To be human means to suffer in some way or another, so no one escapes from the face of adversity. Whether it is a country, an organization, a family or individuals such as politicians, teachers, and entrepreneurs, they all face problems in life. In addition, people also have trouble with aging, sickness, domestic disputes, unemployment, and medical care. In fact, we all face adversities daily anywhere we do.

Today we are faced with adversity in the economy, unemployment, environmental protection, power struggles, and an aging population, not to mention the war with terrorism. In order to resolve all adversity we need the strength of wisdom to guide us.

The following are some suggestions to overcome different kinds of adversity:

  1. Be selfless. Adversity sometimes arises out of selfishness. When personal interest is involved and the principles of righteousness, openness, and justice are sacrificed, problems will be difficult to resolve. There, to be selfless and just is the first step to success.

  2. Be equal and fair. Many personnel problems will inevitably surface in face of adversity. If they are not dealt with fairly and equally, the conflicts between one another will worsen and the obstacles cannot be resolved.

  3. Look for the root of problems. Just examining the result of a problem will not solve it. We must find out its cause and then cure the malady with the right prescription.

  4. Confer with others. Adversities are not something one person can handle alone. We should be humble and discuss them with people who are knowledgeable to overcome the difficulty.

  5. Practice humility. Adversity is often the result of self-attachments and arrogance, which often make it difficult to contain a situation. If we practice humility and not make comparisons and bicker in human relations, adversity can be easily resolved.

  6. Advocate free speech. Adversity is frequently the buildup of problems that eventually lead to a dead-end alley with nowhere to turn. If everyone is allowed to speak his/her mind freely and openly in a country or an organization, the collective wisdom of many is certainly more effective than any individual's.

  7. Benefit everyone mutually. Adversity comes about mostly because a minority of the people benefits and the rest is left with no chance. As a result, the majority boycotts the minority, and a deadlock is created. If an enterprise is faced with setbacks, sharing the benefits with everyone will help break up the gridlock.

  8. Learn from every field. Whether the problems are with education, transportation, the economy or foreign relations, we can always learn from someone else. Through observing how others operate, we can always find a solution to our problems.

Some people are good at overcoming adversity, and others lose their focus and fret at the slightest difficulty. In resolving problems, it is easy for those who are always open and selfless to find solutions. Those who are democratic and tolerant can also work their way out of adversity. As for those who are willing to share joy with everyone, they have no fear for overcoming difficulties.

Are you faced with adversity? Maybe you can consider the above ways.