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27 Quotes to Change How You Think About Problems Great minds give you the benefit of their experience.

By Daniel Marlin • Apr 21, 2017

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

It happens to even the most seasoned of entrepreneurs. You've built momentum for your latest project, you're excited to embrace new challenges and you've visualized success at the end of the road.

But all of a sudden an unexpected problem stops you dead in your tracks -- and this one seems impossible to solve.

Yes, major hurdles are disheartening, and they're often unavoidable. But the way you engage with and think about problems directly influences your ability to solve them.

Here's how some of the world's smartest people think about problems and how you can learn to overcome them.

Related: 4 Effective Ways Leaders Solve Problems and Stop them Before They Happen

1. "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." – Albert Einstein

2. "Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." – Robert H. Shuller

3. "All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them." – William F. Halsey

4. "Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced." – James Baldwin

5. "Sometimes problems don't require a solution to solve them; Instead they require maturity to outgrow them." – Steve Maraboli

6. "Every problem is a gift. Without them we wouldn't grow" – Tony Robbins

7. "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." – Soren Kierkegaard

8. "If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?" – Shantideva

9. "It isn't that they cannot find the solution. It is that they cannot see the problem." – G.K Chesterton

10. "Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity" – Gerhard Gschwandtner

11. "We fail more often because we solve the wrong problem than because we get the wrong solution to the right problem." – Russell L. Ackoff

12. "A positive attitude may not solve your problems -- but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." – Anonymous

Related: 4 Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude Even When You're Stressed

13. "Running away from a problem only increases the distance from the solution." – Anonymous

14. "Problem-solving leaders have one thing in common: a faith that there's always a better way." – Gerald M. Weinberg

15. "Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems." – Rene Descartes

16. "Your ability to solve problems and make good decisions is the true measure of your skill as a leader." – Brian Tracy

17. "If you are unable to understand the cause of a problem, it is impossible to solve it." – Naoto Kan

18. "A problem is a chance for you to do your best." – Duke Ellington

19. "Giving up is the most painful way of solving a problem." – Anonymous

20. "Instead of thinking out the box, get rid of the box." – Deepak Chopra

21. "Solving problems means listening." – Richard Branson

22. "Inside of every problem lies an opportunity." – Robert Kiposaki

23. "There is no problem outside of you that is superior to the power within you." – Bob Proctor

24. "You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability." – Michael J. Gelb

Related: Entrepreneurship Is Not About Problem Solving

25. "Don't bother people for help without first trying to solve the problem yourself." – Colin Powell

26. "If a problem can be solved it will be. If it cannot be solved there is no use worrying about it." – Dalai Lama XIV

27. "All life is problem solving." – Karl Popper

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Motivational And Inspirational Blog

75 Solution Quotes To Help You Deal With Problems Wisely

• March 5, 2024
• Inspirational Quotes

Looking for inspirational quotes about problem solving? We have rounded up the best collection of solution quotes, sayings, captions, status, (with images and pictures) to inspire you to focus on solving your daily life problems, be it in a relationship, business, or career.

We all face problems in our life, either big or small. Taking stress and feeling anxious will not take us anywhere but will make things worse.

There are some quick fixes or long term solutions to the obstacles we encounter in life. But having a positive mindse t and an optimistic approach is the key to solving any issue in our lives.

By staying calm and acting fearlessly we take the first step towards finding a solution. A calm mind will always give you better ideas to resolve an issue. So having a positive approach in life will help you turn your failures into triumphs.

Also See: Encouragement Quotes

Giving time to your relationships, talking out the misunderstandings, being patient and calm with people to think wisely are some of the simple ways of problem solving. Sometimes solutions are very simple, to the most complex problems, only if we are smart enough to see them.

These motivational quotes are divided in these sections:-

Problem Solving Quotes

Inspiring solution to problems quotes.

If you like these quotes about solutions to problems, then also check our collection of rainbow after the storm quotes and fixing relationship quotes to inspire you to give a chance to your troubled relation and repair broken bonds.

• “The solution is always spiritual.” – Anne Lamott
• “The problem contains the solution.” – Michael Bierut
• “There are no problems, only solutions.” – John Lennon

• “In a world full of problems, be the solution.” – Iris Watts
• “Do not blame the world. Find a solution.” – Sri Chinmoy
• “Either I will find a way, or I will make one.” – Philip Sidney
• “Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.” – Uri Levine
• “If the challenge exists, so must the solution.” – Rona Mlnarik

• “To every problem, there is a most simple solution.” – Agatha Christie
• “Sometimes I just stop talking, and that solves everything.” – Anonymous

• “If you do not focus on solutions, you will be just lost in problems.” – Sadhguru
• “Believe me every problem has a solution. Some just take longer to figure out.”
• “Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.” – Anonymous

• “If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.” – African Proverb
• “Great design is not just a solution, it is the elimination of the problem.” – M. Cobanli

• “Turn your obstacles into opportunities and your problems into possibilities.” – Roy T. Bennett
• “Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it.” – Travis Kalanick
• “Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop participating in the problem.” – Anonymous
• “Always look at the solution, not the problem. Learn to focus on what will give results.” – Anonymous
• “For every problem there is an answer. Empty your thoughts and allow the solution to visit you.” – Anonymous
• “There is a creative solution to every problem. Every possibility holds the promise of abundance.” – Deepak Chopra
• “The fear of being different prevents most people from seeking new ways to solve their problems.” – Robert Kiyosaki
• “Whatever happens, you getting depressed is not a solution. You getting depressed would be one more problem.” – Sadhguru
• “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” – Tina Fey

• “What you focus on expands. Focusing on problems creates more problems. Focusing on outcomes creates solutions.” – David Emerald
• “The solution to any problem – work, love, money, whatever – is to go fishing, and the worse the problem, the longer the trip should be.” – Anonymous
• “Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate, and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” – Colin Powell
• “A person who sees a problem is a human being; a person who finds a solution is visionary; the person who goes out and does something about it is an entrepreneur.”
• “Bottom line, I removed myself from the victim mentality and took control of my life. I’m not just going to take responsibility for the success in my life – I’m going to take responsibility for the failures in my life. When you’re willing to accept that you’re the problem, you immediately become the solution.” – Eric Thomas

Knowing the problem, is half the solution. When you realize that there is a problem, be positive and have control on yourself in the situation.

Have faith that you will be able to tackle the problem. Don’t run away from your problems but learn to live with them. Try to find a solution to it and if you can’t solve it by yourself then take someone’s help.

Also See: Positive Attitude Quotes

When you come across a problem ask yourself these questions. What is the situation? How would I like the situation to be? What obstacles are keeping me away from the desired situation? By answering these questions you will learn what best you can do, to turn around the situation in your favor.

• “I am my problem but also my solution.”
• “Music is the best solution to any problem.”
• “The solutions you seek are within you.” – ATGW
• “ Compassion is so often the solution.” – Anonymous
• “Beer is the cause and solution to all of life’s problems.”
• “Lies are a temporary solution to a permanent problem.”

