Three Ways To Turn Problems Into Blessings

"Bí orí ṣe tó ló ṣe ńfọ́ olórí " As a head is in size, so it aches the owner. It means, there are problems at every level of development.  While the novice struggles with the basics, the seasoned elder struggles to find a successor,  for example.  Similarly, the young couple is challenged by meddling friends and the mature couple is challenged by their changing personal interests.  No matter where you are in the development cycle, there are important lessons to learn, in other words.  These lessons tend to show up as problems. If you're not careful (ie, patient,  wise and compassionate) you'll rush to get rid of the problem without learning the lesson. 

Here are three ways to turn adversity into blessings by solving problems and internalizing a deeper understanding, too.

1. Listen more than you talk. Before you can manage a problem you have to understand it and the people involved. That only happens when you listen, not only with your ears but also with your heart. Many times, adversity has more to do with how people feel than what is taking place.

2.  Ask open ended questions. This directly supports listening. The more information you can gather on a problem and the people involved the more options you will be able to explore.

3.  Be optimistic.  Never give up hope on the possibilities, the solutions and improvements. Whatever it takes to maintain a positive outlook, do it religiously. Always seek the high ground and believe in the potential for a better situation. 

Every problem is born with a solution. Many times, the solutions actually create even greater opportunities. Live the medicine.