When I was an undergrad, one of my mentors gave me advice that changed how I approach any obstacle that I’m facing. During a conversation about a problem I was having, he told me that the best thing you can do when facing a challenge is to “overwhelm the problem.”
In both business and the classroom, overwhelming the problem means confronting it head-on with a multitude of strategies and with force. I’ve come to learn that over time, overwhelming an issue is different than merely acknowledging it or even responding to it. To truly overwhelm, you have to fully commit yourself to ensuring that the issue is addressed at its core. What you will find is that a lot of people aren’t willing to go there. This principle reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “Do you really want to win, or look good losing?” Most people are fine if they lose as long as they still look good. They certainly aren’t going to be the person that fights for a win.
Although it feels obvious, the most valuable people in any organization are the ones who solve problems. Actually, solve them. They are the ones who don't shy away from challenges but rather tackle them with determination and creativity. In a business setting, these individuals are the ones who drive innovation, find solutions, and ultimately contribute to the success of the organization. And yes, they are likely to get paid the most. It is easy to tell the difference between “the problem solvers” and the “problem finders”. The problem finders can identify the issue but can’t be trusted to overwhelm the problem driving to it’s solution. The people that overwhelm the problem run it through the finish line. They are the people you can rely on to make the impossible happen.
In the classroom, those who overwhelm the problem are the ones who are likely to excel academically. They are the students who embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, who seek out resources and support, and who persist in the face of setbacks. These students not only master the material but also develop critical thinking skills and resilience that serve them well in their future endeavors.
I’m the first to admit that I am not good at a lot of things, but here I’ll be honest that I am pretty good at staring down an issue. One of the moments I’m most proud of is when The Gathering Spot was told that we wouldn’t be able to “gather” people anymore during the pandemic. Instead of retreating, we went headfirst into the problem. Our theme for that time was “We All We Got.” We created programs to keep folks engaged, funded businesses, fed those in need, and created some amazing content. Our mindset as a team wasn’t to just get by, instead we were focused on completing the mission, no matter the obstacles. We overwhelmed the problem and were able to survive as a business when the odds were against us and The Gathering Spot wouldn’t be here today if we hadn’t.
So whether you're facing a difficult project at work, navigating personal challenges, or pursuing academic success, remember the power of going the extra mile to overwhelm the problems. Most people can’t. It's often the individuals who are willing to confront challenges head-on and push beyond their comfort zones who achieve the greatest success. So, the next time you encounter an obstacle, overwhelm it.
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