• “Focus on finding solutions to problems, not reasons to quit.”
• “Your success is determined by your ability to find solutions.”
• “You need to fail in order to find the right solution.” – Kevin Systrom
• “Stop talking about your problems and start thinking about solutions.”
• “To the wise, life is a problem; to the fool, a solution.” – Marcus Aurelius
• “I truly believe there’s always a solution to every problem.” – Maira Kalman
• “It is a courage which can find the solution to every problem.” – Amit Kalantri
• “There is always a solution to every challenging situation.” – Lailah Gifty Akita

• “The solution often turns out more beautiful than the puzzle.” – Richard Dawkins
• “The problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer.” – Terence McKenna
• “If your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail.” – Abraham Maslow
• “The great solution to all human problems is individual transformation.” – Vernon Howard
• “There are only two ways to solve a problem: stop dwelling, and start doing.” – Emily Uraih
• “Sometimes, the best way of solving a problem is by letting it unsolved.” – Joe Mari Fadrigalan
• “There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.” – Betty Williams
• “Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to first let go of the idea that there is a problem.”
• “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” – Theodore Roosevelt
• “Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” – Roger Lewin
• “Every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective.” – Katherine Russell
• “You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability.” – Michael J. Gelb
• “God does not create a lock without its key. God doesn’t give you problems without solutions. Trust Him.”
• “Anyone who cannot solve a problem in this world is not worthy of living in this world.” – Olawale Daniel
• “Each problem that I solved became a rule, which served afterwards to solve other problems.” – Rene Descartes
• “Creativity is the answer. I always prefer the creative solution to an expensive solution.” – Keenen Ivory Wayans
• “It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too much about the problem.” – Malcolm Forbes
• “The important thing about a problem is not the solution, but the strength we gain in finding a solution.” – Seneca
• “If you spend all your energy on your immediate reaction, you won’t have enough energy left for your long term solution.” – Doe Zantamata
• “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” – Albert Einstein
• “If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.” – Dalai Lama XIV
• “Every startup should address a real and demonstrated need in the world – if you build a solution to a problem lost of people have, it’s so easy to sell your product to the world.” – Kevin Systrom
• “When you have a ‘solution thinking mindset’ – and choose to focus 80% of your thoughts/words on solutions – you will not only be heading more speedily to long-term success, but you will immediately feel better in the moment.” – Karen Salmansohn

Sometimes our reaction to the problem makes it more difficult for us. So we should stay calm when we are in a mess and be optimistic about the situation.

Never let your problems take over your mind or heart. Take it easy and try to find a remedy and if you can’t then let it go. What’s the point of stressing over it, so it’s better to go with the flow. Maybe life has better things to offer you in future.

Also See: Quotes About Life Struggles

Panicking in the situation clouds our mind and drifts us apart from the solution. These quotes will give you ideas about how to solve the troubles that you are going through in life.

If you like these solution quotes, also check our quotes on quotes about relationship struggles and struggling marriage quotes will inspire you and remind you that love is not always easy, but its surely worth it.

Which of these solution sayings resonated with you best? Do you have any other inspirational quotes to add? Tell us in the comment section below.

Feel free to share with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tumblr, Pinterest, and more to spread some good vibes.

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61 Quotes About Problem Solving and Thinking for Yourself

What is your biggest problem right now, at this moment?

Have you clearly defined the problem and brainstormed solutions? If so, you are halfway to devising a resolution.

Problem-solving requires thinking. Thinking requires effort. Effort requires commitment.

Commit yourself to solving your own problems and thinking for yourself. Only then will you truly be free.

In a world with so many problems, problem-solving is hard. In a time when thinking is easily supplanted by automaticity and ease, thinking creatively and uniquely is a challenge.

Are you ready to solve your problem? Are you brave enough to think for yourself?

While you ponder each question, enjoy these quotes about solving problems and thinking for oneself.

Quotes About Problem Solving and Thinking for Yourself

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. ~ Rudyard Kipling

There’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. ~ Betty Williams

It’s not a problem that we have a problem. It’s a problem if we don’t deal with the problem. ~ Mary Kay Utech

Think for yourself, or others will think for you without thinking of you. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Never try to solve all the problems at once — make them line up for you one-by-one. ~ Richard Sloma

If thy knowledge is real, employ it; wrestle with nature; test the strength of thy theories; see if they will support the trial; act! ~ Jean Baptiste Aloysius

All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them. ~ William F. Halsey

Be yourself and think for yourself, and while your conclusions may not be infallible they will be nearer right than the inclusions forced upon you by those who have a personal interest in keeping you in ignorance. ~ Elbert Hubbard

I went quickly from being a scientist to an advisor. Getting a rigorous Ph.D. in the hard sciences is about learning how to think, how to problem-solve and how to approach a circumstance... ~ Philippe Hartl

What keeps me up at night is if we continue down this path of becoming more and more dependent on science and technology, that less and less of the population is educated in science and math, or at least has an appreciation for how it affects life—and that will lead to decisions that are not optimal for the species or the country. ~ Philippe Hartl

You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it. ~ Malcolm X  

A sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on. ~ C. S. Lewis

To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable open-mindedness, chaotic, confused vulnerability to inform yourself. ~ Timothy Leary

Never associate with idiots on their own level, because, being an intelligent man, you’ll try to deal with them on their level – and on their level they’ll beat you every time. ~ Jean Cocteau

People say that you’re going the wrong way when it’s simply a way of your own. ~ Angelina Jolie

Whatever failures I have known, whatever errors I have committed, whatever follies I have witnessed in public and private life, have been the consequences of action without thought. ~ Bernard Baruch

There’s no such thing as running away from the problem. They’re very patient and will wait a lifetime for you. ~ Darnell Lamont Walker

If you read, you can learn to think for yourself. ~ Doris Lessing

Too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. ~ Roger Lewin

The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it. ~ Brendan Francis

Take responsibility for what you think and what you do. ~ Terence McKenna

Think for yourselves for a change. You’ve been pedlars: go and be merchants. You’ve been mercenaries: go and find something of your own to defend. ~ Dorothy Dunnett

To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask? ~ Jim Rohn

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. ~ Mark Twain

Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. ~ Henri Kaiser

A problem well stated is a problem half solved. ~ Charles Kettering

It is a fact that before we begin to think we seem to know everything; while when we set about thinking in earnest, we seem to know nothing. ~ Horace Smith (aka Paul Chatfield)

He only sees well who sees the whole in the parts, and the parts in the whole. ~ Johann Caspar Lavater

I know but three classes of men: those who see the whole, those who see but a part, and those who see both together. ~ Johann Caspar Lavater

