Helping devotees succeed!

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The significant problems we face cannot be solved on the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. Albert Einstein

We need a different perspective, different consciousness.

We cannot remain in ignorance and expect to solve our problems effectively. 

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How do you see your problems?

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The biggest problem in our lives is not the problems we face but the way we see them.

If you see a problem as a problem, THAT is a problem.

If you see a problem as an opportunity, you have a starting point of effectively solving your problem.

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If you think that every problem is an opportunity for something, your problem solving will be creative and effective.

Stop using the word 'problem'. Whatever difficult thing you encounter in

life, you can call it a challenge or an opportunity.

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Problems that life puts before us are not meant to crush us or discourage us.

They are meant to help us learn, grow and become wiser.

They are meant to make us stronger.

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Welcome your problems and see the hand of the supreme intelligence in them.

Use them to your advantage. When you face a problem, ask yourself

'What this problem is an opportunity for?'

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1. Every living human beings has problems.2. Every problem has a limited life span.3. Every problem holds positive possibilities.4. Every problem will change you. 5. You can choose what your problem will do to you.6. There is a negative and a positive reaction to every problem.

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One man first had an aeroplane accident, survived, but remained paralysed.

Then he burned himself completely in a motorbike accident.

Nowadays he is a motivational speaker. His face is still burnt, he can't walk, he

doesn't even have hands, but he is so happy and successful. 

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When he was in a hospital, a nice-looking nurse came to take care of him. He decided to marry her.

She is now his wife and she is happy to have such a husband.

He looks almost like a monster, he but his mind is so focused, so strong.

You can see him on the Internet, he writes books, gives talks to large audiences. 

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People have such extreme difficulties in their lives, much worse than anything we went through.

This man turned a huge problem into an opportunity.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says:“O Partha, happy are the ksatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planets.” Bg 2.32

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Arjuna saw fighting as a problem, but Krishna explained that this is an opportunity.

The biggest problem is not the problem itself, but the way we see the problem.

Train yourself to see problems as opportunities and to turn problems into opportunities and your life will improve in a way that will surprise you, and enliven both you and the people you care about. 

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Problem as Krsna’s test Problem as blessing Akincana Gocara Dina Bandhu Deal with problems in the mode of goodness Expect the best but be ready for anything Think before you speak

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Although Arjuna was putting forward so many arguments based on knowledge of the principles of religion and moral codes, it appears that he was unable to solve his real problem without the help of the spiritual master, Lord Sri Krsna. Bg 2.8

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Therefore, if we want to curb lamentation for good, then we have to take shelter of Krsna, as Arjuna is seeking to do. So Arjuna asked Krsna to solve his problem definitely, and that is the way of Krsna consciousness. Bg 2.8

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Therefore, directly understanding the constitutional position of the soul is the solution of the whole problem. Bg 3.42

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With intelligence one has to seek out the constitutional position of the soul and then engage the mind always in Krsna consciousness. That solves the whole problem. Bg 3.42

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Being an associate of Lord Krsna, Arjuna was above all ignorance, but Arjuna was put into ignorance on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra just to question Lord Krsna about the problems of life so that the Lord could explain them for the benefit of future generations of human beings and chalk out the plan of life. Then man could act accordingly and perfect the mission of human life. Bg Introduction

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If one adopts the principles enunciated in Bhagavad-gita, he can make his life perfect and make a permanent solution to all the problems of life. This is the sum and substance of the entire Bhagavad-gita. Bg Introduction

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Who is the man in material perplexities? It is he who does not understand the problems of life. In the Brhad-aranyaka Upanisad (3.8.10) the perplexed man is described as follows: yo va etad aksaram gargy aviditvasmal lokat praiti sa krpanah. "He is a miserly man who does not solve the problems of life as a human and who thus quits this world like the cats and dogs, without understanding the science of self-realization.“ Bg 2.7

