Problem solving for humans

I recently had a re-epiphany. I've known this information, but it always seems foreign in the situation until you've thought things through. Humans have a wealth of problems, and for many, their own challenges and hurdles are their focus.

When we begin to approach our own problems, we first ask how we can solve the problem. Straight-forward thought process of "I have a problem and I want to not have a problem." If we have a touch of intelligence, we will go a step further and consider WHY do I have this problem. Asking questions like "Can I identify a root cause?" or "are there variables in my control that I could change to alter the outcome" are common approaches to resolving your problems effectively.

None of the above is really new or even interesting (sorry).

This re-epiphany develops out of a bit more complex problem solving that includes others' problems, challenges, and hurdles. Rather than limiting my scope to personal dilemmas, I often choose to ask what problems are those around me facing that may also influence the success of my own problem solving.

By researching others' challenges, I provide multiple benefits for my own project. I learn from their unique troubles that I may encounter and/or understand how to better direct my efforts to support my long-term success. If I can aid others in resolving their problems while furthering my own agenda, I get ahead, gain allies, and perhaps improve my own situation simply by association.

After all, if we're all successful, life is great and everyone is happy. If I only focus on my own success, I may be happy and successful, but I will exist in an environment of less successful, possibly unhappy people who would arguably diminish my own quality of life.

This is where the cross-section of altruism and selfishness meet. Someone accurately pursuing either would come to the same conclusion because the betterment of all equals the greatest results for me.