Learn to see, listen, and think for yourself. ~ Malcolm X

If you form the habit of going by what you hear others say about someone, or going by what others think about someone, instead of searching that thing out for yourself and seeing for yourself, you will be walking west when you think you’re going east, and you will be walking east when you think you’re going west. ~ Malcolm X

Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself. ~ Marva Collins

There is a time in the life of every problem when it is big enough to see, yet small enough to solve. ~ Mike Leavitt

Don’t waste your time trying to control the uncontrollable, or trying to solve the unsolvable, or think about what could have been. ~ David Mahoney

...think about what you can control and solve the problem you can solve with the wisdom you have gained from both your victories and your defeats in the past. ~ David Mahoney

It is better to solve one problem five different ways, than to solve five problems one way. ~  George Pólya

Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow. ~ Tony Robbins

Learn to judge the thought independently of who says it or how. ~ Witold Gombrowicz

Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution. ~ Anonymous

When you place a high value on truth, you have to think for yourself. ~ Cornel West 

Start thinking for yourself, ask “why?” and even venture to say “why should I?” and pretty soon you will have half the world at your throat for being a “trouble maker.” ~ Christina Engela 

It is well known that “problem avoidance” is an important part of problem solving. Instead of solving the problem you go upstream and alter the system so that the problem does not occur in the first place. ~ Edward de Bono 

You can’t escape the madness of crowds by dogmatically rejecting them...The most contrarian thing of all is not to oppose the crowd but to think for yourself. ~ Peter Thiel

Today, take the limits off of yourself. You will never rise higher than your thinking. Get a bigger vision for your life. ~ Joel Osteen 

Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer. ~ Denis Waitley 

You have to change your thinking if you desire to have a future different from your present. ~ Germany Kent 

It is wise to direct your anger towards problems—not people; to focus your energies on answers—not excuses. ~ William Arthur Ward 

The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. ~ John Foster Dulles 

Again and again, the impossible decision is solved when we see that the problem is only a tough decision waiting to be made. ~ Robert Schuller 

The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small. ~ Harold Witter Bynner 

The wise person devotes more time to structuring problems by considering potential consequences before acting. This leads to better judgments, better foresight, and to behavior that increases the probability of desired outcomes, or decreases the probability of undesired outcomes. ~ Moshe F. Rubinstein 

Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. ~ M. Scott Peck 

If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance. ~ Susan Del Gatto 

We always hope for the easy fix: the one simple change that will erase a problem in a stroke. But few things in life work this way. Instead, success requires making a hundred small steps go right – one after the other... ~ Atul Gawande 

When faced with a problem you do not understand, do any part of it you do understand and then look at it again. ~ Robert Heinlein 

...we have all, at some point, confused doing something—anything—with actually solving the problem. ~ Sherry Thomas  

When are you going to stop thinking about things that don’t matter and start thinking about what lies ahead for you? ~ Madeleine Brent 

Do not let yourself be contaminated by others’ ideas of what is best for you. Cast aside the shackles of destructive thinking. ~ Kai Greene 

Consistency is respecting the flames while aiming to extinguish problems at the base of the fire. ~ Dexter A. Daniels 

The problem is not the problem, it’s your attitude about the problem. ~ Ann Brashares 

You will only be remembered for two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create. ~ Mike Murdock 

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24 Problem Solving Quotes for Daily Life Solutions

Post by Team FM

Last Updated: November 15, 2023

Explore the finest collection of problem-solving quotes.

Throughout life, both small and significant problems come our way. Facing and solving problems is a common experience for everyone. Remember, for every problem, there exists a solution. When confronted by problems, confront them fearlessly ; being scared only magnifies their impact.

When you find yourself unable to discover a solution, it’s easy to feel lost, leading to depressive thoughts and potentially making misguided decisions .

Maintain composure in these moments, and trust in your ability to find a resolution. Individuals encountering problems often either solve them independently or seek assistance. Those who navigate and solve problems on their own tend to face subsequent challenges without fear.

Embrace problems rather than avoiding them . Adapt to living amidst them and strive to find solutions. Sometimes, there’s no external aid available; you must tackle the issue solo. Face it alone, and in the end, emerge victorious.

Reach boundless opportunities by exercising your personal power

A 30-day program to transform your life to become the master of your time to get ultimate success.

Discover the power within you to create unstoppable confidence and live life on your terms.

Inspiring Problem Solving Quotes

Check out here the 24 best problem solving quotes that will help you to face daily life challenges and to find the solutions for those problems.

1. Malcolm Forbes : “It’s so much easier to suggest solutions when you don’t know too much about the problem.”

• Sometimes, knowing too much about a problem can make you feel overwhelmed or restricted by what you already know. When you approach a problem with fresh eyes and a new perspective, you might find innovative solutions that weren’t apparent before. This quote suggests that a lack of deep knowledge about a problem can sometimes lead to more creative and unconventional solutions.

2. Lailah Gifty Akita: “There is always a solution to every challenging situation.”

• This quote emphasizes optimism and resilience. It reminds us that no matter how difficult a situation may seem, there’s always a way out or a solution waiting to be discovered. It encourages us to remain hopeful and persistent in finding resolutions to our problems.

Believe in yourself :

3. Ellen J. Barrier: “We can smile when facing a challenge if we believe in ourselves that we won’t back down.”

• Believing in oneself is crucial when encountering challenges. This quote encourages the idea that with self-confidence and determination, facing challenges can become less daunting. By believing in your ability to overcome obstacles, you can approach difficulties with a positive attitude.

Have a positive mind :

4. Lailah Gifty Akita: “If you saturate your mind with positive thoughts , it will sustain you in any situation.”

• Maintaining a positive mindset can be a powerful tool when dealing with problems. This quote suggests that filling your mind with positive thoughts can provide you with the mental strength and resilience needed to face any situation, helping you stay strong and focused amid challenges.

Face the problems : Quotes to motivate you to face the problems of your life.

5. Terence McKenna: “The problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer.”

• Sometimes, the real challenge isn’t just finding a solution but confronting and accepting the truth or the solution itself. This quote highlights the importance of courageously addressing the answers or solutions to our problems, even if they might be difficult or uncomfortable.

6. Jayson Engay: “Don’t complain if you’re facing hard moments in life. Challenge yourself to face it, challenge yourself to beat it.”

• Complaining doesn’t solve problems, but facing challenges head-on does. This quote encourages taking a proactive approach to hardships by motivating oneself to confront difficulties and strive to overcome them instead of dwelling on complaints.

Be a problem solver :

7. Olawale Daniel: “Anyone who cannot solve a problem in this world is not worthy of living in this world.”

• This quote emphasizes the significance of problem-solving skills. It suggests that the ability to solve problems is a fundamental aspect of living and thriving in this world, implying that overcoming challenges is essential for personal growth and success.

Turn your problems into possibilities

8. Roy T. Bennett: “Turn your obstacles into opportunities and your problems into possibilities.”

• This quote encourages a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing obstacles and problems as barriers, consider them as chances for growth and transformation. By changing your mindset, you can discover opportunities within difficulties and turn problems into potential pathways to success.