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This human form of life is a most valuable asset for the living entity who can utilize it for solving the problems of life; therefore, one who does not utilize this opportunity properly is a miser. On the other hand, there is the brahmana, or he who is intelligent enough to utilize this body to solve all the problems of life. Ya etad aksaram gargi viditvasmal lokat praiti sa brahmanah. Bg 2.7

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Academic knowledge, scholarship, high position, etc., are all useless in solving the problems of life; help can be given only by a spiritual master like Krsna. Therefore, the conclusion is that a spiritual master who is one hundred percent Krsna conscious is the bona fide spiritual master, for he can solve the problems of life. Lord Caitanya said that one who is master in the science of Krsna consciousness, regardless of his social position, is the real spiritual master. Bg 2.8

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The problems of material existence -- birth, old age, disease and death -- cannot be counteracted by accumulation of wealth and economic development. In many parts of the world there are states which are replete with all facilities of life, which are full of wealth and economically developed, yet the problems of material existence are still present. Bg 2.8

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They are seeking peace in different ways, but they can achieve real happiness only if they consult Krsna, or the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam -- which constitute the science of Krsna -- through the bona fide representative of Krsna, the man in Krsna consciousness. Bg 2.8

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The path of religion, or the different kinds of sacrifice recommended above, automatically solves our economic problems. By performance of yajna we can have enough food, enough milk, etc. -- even if there is a so-called increase of population. Bg 4.31

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There are different grades of material comforts in different heavenly planets, and in all cases there is immense happiness for persons engaged in different kinds of yajna. But the highest kind of happiness that a man can achieve is to be promoted to the spiritual planets by practice of Krsna consciousness. A life of Krsna consciousness is therefore the solution to all the problems of material existence. Bg 4.31

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Those who are not actually philosophers, scientists, educators, administrators, etc., but who pose themselves as such for material gain, do not accept the plan or path of the Supreme Lord. They have no idea of God; they simply manufacture their own worldly plans and consequently complicate the problems of material existence in their vain attempts to solve them. Because material energy (nature) is so powerful, it can resist the unauthorized plans of the atheists and baffle the knowledge of "planning commissions.“ Bg 7.15

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No one should remain in this temporary world, full as it is with miseries. Everyone should attach himself to the bosom of the Supreme Personality of Godhead so that he can be eternally happy. The devotional service of the Supreme Lord is the only process by which all problems of all classes of men can be solved. Everyone should therefore take to Krsna consciousness and make his life perfect. Bg 9.33

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A devotee of Krsna is friendly to everyone. Therefore it is said here that he has no enemy (nirvairah). How is this? A devotee situated in Krsna consciousness knows that only devotional service to Krsna can relieve a person from all the problems of life. He has personal experience of this, and therefore he wants to introduce this system, Krsna consciousness, into human society. Bg 11.55

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A Krsna conscious person knows that if a man is suffering it is due to his forgetfulness of his eternal relationship with Krsna. Therefore, the highest benefit one can render to human society is relieving one's neighbor from all material problems. In such a way, a pure devotee is engaged in the service of the Lord. Now, we can imagine how merciful Krsna is to those engaged in His service, risking everything for Him. Bg 11.55

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While one is performing devotional service in the association of pure devotees in full Krsna consciousness, there are certain things which require to be vanquished altogether. The most important thing one has to surmount is weakness of the heart. Bg 15.20

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The first falldown is caused by the desire to lord it over material nature. Thus one gives up the transcendental loving service of the Supreme Lord. The second weakness of the heart is that as one increases the propensity to lord it over material nature, he becomes attached to matter and the possession of matter. The problems of material existence are due to these weaknesses of the heart. Bg 15.20

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In this chapter the first five verses describe the process of freeing oneself from these weaknesses of heart, ... Bg 15.20

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Bg 15.1 - The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: It is said that there is an imperishable banyan tree that has its roots upward and its branches down and whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.

Bg 15.2 - The branches of this tree extend downward and upward, nourished by the three modes of material nature. The twigs are the objects of the senses. This tree also has roots going down, and these are bound to the fruitive actions of human society.

