Problems and Integrity

By Douglas Ross

“Everyone has problems, everyone suffers to varying degrees at different degrees- the only way out is objectivity “Buddhist quote

Problems are everywhere. Pick up a newspaper! Turn on the TV! Talk to your neighbor! Phone a friend! Get a new job! Take a trip!

The weather is a problem –it is either too hot or too cold. Age is a problem –you are either too young or too old or aging too quickly. Money is a problem –you never have enough. Relationships are a problem –either you have a relationship that causes problems or you want a relationship.  Jobs are a problem- so is not having a job.  

The whole world is full of problems!  Everyone, everywhere is talking about problems!

What then in Heaven’s name do problems have to do with integrity?

Problems are universal. They are part of everything all the time.  Every progressive step the human race has achieved originated in a problem. And every new step has created new problems!

Problems occur in every civilization throughout history and they will continue to do so into the future.  Problems embrace every race, every religion, every age, and both sexes regardless of fame, fortune or power.  Every person who has walked the face of the earth has had problems. 

Problems are path dependent. In other words the same problems show up on the same path regardless of who, where or when they are encountered.

Individuals all over the world encounter problems with everyday needs such as transportation, food, housing and not so basic problems such as self fulfillment. Parents all across the world encounter similar problems with children.  

Problems are conflict laden. Fundamental problems arising out of different value s and beliefs create conflict over rights, privileges and entitlements between nation states. Simple actions over what to do next and how to do it can create conflict within the workplace and in family

 Problems are by nature paradoxical. They are big and small.

Universal problems of war and peace, life and death, poverty and prosperity walk along side personal problems about age, weight or education.

Problems seem to have a life of their own. We can grow any problem to any size and shape we want.  We carry the same problems with us –we use them to influence our present and our future!

We see the same problems ones over and over again in different shapes and forms. 

Problems are addictive! We talk about past problems, current problems, and future problems. We talk about our problems and even our neighbor’s problems.

We tell others what their problems are. We love solving other people’s problems even if we are not asked. We are problem obsessed!

Problems are the bane of our existence

Yet we all get through them –one way or the other. 

We know that without problems we do not grow and prosper. Problems offer us mental, physical and social challenges that shape our character and our destiny. Problems are at the heart of all progress –material, cultural, spiritual and physical.

So what is the problem?

The problem is what to do with problems. That’s a choice and that choice is both a curse and a blessing. The curse is that there are problems; the blessing is problems have solutions. The journey is finding the solutions that manifest the consequences you need.  

Solving a problem the right way is about integrity.

Integrity is wholeness, consistency and objectivity. Integrity is doing the right thing, doing the next right thing and doing thing right.

Want to learn more? Come back next week to read about integrity and problem solving and  visit our site at http://www.principledynamics.com