9. Roy Bennett: “Every challenge, every adversity, contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth.”

• This quote means that in every difficult situation, there’s a chance for something good to come out of it. Challenges are like seeds that, when nurtured and faced bravely, can grow into opportunities for learning and becoming stronger.

Have the courage & strength to find the solution

10. Seneca: “The important thing about a problem is not the solution, but the strength we gain in finding a solution.”

• This quote highlights that the process of solving a problem is valuable. While finding a solution is essential, the real importance lies in the strength, knowledge, and confidence gained through the journey of solving the problem. It emphasizes the personal growth and resilience developed during problem-solving.

11. Amit Kalantri: “It is a courage which can find the solution to every problem.”

• This quote emphasizes that courage is essential when facing problems. Having the bravery to confront difficulties head-on enables us to search for solutions and overcome challenges effectively. It highlights the role of courage in problem-solving.

Your emotion is the main problem

12. Nouman Ali Khan : “If someone corrects you, and you feel offended, then you have an ego problem.”

• This quote points out that sometimes our emotions, especially our ego, can become a barrier to solving problems. If we feel offended when corrected, it suggests that our ego might be preventing us from acknowledging and resolving issues. It encourages self-reflection and humility in addressing problems.

Your attitude defines the problem

13. Captain Jack Sparrow: “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”

• This quote implies that how we perceive and approach a problem matters more than the problem itself. It emphasizes that our attitude towards a problem influences our ability to solve it. Having a positive and constructive attitude can make the problem seem less daunting and easier to handle.

Change your thinking

Inspiring quotes to help you to change your negative thoughts into positive ones to face the problems of your life.

14. Albert Einstein : “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”

• This quote suggests that if we want to solve problems, we need to change our way of thinking. If the thinking or approach that caused the problem remains unchanged, finding a solution becomes difficult. It emphasizes the importance of innovative and different perspectives in problem-solving.

15. Eckhart Tolle: “All problems are illusions of the mind.”

• This quote suggests that sometimes our perception of a problem might be exaggerated or not entirely accurate. It implies that our minds might create problems that don’t actually exist or blow them out of proportion. It encourages introspection and mindfulness to see through these illusions and find clarity in problem-solving.

16. Auliq Ice: “Be open about your thoughts, ideas, and desires and you will be right with your decisions.”

• This quote emphasizes the importance of open communication and honesty with oneself. By being transparent about thoughts, ideas, and desires, one can make better decisions. It suggests that clarity in one’s thoughts and desires leads to better problem-solving and decision-making.

Never lose hope

17. Roy T. Bennett: “Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.”

• This quote encourages us to remain hopeful, even in tough times. Just like storms come and go, difficult situations don’t last forever. They might make us stronger and more resilient if we keep hope alive and face them bravely.

Work with a different perspective

18. Katherine Russell: “Every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective.”

• This quote suggests that every problem can be solved, but sometimes we need to look at it from a different angle. Changing the way we see a problem might reveal new solutions or ideas that were not apparent from our usual viewpoint.

Make the preparation for solving the problem

19. Albert Einstein: “If I had an hour to solve a problem I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”

• This quote highlights the importance of understanding a problem deeply before attempting to solve it. Spending more time analyzing and understanding the problem allows for better, more effective solutions to emerge.

20. Dalai Lama XIV: “If there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. If there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it.”

• This quote advises against unnecessary worry. If there’s no solution to a problem, worrying won’t change that fact. And if there is a solution, worrying is an unproductive use of time since it can be better spent finding and implementing the solution.

21. Emily Uraih: “There are only two ways to solve a problem: stop dwelling, and start doing.”

• This quote suggests that dwelling on a problem without taking action doesn’t lead to solutions. The two effective ways to solve a problem are to stop overthinking or dwelling on it and instead, take action and start working towards finding a solution.

Define the problem properly

22. John Dewey: “A problem properly stated is half solved.”

• This quote emphasizes the importance of defining a problem accurately. When you understand a problem well and define it clearly, you’re already halfway towards finding a solution. Clarity in problem definition is key to effective problem-solving.

Best leaders solve a problem in a better way

23. Israelmore Ayivor: “People who have deliberately decided to become problems solver lead better.”

• This quote highlights the positive impact of being a problem solver. Those who consciously choose to solve problems tend to lead better lives. It emphasizes the value of problem-solving skills in personal growth and leadership.

Work according to problem

24. Joe Mari Fadrigalan: “Sometimes, the best way of solving a problem is by letting it unsolved.”

• This quote suggests that not all problems need immediate solutions. Sometimes, letting a problem be without forcing a solution can lead to better outcomes. It’s about knowing when to intervene and when to allow time for natural resolution.

I hope you liked the above  Problem Solving Quotes . Don’t forget to mention the best line that you liked most from the above lines in the comment box below.

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35 Inspirational Quotes On Problems

Problem is defined as a situation, person, or thing that needs attention and needs to be dealt with or solved. Don’t you feel frustrated when we expected to attain our goals with ease but suddenly difficulties arise? Worry not, as getting rattled over problems will hinder us more in thinking straight. Keep calm, take what you learn into practice, and trust that everything will be alright in time. May these Quotes On Problems inspire you to provide adequate solutions so that you may live your dreams .

1.  “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein

2.  “Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” Robert Schuller

3.  “Everyone has problems, but don’t lose your happiness just because you focus too much on your problems.” Anonymous

4.  “There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.” Bernard Williams

5.  “No matter what our problem, God is the solution.” Pauline Creeden

6.  “Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit . Talk about your joys.” Rita Schiano

7.  “Problems are the gifts that make us dig out and figure out who we are, what we’re made for, and what we’re responsible to give back to life.” Tony Robbins

8.  “Face your problems.” Anonymous

9.  “Life without problems is a school without lessons.” Anonymous

10.  “Sometimes problems don’t require a solution to solve them; instead they require maturity to outgrow them.” Steve Maraboli

11.  “Running away from your problems is a race you’ll never win.” Anonymous

12.  “There are no big problems, there are just a lot of little problems.” Henry Ford

13. “Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.” Charles De Montesquieu

14.  “ Money problems can always be solved by a man not frightened by them.” Robert Heinlein

15.  “Best way to escape from your problems is to solve them.” Anonymous

16.  “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” Tina Fey

17.  “Narrow your life down to this moment. Your life situation may be full of problems – most life situations are – but find out if you have a problem at this moment. Do you have a problem now?” Eckhart Tolle

18.  “Knowing your own mind is the solution to all our problems.” Thubten Yeshe

19.  “When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” Anthony J. D’Angelo

20.  “Most of the problems in life are because of two reasons: We act without thinking or we keep thinking without acting.” Zig Ziglar

