Overwhelmed by the Happenings?
Take The Third Umpire’s Opinion
By Mariam Masood

So, here is a problem that has pushed you into deep thinking and has tested your problem solving skills. You do not feel the need of consulting someone for a possible solution – probably because it is a personal issue or just because you feel that you are almost there; putting the last pieces of the puzzle together.

You try to work your way out but unfortunately, against all your expectations, you fail to resolve it.

Some days later you casually mention the problem to someone - someone who is completely out of context and he, even with the least portion of information, manages to give you the ultimate solution, which you had been hunting for so long. You realize that finding the solution was simple for someone who was not in context.

You appreciate the solution but your mind doesn’t accept its failure. It volleys some doubts. How did this happen? Although I was totally engrossed in the issue, thinking about all the pros and corns, analyzing each stage and evaluating the consequences yet I wasn’t able to find the solution. Maybe I was thinking too much or maybe I was thinking in the wrong direction.

There is a possibility that you haven’t been in a situation like this before. Maybe you are the ‘someone’ who is always giving solutions. Whatever the case may be, there is one factor which plays a key role in being able to find solutions; the third person’s perspective.

Mostly we find it difficult to come out of a problem because we are completely engrossed in it. Sometimes it is important to look at things from a distance. Withdraw from the situation and look at it like someone else would; someone who has nothing to do with any of it – the situation, the people involved, the dominating factors, the actions and their consequences.

It is like acquiring the third umpire’s opinion in the game of cricket. Although there are two umpires on the field, noting every movement of the ball, it is difficult at times to take a decision. Yes, we can argue that the third umpire has the technology one needs to make an accurate decision but on top of that he has the benefit of being out of the scene where all the panic and noise is happening. He can focus better and most likely take the right decision.
Some situations are overwhelming - overflowing with stress - that even the best decision makers stumble in taking a step.

The next time you feel tackling a problem is becoming difficult, remember to ring a relative or friend for help. Being the first one to ask for help is always good because it is like leaving the door open behind you, for the other person to enter. If you fearlessly seek help, it conveys a humble message to the other person; you too can approach me in difficult times.
Once another mind joins you in problem solving, you might see things which you thought never existed before. This will possibly exert a positive effect on your final decision and you will be happier with yourself, really!

 

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