Short and long term problem solving

The way in which we learn to deal with problems says a lot about our ability to manage and handle our emotions. It is important that we learn to value each of the adversities that are presented to us, taking into account their real magnitude and the degree of urgency they imply.

That is why, based on a basic methodology of classification of problems, we distinguish between short-term and long-term problems. The strategies and treatment to be applied for the resolution of these problems will depend on the urgency and the need for attention required by each specific problem.

During the development of this guide we will be addressing some of the most important elements that revolve around the need to classify our problems in order to develop effective mechanisms to help us combat them.

Classification of problems

The first task we must carry out when it comes to correctly managing our problems is to learn how to classify them. Regardless of the dissimilar classifications that exist, there are two that easily encompass the degree of urgency that they demand: short and long term problems. When we refer to short or long term, we are not necessarily talking about the date in which they must be attended to.

It is a common misconception that a long-term problem is a problem that does not require our attention at this time or is less important. Long-term problems can be equally or more important than short-term problems, the distinction between the two lies mainly in the time to order our actions to work on solving them.

Short-term problems

Short-term problems are those that cannot be postponed in any way since they demand our attention at this very moment. As we said before, they are not more important than the long-term ones, but they must be solved as a primary requirement when facing the long-term ones. A short-term problem can be an obstacle to approaching long-term problems, so it makes no sense for us to worry about taking actions to promote a solution to long-term problems if we have not been able to deal with the ones that are impeding our progress.

Long-term problems

This group of problems is more time-consuming to solve than short-term problems. This does not mean that we cannot take any action to prepare for or mitigate the negative effects of these problems when the time comes to deal with them. We can be focused on the short-term problems while we are organizing ourselves to fight the next ones, but always keeping in mind that until we are satisfied with the present problems we will not be able to focus strongly on the next ones.

Work on your long-term problems from a forward-looking vision, this will allow you to keep track of the evolution of the same to determine whether they continue to present the same magnitude and urgency of attention on your part. A long-term problem can mutate and become a short-term problem, that is why this exercise is not based on classifying long-term problems and forgetting about them, but rather on continuously monitoring them, which will allow you to think of effective strategies to solve them once you finish with your closest problems.

By organizing your energies correctly and elaborating strategies focused on managing your emotions, it is possible to deal with a whole pile of problems at the same time without them affecting your productivity and personal well-being.