21.  “An entrepreneur is a problem solver.” ATGW

22.  “Running away from any problem only increases the distance from the solution.” Anonymous

23.  “I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are.” Anonymous

24.  “There is no magic wand that can solve our problems. The solution rests with our work and discipline .” Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

25.  “Believe me, every problem has a solution. Some just take longer to figure out.” Anonymous

26.  “Life is good when you forget about your problems, even if it’s just for a little while.” Anonymous

27.  “The more you complain about your problems, the more problems you will have to complain about.” Zig Ziglar

28.  “The problem is not the problem. The problem is the incredible amount of overthinking you’re doing with the problem. Let it go and be free.” Marc&Angel

29.  “A good life is not a life without problems. A good life is a life with good problems.” Mark Manson

30.  “All problems are illusions of the mind.” Eckhart Tolle

31.  “Don’t think too much about your problems in life. They are just test papers given by God to see how much you have learned from his subject called life.” Anonymous

32.  “ God does not create a lock without its key and God does not give you problems without its solutions – trust him.” Anonymous

33.  “As long as you are happy with your life, you’ll have less problems.” Angelique Kidjo

34.  “Enjoy life, despite the problems, they are solvable.” Anonymous

35.  “Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I hope you enjoyed these Quotes On Problems. Do let us know which one was your favorite in the comments section below.

Check Out This Video From Brian Tracy On Problem Solving:

Have A Great Day!

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My name is Asad Meah, I am the CEO & Founder of AwakenTheGreatnessWithin. I am a dreamchaser who has gained a wealth of knowledge in entrepreneurship and personal development over the past five years through self-education. My mission is to inspire millions of people to become entrepreneurs by awakening their minds to their greatness that resides within them.

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ANGUS A. STEVENS

December 27, 2020 at 5:18 pm

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Sincerely yours,

Angus A. Stevens

Hasan Al-Jarrah

January 24, 2021 at 10:12 pm

Thank you ever so much for the heartfelt words.

Burmachach Nuradilova

December 10, 2020 at 1:20 pm

Amazing quotes! Thank you so much

January 24, 2021 at 10:24 pm

You’re welcome pal.

April 28, 2020 at 5:52 pm

amazing motivation quote Thankyou for motivating us

June 23, 2020 at 11:12 pm

You’re welcome, Vikram.

Brij Bhushan

June 3, 2019 at 8:16 am

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Problem Quotes

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For my part, I try to do my bit to make people's lives more bearable, in particular children across the globe who are having problems.

Discipline is the basic set of tools we require to solve life’s problems.  Without discipline we can solve nothing.  With only some discipline we can solve only some problems.  With total discipline we can solve all problems.

The distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers

It would be naive to imagine we have solved all our income security problems simply because the roles of the federal and provincial governments in the area of skills training have been clarified.

Anger, jealousy, impatience, and hatred are the real troublemakers, with them problems cannot be solved.

The war made possible for us the solution of a whole series of problems that could never have been solved in normal times.

If you're not failing 90% of the time, then you're probably not working on sufficiently challenging problems.

The biggest problem about looking at a problem is looking at it. When we finally find or face it, it becomes harmless and easy to solve.

I can admit there are some problems in hip hop but it is only a reflection of what's taking place in our society. Hip hop is sick because America is sick.

There’s no need to get rid of literally hundreds of thousands of books that are fine simply because you have a problem with an isolated book or piece of literature that presents extremism.

It's the board I had a problem with. I could totally handle being in the water and stuff. I came here to do my own stunts. Water! Ocean! Action! Big waves! That water, that water has tamed me. You can feel that the world is connected to it.

As a kid I was short and only weighed 95 pounds. And though I was active in a lot of Sports and got along with most of the guys, I think I used comedy as a defense mechanism. You know making someone laugh is a much better way to solve a problem than by using your fists.

When we face our problems, they disappear. So learn from failure and let success be the silent incentive.

Race in America is not a problem you can go over, or around or under. You've got to go through it.

I have always grown from my problems and challenges, from the things that don't work out, that's when I've really learned.

I had a lot of vocal problems when I was younger. I don't know if it's down to leading a healthier lifestyle or what but my range has increased.

There are many countries in the world that when they reached the middle-income stage, they witnessed serious structural problems such as growth stagnation, a widening wealth gap and increasing social unrest.

Sometimes the problem has to mature before the solution can mature.

It is not a problem. I had been nominated by my country Uganda and the African continent had endorsed me... No matter how much noise the frogs make, they cannot stop a cow from drinking water.

Our problem is not the lack of knowing; it is the lack of doing. Most people know far more than they think they do

The reason I really started running was for meditative purposes. I would pick some problem to have in my head while running.

Solve problems, make art, think deeply.

When you have a problem, rules don't solve your problem. It's caring and education.

Most "original" ideas aren't completely original, but instead are the result of two basic methods for generating ideas: problems in search of solutions and solutions in search of problems.

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45 Quotes About Problem Solving

As it is popularly known, problems are inevitable! Whether it is in school, at home, or in an organization, you are likely to come across different types and levels of problems. With every problem comes many different solutions. Arriving at solutions to problems not only helps with creative thinking but also improves decision-making skills. It is a great idea to surround students as well as adults with positive ideas and stories of leaders who used problem-solving skills in their endeavors.

A problem-solving mindset empowers critical thinking in individuals. Hence, it is significant to equip yourself with the skills required for problem-solving that can be used in everyday life. 

Similarly, problem-solving quotes also help individuals focus on a creative process of analyzing problems and arriving at solutions. Quotes and sayings from famous personalities act as positive reinforcement in tough situations. This article helps you explore some of the best quotes focusing on a growth mindset with the personal experiences of leaders and intellectuals across the globe.

Inspiring problem-solving quotes

Quotes act as a hassle-free way to convey powerful messages with the usage of accurate words. The below-mentioned problem-solving quotes highlight the contributions made by thoughtful leaders. It is your turn to dive into them and use them in the most suitable manner.