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Bg 15.3-4 - The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment. Thereafter, one must seek that place from which, having gone, one never returns, and there surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead from whom everything began and from whom everything has extended since time immemorial.

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Bg 15.5 - Those who are free from false prestige, illusion and false association, who understand the eternal, who are done with material lust, who are freed from the dualities of happiness and distress, and who, unbewildered, know how to surrender unto the Supreme Person attain to that eternal kingdom.

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First, approach the problem with the expectant attitude that there is a logical practical solution just waiting to be found. Be relaxed, calm, confident and clear in your mind.

Second, change your language from negative to positive. Instead of the word “problem,” use the word “situation.”

Problem is a negative word while situation is a neutral word.

“We have an interesting situation”, is better than, “We have a problem.”

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The third step is to define the situation clearly, in writing. “Exactly what is the situation?”

Then ask, “What else is the situation?” Sometimes stating the problem in different words makes it much easier to solve.

Meeting people is very important. Network at every opportunity.

Fully 50% of situations can be resolved by accurate definition.

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Step number four is to, ask “What are all the possible causes of this situation?” Failure to identify the causes or reasons for the situation often causes you to have to solve it again and again.

Fully 25% or more of situations can be effectively dealt with by discovering the correct causes.

Step number five is to ask, “What are all the possible solutions?”

Write out as many solutions or answers to the situation as possible before moving on. The quantity of possible solutions usually determines the quality of the solution chosen.

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Step number six is to “Make a clear decision.” Usually any decision is better than none.

Step number seven is to “Assign clear responsibility for carrying out the decision and then set a deadline for completion and review.”

Remember, a decision without a deadline is just a fruitless discussion.

Finally, step number eight is to follow-up, monitor the decision, compare actual results with expected results and then generate new solutions and new courses of action.

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First, state the problem clearly, in writing, so that you know exactly what it is that you are trying to solve. Ask, “What else is the problem?”

Second, develop as many solutions as you possibly can, including doing nothing, before you make a decision. Quality of ideas is in direct proportion to the quantity that you generate.

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Your ability to communicate is the most important skill you can develop to get on to the fast track in your career.

Perhaps the most important thing you do in life or work is to solve problems and make decisions, both by yourself and with other people.

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A major type of communication in the organizations is meetings for problem solving and decision making.

The key to effective problem solving and decision making discussions is to go through the process systematically.

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Right at the beginning, you ask the question, "What exactly is the problem?" Clarity of definition will resolve 50% of the issues before they go any further.

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When discussing a problem, be sure to focus on the future over the past.

Ask the question, "Where do we go from here?" "What do we do from here?" "What are our options for the future?"

Too many problem-solving discussions end up focusing all of the attention of all the people present on what happened in the past and who is to blame.

The effective leader uses this type of communication to focus on where the company and the individuals are going, and what can happen in the future - the only part of the equation over which anyone has any control.

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A second element in effective problem solving communications, is to talk about the solutions instead of talking about the problems.

Keep the attention of the individuals in the meeting focused on the possible solutions and what can be done rather than what has already happened.

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The discussion of solutions is inherently positive, uplifting and has a tendency to release creativity amongst the group.

A discussion of problems is inherently negative, demotivating and tends to inhibit creativity.

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You can become a positive thinker simply by becoming a solution-oriented person rather than a problem-oriented person.

If you get everyone in your organization thinking and talking in terms of solutions, you will be astonished at the quality and quantity of ideas that will emerge.

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Two things you can immediately do to become a better problem solver and decision maker.

First, take some time to be absolutely clear about the problem that is under discussion. Give some thought to what an ideal decision or solution would accomplish. Instead of focusing on the situation as it is, talk about the situation as you would like it to be.

Second, keep the conversation focused on solutions, on what can be done in the future. The more you think and talk about solutions, the more positive and creative everyone will be and the better ideas you will come up with.

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