In Africa, we have been indoctrinated to believe that problems are a bad thing. We all want to live a life whereby problems do not have proximity to us. We desire a state of utopia where everything is perfect from start to finish in our lives. Unfortunately, this state exists only in movies and literature.
Life is full of challenges that when surmounted add colour to one’s existence. Life would become shallow and uninspiring without problems to tackle.
Now problems are opportunities for you to take the bull by the horns and create wealth.
Look for a problem to solve and not one to complain and fret about. Financial success belongs to the problem solver. You are guaranteed wealth if you can solve problems for the greatest amount of people.
Problems abound. In every sphere and strata of life problems continue to be created. It is almost as if the minute one is solved several others pop up to replace it. Sometimes even a solved problem gives rise to another myriad set of problems that also need solutions. It seems the Creator of the earth established this cycle of unending problems that need solving so mankind could continue to improve upon his environment.
Problems are an integral part of man’s existence. Every one of us will be known for the problems we created and the ones we solved. The onus is on us to intensify efforts into solving the problems of as many people as possible and through this route riches and wealth is guaranteed. Stop wishing for problems to just disappear, instead engage your mental faculties and come up with solutions.
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History is replete with numerous examples of common people solving common problems thus making wealth.
The late Otunba Gaddafi of DMT Mobile Toilets is a worthy example. By the turn of this century in Nigeria people had a culture of relieving themselves in public places openly because there were no toilets. This culture was commonplace during events as no facilities existed for this purpose.
The Otunba and his team invented the mobile toilet that has now become standard at many events. These toilets also created employment as people began to mount them in public places and charge people to use them. Solving this common problem led to the creation of wealth for him.
Look at the way we shop nowadays. It is one of the best examples of how problem solvers build wealth. As recently as five years ago, you had to visit the shops and hold money in cash to be able to shop. Someone decided to challenge the status quo querying why we all need to go to the shops and with the internet as a medium online selling began in earnest.
Today, online sales are expected to rake in billions of dollars. The internet, mobile phones, ATM cards and prompt logistics services have solved the problem thus helping people to shop on the go wherever they maybe. This is the booming sector in Nigeria now because its protagonists solved the problems people associated with shopping.
Even the way we bank has dramatically metamorphosed into a much more convenient, secure and faster process. Banking halls used to be crowded with long queues, transactions took ages and the system was fraught with so much delays.
The good news was that with the advent of better technology teller machines were introduced with Cards so most withdrawals can be made outside the banking hall. There was a need for a payment system with cards so people could minimise carrying cash as they paid for good s and services.
The widespread use of mobile telephony also made it possible to develop your handsets into a mobile bank. All these innovations were hugely successful thus enabling the developers to create wealth and improve the economy by creating more opportunities and employment for others.
Developing a problem solving mindset simply entails being observant and thinking ‘solutions” to existing problems. Put your thoughts to constructive use seeking for ways to improve the quality of human life. You should focus on the problems that are being faced by a substantial number of people so you can create wealth from it.
Problems are bridges, not stumbling blocks or barriers. Today’s society is very much in need of solutions to a great many problems that are arising. You just might be the one to craft the most appropriate solution. You can even start solving problems on a small scale and with time expand to cover a more substantial population. Don’t let capital discourage you, start with what you have and from where you are. This is your season to create wealth.
Kenneth Doghudje