1. A problem well stated is a problem half solved. – John Dewey

2. i’m not afraid of problem-solving. there is always a way. –  hanneli mustaparta, 3. if your only tool is a hammer then every problem looks like a nail. – abraham maslow  , 4. there are only two ways to solve a problem: stop dwelling, and start doing. – emily uraih, 5. too often we give our children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. – roger lewin, 6. we can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. – albert einstein, 7. a problem is a chance for you to do your best. – duke ellington, 8. if i had an hour to solve a problem i’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions. – albert einstein, 9. the problem is not the problem. the problem is your attitude about the problem – captain jack sparrow, 10. the best way to find a solution to a problem is to first understand it. – stephen covey, 11. the problem is not that there are problems. the problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. – theodore rubin, 12. there’s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution. – betty williams, 13. if there is no solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. if there is a solution to the problem then don’t waste time worrying about it. – dalai lama xiv, 14. believe it is possible to solve your problem. tremendous things happen to the believer. so believe the answer will come. it will. – norman vincent peale, 15. problems are only opportunities in work clothes. – henri kaiser, 16. the problem is not to find the answer, it’s to face the answer. – terence mckenna, 17. the important thing about a problem is not the solution, but the strength we gain in finding a solution. – seneca, 18. until we have real conflict, we don’t fully understand the problem. – alfred sloan, 19. every problem has a solution; it may sometimes just need another perspective. – katherine russell, 20. you can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability. – michael j. gelb, 21. life isn’t about living without problems. life is about solving problems. – tom krause, 22. children have such vibrant minds. they need to play. they need to imagine. and it helps them learn problem-solving. – jan brett, 23. i can’t solve problems by hitting them with my fist. – albert einstein, 24. the only limit to our solution is the size of our problem. – maxwell maltz, 25. never try to solve all the problems at once – make them line up for you one-by-one. – richard sloma, 26. most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them. – henry ford, 27. no problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. – voltaire, 28. never bring the problem-solving stage into the decision-making stage. otherwise, you surrender yourself to the problem rather than the solution. – robert h. schuller, 29. problems do not go away. they must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. – m. scott peak , 30. intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them. – albert einstein , 31. each problem that i solved became a rule, which served afterward to solve other problems. – rene descartes, 32. problems are only opportunities with thorns on them. – hugh miller, 33. it’s not a problem that we have a problem. it’s a problem if we don’t deal with the problem. – mary kay utech, 34. all problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them. – william f. halsey, 35. there’s no such thing as running away from the problem. they’re very patient and will wait a lifetime for you. – darnell lamont walker, 36. a problem is only a problem when viewed as a problem. – robin sharma, 37. the only way to solve a problem is to confront it head-on. – unknown, 38. the measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. – john foster dulles, 39. when solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves. – anthony j. d’angelo, 40. a problem is only as big as your determination to solve it. – unknown, 41. problem-solving is a muscle that gets stronger with practice. – jay shetty, 42. i am thankful for a problem because without them, i’d be stagnant in my growth. – charles f. glassman, 43. good problem solvers are not born; they are made through practice, perseverance, and a positive mindset. – unknown, 44. if you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying if you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying – shantideva, 45. the best way to escape from a problem is to solve it. – alan saporta, scenarios that can help you practice problem-solving skills.

Do you think we face problems in everyday life? Here, it is important to know that problems are not always huge in nature. Sometimes, solving a minor issue also helps build a problem-solving mindset. In everyday life, students, as well as adults, come across multiple such scenarios where this skill helps them arrive at the solution quicker. Let’s explore some ways where you can practice the skill and develop a growth mindset. 

1. Traveling

When traveling to school or office, you might be stuck in traffic. At times, it becomes impossible to get away from the chaos and reach on time. However, you can use your skills here to solve this problem. It is always a good idea to put skills into thinking and look for alternative travel methods. For example, you might either plan to leave early or change the mode of transportation to avoid congestion. 

2. Studying 

Students and learners might face many difficulties with managing studies with time. Along with time management skills, you can practice your problem-solving skills while studying. It is best to identify the issue, look for alternative solutions, choose the solution and evaluate the results. Enhancing the skill becomes an easy job when problems are creatively identified and resolved. Also, indulging in problem-based learning can help students exercise their problem-solving skills.

3. Everyday Chores

Whether it is getting groceries from the supermarket or fixing the running tap, creativity is the key to most problems. What do you do when the geyser stops working and you need hot water? It is simple to use the stove and heat water in a pan. Now, such solutions come in handy when problem-solving skills are applied at the right time during the right situation. 

4. Meal Planning 

Meal planning is indeed a task as everyone in the family wants to have something different. However, problem-solving skills can also be applied in this area with creative thinking. Once you put thought into meal making, you can solve the problem by analyzing the availability of vegetables and the common liking of family members. With a simplified way of solving the problem of meal planning, you can easily empower this skill. 

5. Managing Tasks

Planning everyday tasks and doing them all correctly is not an easy job. You get an amazing opportunity to practice problem-solving skills by considering the issues you face in everyday tasks. For example, if there is no time left for playing, students can better plan their studies right after school hours. Similarly, adults might feel helpless when they cannot plan a vacation due to work. In such a case, the problem can be resolved by analyzing leaves and matching it with a budget-friendly getaway. Along with this, you can employ tools and resources to improve your executive functioning skills which directly impacts your problem-solving abilities. 

Wrapping up..

In conclusion, quotes on positive thinking can be used in the classroom, at home, or in offices to create a sense of motivation in individuals. Right from everyday chores to tedious tasks, individuals get an opportunity to develop a problem-solving mindset with these quotes. Visual display of quotes also acts as an aesthetic way of decorating minds with thoughtful insights. Ultimately, the usage of quotes reinforces the brain to think creatively, break tasks and arrive at easy solutions.

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of  Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

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'Third Millennium Thinking': How to use scientific tools to solve everyday problems

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Book excerpt: 'Third Millennium Thinking: Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense'

By Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell and Robert MacCoun

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The result was a team-​taught, multidisciplinary Big Ideas course at UC Berkeley, intended to teach students the whole gamut of ideas, tools, and approaches that natural and social scientists use to understand the world. We also designed the course to show how useful these approaches can be for everybody in day‑to‑day life, whether working individually or collaboratively, in making reasoned decisions and solving the full range of problems that face us. To our great satisfaction, the course has been both popular and successful, and has since been replicated and adapted by other teachers at a growing number of other universities.1 Our students appear to rethink their worlds and emerge energized with new ways to approach both personal decision-​making and our society’s problems. They are better able to investigate their questions, evaluate information and expertise, and work together as members of a group or a society. Inspired by their enthusiasm, we began to think about new ways to share these tools — and this new way of thinking and working together — beyond the classroom, with students and citizens of all ages.

We have become ever more concerned that our society is losing its way, causing suffering — and missing great opportunities — simply because we don’t have the tools that could help us make sense of the extraordinary amount of complex, often contradictory information now available to us. Practical problem-​solving can come to a standstill when we cannot ascertain the facts of the problems, or, when those problems require communal or political solutions, even agree with others on what those facts are. We humans, who can figure out rocket science and fly to the moon, can’t always figure out how to navigate uncertainty and conflicting points of view to make a simple reasonable decision when we need to.

Part of the problem is that science itself is often a major source of the highly technical, opaque, inconsistent, and contradictory information that has overwhelmed, perplexed, and even angered people. Trust in science has eroded in the recent past.2 The achievements of science cannot live up to all the utopian expectations those successes have generated. Some scientific achievements have also come with negative social, political, or environmental side effects. For these and other reasons, science has become one of the totems of polarization in political discussions. In short, as science became harder to understand, was connected to undesirable side effects, and subjected to politically partisan critiques, many people lost their trust in scientists and in “science” itself.3

But science also has a phenomenal record of providing insight into — if not answers to — the most confounding questions humans have thought to ask. It has helped us to solve puzzles, address problems, and make better lives over millennia. It is a culture of inquiry rooted in the dawn of humankind, with centuries of practice in evaluating conflicting information in a baffling world, and in distinguishing what we know from what we don’t. Along the way, scientists have learned from both successes and mistakes, breakthroughs and blunders, to refine the tools with which to address new questions and solve new problems.

