Do you consider yourself someone willing to present a solution to a problem?  Your social media posts, blog comments, and article comments probably provide a pretty good indication if are or not.

Many of us “live” online today and the world has become more social than ever.  Social networks like Facebook and Twitter, the increased popularity of blogging, and online news sites have all contributed to this.  Almost anything you read today you can share your thoughts via the comment or reply box.  These postings and comments reveal whether or not you typically present a solution to a problem, and/or encourage those who do.  Or if you are an instigator who contributes to the problem.

Not part of the solution, then part of the problem

I read an article posted on Indianapolis Star’s website about a exceptional Indiana high school student that is being “banned” from her high school graduation.  To make matters worse she is scheduled to deliver the salutatorian speech at the graduation ceremony.  It is an unfortunate situation that could have been prevented, but I am not here to debate who is right or wrong.

What caught my eye was the large number of comments to this article.  As I read the comments, a trend emerged.  Comments were either condemning the student for her mistake, condemning the system that contributed the situation, or condemning any viewpoint contrary to their own.  It is a trend I notice frequently when reading many news comment streams.  What I see less frequent are contributors who present a solution.  I did notice one contributor suggest a solution to the problem, that involves FedEx and Skype.  For those other posters, I am not sure what purpose they serve.

Choose to be a part of the solution, not the problem

What would happen if more people chose to present solutions to problems??  Or what if you became intentional about doing so?  How would your life be different?  I don’t know any of the comment posters to that article, but I believe problem-solvers can live a more fulfilling life, have better relationships, and more successful careers.  Here are 5 reasons I think you should choose to present solutions when facing problems:

5 Reasons To Be The Solution When Facing a Problem

1. Growth.  When you solve problems you grow, and you are able to solve bigger problems.  Last year my son was unable to make a basket on an 8-foot basketball goal…problem for a basketball player.  So I started him on a 6 foot goal, then moved to 7, and now he is able to make baskets at 8 feet.  Soon we’ll move up to 9 and then 10-feet (regulation height for basketball).
2. Overcome Fear.  Part of me believes the posters that don’t present solutions are fearful.  Fearful that their idea with be rejected or ridiculed.  Problem-solvers present solutions that aren’t always accepted and must overcome any fear or hesitancy in doing so.  The more intentional you are about this, the easier it is to take action in spite of fear.
3. Add Value.  Our 2-year old son likes cold milk each morning, and I like cold orange juice. Whirlpool provides a solution to this by making refrigerators that keep our beverages and foods cold and fresh, so we can enjoy them.  That is very valuable to my family, and I’m sure yours too.
4. Money Follows.  The Notorious BIG made famous the line, “more money…more problems.”  It can also be said, “more problems (solved)…more money.”  Sergey Brin and Larry Page solved the problem of making practically any piece of information easily searchable and found for us, and they are some of the wealthiest people in the world.  The more, or greater, problems you solve, the more you can be compensated.
5. You Become Necessary.  If you weren’t solving problems in the work you do, would you be necessary to your employer or business partners?  If you didn’t provide the companionship your spouse needed, would you be necessary…would you even be married?  If you aren’t solving problems, then you may not be needed…

Question: Share an example of when you chose to present a solution to a problem?