to you naturally or needfully, you need to stay with me to get a holistic picture of my thoughts.
By default, we don’t like problems. However, life gets boring when there are no problems, and to be honest, no human can ever get to the level of absolute rest, peace or zero problems—at best, you get such moments temporarily.
Why do I say this? If you look at every natural and man-made system, you will agree that entropy (i.e., the degree of chaos or disorder) cannot be zero, and the second law of thermodynamics says this phenomenon will always increase with time. In other words, entropy increases with activities (the spread of energy) or a process of change. This is why, so long as you have breath, you will have a fair share of life’s problems. As people have problems, so do organisations into big things such as the development of next-generation technologies have big problems, and vice versa.
What are problems? Problems are issues, gaps or troubling situations which could be natural or man-made. As we differ based on our ethnic background, religion, colour and other unique aspects, so also do our problems.
For us to navigate problems properly, there are some interesting facts to bear in mind.
Problems Come in Different Levels
Problems can be small, medium or large. What determines the size of any problem is the eventual cost and other resources that go into solving it, or the consequences of not solving it.
- a. Small problems: They can be solved quickly or can even be outsourced in case you don’t have time.
- b. Medium problems: These are technical problems that require some time and expertise.
- c. Large problems: They are big because they take a very long time and you may need the support of people to solve them.
Problems Come in Different Types
I have categorised problems based on how you deal with them once they surface. There are many problems you need to solve, but there are also the ones to avoid—knowing the difference between the two is important.
- a. Problems to run from once they surface: There are some problems that are not worth investing your time, energy and other resources in. You have got to recognise those—it’s like choosing a war to fight.
- b. Problems to face head-on and solve partially or completely: There are other problems to face squarely, with the positive attitude that you are in charge and you can weather the storm. This category of problems can also be called important problems.
Problems Need Some Essential Tools
Many problems need some important tools like time, patience, self-motivation, grit and discipline. These tools are necessary to win over many of life’s problems.
For instance, if someone is obese and he or she doesn’t like their shape, the person concerned will need discipline to go to the gym and eat right. He or she will not see the results of visiting the gym immediately. Hence, patience and motivation are needed to keep going despite a slow or invisible change.
Thomas Edison gave the problem he had enough patience, time and persistence even when many of his experiments failed. His commitment to the problem of darkness led to a breakthrough in science that can never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Getting into problems is like entering a toilet with unflushed faeces. You only have two options: walk away or face the poop. Most people will walk away. This is totally fine, but you may not have the chance to do that all the time. I had such nasty experiences as an undergrad in UI Zik Hall. Those experiences are eyesores I am not proud to share, especially when you compare our situation to what is experienced in relatively advanced countries I have lived in. My point is this: by design, humans love to avoid problems or run away from them. This is because running is always the path of least resistance.
One of the points I have amplified in this note is that you will be pressed left, right and centre by myriads of problems. Don’t think you are the unlucky one—only the dead do not have any problems. But do you know this? The best sailors are not made by smooth sailing; rather, it is the rough and big tides that teach the acclaimed best. Billionaires do have problems you can never imagine, although most of them have created systems that allow them to outsource them. I had my own fair share of a problem that couldn’t be solved last month. In the process, I lost my mom. I was emotionally drained and many of my plans got disrupted. It’s a tough moment, but I will be fine.
I have titled this note “Navigating Problems,” and all I have said so far is describing problems. To balance my argument, do you know that problems always wrap around opportunities? While this is true, it takes only the strong and wise to turn problems, which to me are synonymous with lemons, into lemonade. Problems can hit us at our core, but the response could be to wane and surrender or fight and win. Your response to a problem is the game changer. In every problem there are opportunities.
Quotes
“Every problem has a gift for you in its hands”
— Richard Bach“Life is essentially an endless series of problems. the solution to one problem is merely the creation of the next one. don’t hope for a life without problem. there’s no such thing. instead, hope for a life full of good problems.”
— Mark Manson
Just wanted to share a quick shoutout to this place. The interface is super clean and makes navigating so easy even for beginners. I have been playing here for a few weeks now and the experience keeps getting better with each visit. brbet288
Thank you for sharing with us, even though it’s been a difficult time. It shows your strength and resilience, you’ll always find a way to manage challenges and move forward. A great takeaway for all of us.
Thank you for sharing with us, even though it’s been a difficult time. It shows your strength and resilience, you’ll always find a way to manage challenges and move forward. A great takeaway for all of us.
Very well written! 👏
Time and chance happen to us all, and problems are just part of life.
Sorry again for the loss of your mother. May her memory be a blessing, and may you and your family be comforted.