Over the past few years, we have all become aware of the shocking degree of polarization in our society, and the surprising interaction between this polarization and our society’s often-​problematic relationship to science and scientific expertise. If we are to have any hope of finding the practical common plans and common understandings that can move our society ahead together, we need to learn to accept the possibility of errors in our own thinking, and our need for opposing views that help us see where we are going wrong. And we need to understand the source of the disenchantment with and backlash against scientific progress that arose during the end of the Second Millennium and seek to repair it.

No one book and no single approach can heal the rifts. Not all of our polarized disagreements will vanish. But we have to start somewhere. And we believe that one of our more promising starting points is with the culture of science — if we begin to borrow its tools, ideas, and processes, and make a Third Millennium shift in our own thinking.

Adapted from "Third Millenium Thinking" by Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell, and Robert MacCoun. Copyright © 2024 by Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell, and Robert MacCoun. Used with permission of Little, Brown Spark, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Emiko Tamagawa  produced and edited this interview for broadcast with  Todd Mundt .  Grace Griffin  adapted it for the web.

This article was originally published on March 26, 2024.

This segment aired on March 26, 2024.

Scott Tong Co-Host, Here & Now Scott Tong joined Here & Now as a co-host in July 2021 after spending 16 years at Marketplace as Shanghai bureau chief and senior correspondent.

Emiko Tamagawa Senior Producer, Here & Now Emiko Tamagawa produces arts and culture segments for Here & Now.

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3 Simple Ways To Solve Some Of The Most Common Problems Life Throws At You — Almost Immediately

We're all looking for a simple fix..

By Zayda Slabbekoorn Written on Mar 30, 2024

We’re all just doing our best — crafting morning routines, rushing to work, running errands. 

Of course, there’s always something that comes up. We’re inevitably faced with problems throughout our day, it’s only normal. While some people ignore them or try to avoid them, others make a point to brainstorm solutions. 

Productivity and mindset creator Benjamin Bailey , took to Instagram to suggest  several common solutions for “quick and easy” relief from typical life struggles. 

From burnout to sadness — here are 3 key solutions that can help to solve some of life’s common problems almost immediately:

1. introduce healthy people and activities into your routine to stay on track with goals, promote healthy habits, and combat low energy levels .

Being that our realities are strongly influenced by our mindset, one way to directly navigate daily struggles is to change your perspective. Whether it’s boosting your confidence or taking a more positive approach to every part of your day, changing your inner monologue can be the key. 

RELATED:  4 Small Behaviors Of People With Incredible Inner Peace

If you’re feeling doubtful or insecure in your life choices, consider mindfulness activities that shift your mindset — or introduce new people into your life that can provide new insights and advice. 

Sometimes, all we need to restructure our mindsets is the influence of healthy habits, practices, and people in our inner circle.

2. Seek out intentional social interaction to help bolster confidence and promote healthier moods 

With a modern-day  epidemic of loneliness , many are struggling with feeling alone in their daily lives, affecting things like productivity at work, self-confidence, and interpersonal connections. “Calling a friend can offer support and a sense of connection,” Bailey suggested. “Or send me a DM.” 

Meaningful social interaction or even something like connecting with a friend can feel overwhelming, especially if you spend most of your time alone. Instead of taking on the commitment of the latter, others suggest implementing a “daily kindness rule” — where you give out compliments or strike up a conversation with a stranger. 

As social creatures, we’re inherently yearning for connection. So, if you’re feeling exhausted, lonely, or upset, try getting out of the house for a little bit. Of course, if you're feeling anxious — Bailey suggested looking for the closest dog and giving them a pet . “They can release calming hormones like oxytocin,” which help to stabilize your mood and promote a happier attitude. 

RELATED:  I Asked 'Tony Robbins AI' 8 Deeply Personal Questions & The Answers Were Surprisingly Thoughtful

3. Move your body, practice mindfulness activities, and eat specific foods to stay balanced mentally, emotionally, and physically

If you’re feeling unfocused or overwhelmed at work, Bailey suggested going for a run or walk outside to help boost endorphins. UC Davis Health studies noted that not only is going outside helpful for increasing concentration, but it can also promote a happier attitude throughout the day. 

If burnout continues in your life, consider taking a longer break from work to get intentional rest, while still incorporating the daily habit of immersing yourself in “the tranquility” of nature. With 73% of adults admitting stress affects their overall mental health, it’s essential to promote this intentional rest — setting the reset button on your daily obligations. 

For other daily struggles — like waves of sadness, an upset stomach, or insatiable hunger — there are several quick fixes that can be simple solutions. If you’re feeling sad, Bailey suggested playing some happy music to improve your mood — something research studies on musical therapy strongly agree with. 

For an upset stomach, deep intentional breaths can help to cultivate the body’s natural relaxation response, and insatiable hunger can be simply targeted by a more habitual snack routine throughout the day. 

Ultimately, most of life's problems can be instantaneously solved by a mindset shift. 

Ultimately, everyone’s struggles are uniquely different and not one specific solution will work for everyone, but these suggestions might be a great start to finding targeted fixes that work for you.

Consider changing your mindset to cultivate a more healthy inner monologue and daily routine — something that can directly fix all of the problems above. 

RELATED:  16 Tiny Ways To Trick Your Mind Into Feeling ‘Normal’

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment writer at YourTango focusing on pop culture and human interest stories. 

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Is Your AI-First Strategy Causing More Problems Than It’s Solving?

• Oguz A. Acar

Consider a more balanced and thoughtful approach to AI transformation.

The problem with an AI-first strategy lies not within the “AI” but with the notion that it should come “first” aspect. An AI-first approach can be myopic, potentially leading us to overlook the true purpose of technology: to serve and enhance human endeavors. Instead, the author recommends following 3Ps during an AI transformation: problem-centric, people-first, and principle-driven.

From technology giants like Google to major management consultants like McKinsey , a rapidly growing number of companies preach an “AI-first” strategy. In essence, this means considering AI as the ultimate strategic priority , one that precedes other alternative directions. At first glance, this strategy seems logical, perhaps even inevitable. The figures speak for themselves: the sheer volume of investment flowing into AI technologies shows the confidence levels in an increasingly AI-driven future.

• Oguz A. Acar is a Chair in Marketing at King’s Business School, King’s College London.

