Vicky Biccy's Blog

Part of the solution

I’ve heard this phrase a number of times: ‘If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem’. It sounds like business executive talk to me, and I’m not sure I entirely agree with it. Surely, if you’re not part of the solution and you’re not part of the problem, you can consider yourself part of the furniture? Or is that only relevant if you hang out with the artful dodger?

I think there are people who naturally fall into this third category – people who prefer to sit on the sidelines and not get involved. In continental terms, you could call them ‘Belgium’. It’s a neutral position. But whilst I hate taking sides when problems arise, I think it’s possible to be part of the solution and be neutral at the same time. I’d rather not get involved with judging what’s right and what’s wrong, but I would like to think that by ‘acting right’ I can contribute to making things better. 

Regardless of the problem or conflict, I can choose to be patient. I can choose to be friendly, polite, and helpful. I can choose to make the effort, work hard, and exert enough self-control to think twice before speaking when I’m angry. I can choose to encourage, instead of criticise. I can choose to respect people even when I disagree with them, and be gentle with people who are struggling. 

It’s true that the world needs ‘solutions people’ – those with ideas and energy, who engage with problems and make things happen. But even if I’m not that kind of person, I can still choose to make sure I’m not part of the problem. Even if I won’t be the one to crack the solution, I can still be part of it through my attitude and actions. It’s my choice. 

Created on Wed 10th March 2010 16:41