INSPIRED TODAY: DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE

Over the next few weeks we are going to be talking about twelve principles for managing problems positively

In the course of living, setting goals, overcoming challenges and meeting those, goals, some problems arise. There problems can be solved if we put them into the right perspective. However, there are times when some problems cannot be solved at a particular point in time, due to either a lack of resources or adequate knowledge to solve that problem. Hence the need to manage the problem arises. Since the HIV/AIDS virus was discovered, scientist has been working earnestly to find a cure, all to no avail. So, they found a way to manage it with the use of Antiretrovirals, pending the time when the cure would be discovered.

The first principle for managing problems is; do not underestimate a problem.

Many problems are not managed effectively because they are not taken seriously enough. In 2009, there was a conflict between Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group, and Nigerian security forces. Violence across several states in north eastern Nigeria left over 1000 people dead, with around 700 killed in the city of Maiduguri alone. Prior to the clashes, many local Muslim leaders and at least one military official had warns the Nigerian authorities about Boko Haram. Those warnings were reportedly ignored. There is no need to highlight the effects of ignoring such a problem, as they are lucid enough for all to see.
The insurgency was underestimated, and we have paid dearly for it. Over 200 girls have been kidnapped for over a year and nothing has been done about it. Have you ever been guilty of any of these thoughts?
“I’m not too fat , i don’t have to worry about losing weight yet”
“I’m not getting As or Bs but I’m passing”
“I haven’t been exercising as much as i should but i would be ok.”
“I probably should cut down on my smoking, but i don’t need to worry. Lung cancer may hit others but i won’t get it.”
Such thinking is dangerous. We must avoid the temptation to underestimate the seriousness of problems that on the surface may appear light. Problems are like a pregnancy, they’ll grow until their presence is obvious. No problem is unimportant enough to ignore.
In addition, don’t underestimate your power to cope with it. Realise that the problem you’re facing has been faced by a millions of human beings. You have untapped potential to deal with those problem of yours, if only you can take them seriously.