One great thing about holidays is that it provides a convenient escape from the challenges and anxieties of daily living. Life can be tough but holidays can serve as a quick, temporary relief. But now that the excitement of Christmas and New Year is over, it’s about time to sit down and grapple with reality. Obviously, after weeks of running around and spending sprees, now is the right moment to face your . . . real problem.

Who doesn’t have a problem? Having millions will not shield you from problems. Having a great title will not protect you from misery. In fact, the more successful you become, the more challenges you will face. You are successful simply because you have solved more problems than your neighbors.

Life can get exciting when there are problems to solve!

Unpaid bills, philandering husbands, irresponsible kids, stressful workplaces, demanding colleagues, bad roads, and backbiting friends are just some of the challenges that people face. Of course, it’s not the presence of problem that counts. It’s how you face the problem; it’s your attitude that matters. In a way, problems put your character to the test more than anything else.

What are some useful ways to solve your problem?

Identify the real problem

What is the real problem? Many problems have almost the same complications so knowing the origin of your predicament is the key to unlock the suitable solution.

For instance if you have a bad debt, you have to identify whether the real cause is lack of income, inability to budget, excessive gambling, or frequent shopping. As you can see, the solution to any of these varies. Excessive gambling for example may need medication, counseling, and other behavioral interventions. And lack of income may require working overtime, having two jobs, reducing unnecessary expenses, and taking courses to improve skills.

When you know the real problem, finding the right solution is within reach.

Create possible solutions

After knowing the real problem, think about the possible solutions. Don’t limit yourself to only one or two solutions. Have a pen and paper and write down everything you can think of, even those that don’t appear to be plausible. Ask your spouse and trusted friends and relatives to give you a list of solutions. From these long lists, you might find a gem.

Whatever you’re doing — whether you’re driving, cooking, or exercising — think about ways to solve your difficulty. If your mind goes blank, don’t rush. Be patient. Sleep on it. The next day, your mind is fresh to create more ideas.

Read a good book or magazine on your topic of concern. Many reading materials offer credible information about common challenges.

Know the benefits and risks of each alternative

With a long list of solutions, choose appropriate items that apply to your situation. Select only practical and realistic solutions. Never hesitate to remove those items that don’t match the type and severity of your concern.

If possible, reduce the list to five to ten major solutions. Carefully study and know the benefits and potential risks of each one. For every alternative, determine if you can optimize the benefit and lessen the risk.

Seek advice

Seek ideas and suggestions from trusted family members and friends. I’ve mentioned the word “trusted” because I don’t recommend obtaining any suggestions from someone you can’t trust. Moreover, get as much ideas from people who share the same values as you or from people whose values you appreciate.

The quality of advice you get depends on the values of its source.

Gather credible information from experienced and knowledgeable experts and not from people who have worse troubles than you.

Choose and apply the appropriate solution

After weighing each alternative, rank the possible solutions based on your priorities and comfort level. With the benefits and risks in mind, think about the solution that will provide short-term and long-term benefits.

Having said this, some solutions may be tough to swallow in the short-term or may not deliver any acute relief. That’s okay.

Focus on the solution that has the best long-term outcome. And implement the necessary steps to achieve your goals.

Accept the consequences of your decision

After completing the important steps to solve your concern, hope for the best and expect a reasonable outcome. You have a good chance to succeed simply because you’re facing the problem head on.

Despite your efforts, your solution may not always work right away. But since you’ve thought about it and have sought the help of many trusted people including experts, you don’t have to blame yourself or feel guilty if things don’t turn out as you expect. In fact, you have to congratulate yourself for a time well-spent.

Solving a problem is positive — regardless of results.

No doubt, problems are nothing but disguised opportunities. Like the changing of the seasons, they come and go as long as we live. So welcome them with open arms and embrace them with gladness. You’ll be a better person if you do.