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The Effects of Climate Change

The effects of human-caused global warming are happening now, are irreversible for people alive today, and will worsen as long as humans add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

• We already see effects scientists predicted, such as the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers and ice sheets, sea level rise, and more intense heat waves.
• Scientists predict global temperature increases from human-made greenhouse gases will continue. Severe weather damage will also increase and intensify.

Earth Will Continue to Warm and the Effects Will Be Profound

Global climate change is not a future problem. Changes to Earth’s climate driven by increased human emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are already having widespread effects on the environment: glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, river and lake ice is breaking up earlier, plant and animal geographic ranges are shifting, and plants and trees are blooming sooner.

Effects that scientists had long predicted would result from global climate change are now occurring, such as sea ice loss, accelerated sea level rise, and longer, more intense heat waves.

The magnitude and rate of climate change and associated risks depend strongly on near-term mitigation and adaptation actions, and projected adverse impacts and related losses and damages escalate with every increment of global warming.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Some changes (such as droughts, wildfires, and extreme rainfall) are happening faster than scientists previously assessed. In fact, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the United Nations body established to assess the science related to climate change — modern humans have never before seen the observed changes in our global climate, and some of these changes are irreversible over the next hundreds to thousands of years.

Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise for many decades, mainly due to greenhouse gases produced by human activities.

The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment report, published in 2021, found that human emissions of heat-trapping gases have already warmed the climate by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) since 1850-1900. 1 The global average temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5 degrees C (about 3 degrees F) within the next few decades. These changes will affect all regions of Earth.

The severity of effects caused by climate change will depend on the path of future human activities. More greenhouse gas emissions will lead to more climate extremes and widespread damaging effects across our planet. However, those future effects depend on the total amount of carbon dioxide we emit. So, if we can reduce emissions, we may avoid some of the worst effects.

The scientific evidence is unequivocal: climate change is a threat to human wellbeing and the health of the planet. Any further delay in concerted global action will miss the brief, rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.

Here are some of the expected effects of global climate change on the United States, according to the Third and Fourth National Climate Assessment Reports:

Future effects of global climate change in the United States:

U.S. Sea Level Likely to Rise 1 to 6.6 Feet by 2100

Global sea level has risen about 8 inches (0.2 meters) since reliable record-keeping began in 1880. By 2100, scientists project that it will rise at least another foot (0.3 meters), but possibly as high as 6.6 feet (2 meters) in a high-emissions scenario. Sea level is rising because of added water from melting land ice and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

Climate Changes Will Continue Through This Century and Beyond

Global climate is projected to continue warming over this century and beyond. Image credit: Khagani Hasanov, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0

Hurricanes Will Become Stronger and More Intense

Scientists project that hurricane-associated storm intensity and rainfall rates will increase as the climate continues to warm. Image credit: NASA

More Droughts and Heat Waves

Droughts in the Southwest and heat waves (periods of abnormally hot weather lasting days to weeks) are projected to become more intense, and cold waves less intense and less frequent. Image credit: NOAA

Longer Wildfire Season

Warming temperatures have extended and intensified wildfire season in the West, where long-term drought in the region has heightened the risk of fires. Scientists estimate that human-caused climate change has already doubled the area of forest burned in recent decades. By around 2050, the amount of land consumed by wildfires in Western states is projected to further increase by two to six times. Even in traditionally rainy regions like the Southeast, wildfires are projected to increase by about 30%.

Changes in Precipitation Patterns

Climate change is having an uneven effect on precipitation (rain and snow) in the United States, with some locations experiencing increased precipitation and flooding, while others suffer from drought. On average, more winter and spring precipitation is projected for the northern United States, and less for the Southwest, over this century. Image credit: Marvin Nauman/FEMA

Frost-Free Season (and Growing Season) will Lengthen

The length of the frost-free season, and the corresponding growing season, has been increasing since the 1980s, with the largest increases occurring in the western United States. Across the United States, the growing season is projected to continue to lengthen, which will affect ecosystems and agriculture.

Global Temperatures Will Continue to Rise

Summer of 2023 was Earth's hottest summer on record, 0.41 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (0.23 degrees Celsius (C)) warmer than any other summer in NASA’s record and 2.1 degrees F (1.2 C) warmer than the average summer between 1951 and 1980. Image credit: NASA

Arctic Is Very Likely to Become Ice-Free

Sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is expected to continue decreasing, and the Arctic Ocean will very likely become essentially ice-free in late summer if current projections hold. This change is expected to occur before mid-century.

U.S. Regional Effects

Climate change is bringing different types of challenges to each region of the country. Some of the current and future impacts are summarized below. These findings are from the Third 3 and Fourth 4 National Climate Assessment Reports, released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program .

• Northeast. Heat waves, heavy downpours, and sea level rise pose increasing challenges to many aspects of life in the Northeast. Infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems will be increasingly compromised. Farmers can explore new crop options, but these adaptations are not cost- or risk-free. Moreover, adaptive capacity , which varies throughout the region, could be overwhelmed by a changing climate. Many states and cities are beginning to incorporate climate change into their planning.
• Northwest. Changes in the timing of peak flows in rivers and streams are reducing water supplies and worsening competing demands for water. Sea level rise, erosion, flooding, risks to infrastructure, and increasing ocean acidity pose major threats. Increasing wildfire incidence and severity, heat waves, insect outbreaks, and tree diseases are causing widespread forest die-off.
• Southeast. Sea level rise poses widespread and continuing threats to the region’s economy and environment. Extreme heat will affect health, energy, agriculture, and more. Decreased water availability will have economic and environmental impacts.
• Midwest. Extreme heat, heavy downpours, and flooding will affect infrastructure, health, agriculture, forestry, transportation, air and water quality, and more. Climate change will also worsen a range of risks to the Great Lakes.
• Southwest. Climate change has caused increased heat, drought, and insect outbreaks. In turn, these changes have made wildfires more numerous and severe. The warming climate has also caused a decline in water supplies, reduced agricultural yields, and triggered heat-related health impacts in cities. In coastal areas, flooding and erosion are additional concerns.

1. IPCC 2021, Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis , the Working Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

2. IPCC, 2013: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

3. USGCRP 2014, Third Climate Assessment .

4. USGCRP 2017, Fourth Climate Assessment .

Related Resources

A Degree of Difference

So, the Earth's average temperature has increased about 2 degrees Fahrenheit during the 20th century. What's the big deal?

What’s the difference between climate change and global warming?

“Global warming” refers to the long-term warming of the planet. “Climate change” encompasses global warming, but refers to the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet, including rising sea levels; shrinking mountain glaciers; accelerating ice melt in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic; and shifts in flower/plant blooming times.

Is it too late to prevent climate change?

Humans have caused major climate changes to happen already, and we have set in motion more changes still. However, if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases today, the rise in global temperatures would begin to flatten within a few years. Temperatures would then plateau but remain well-elevated for many, many centuries.

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Surprise! The federal government made a website that doesn’t stink.

I tried the irs free alternative to turbotax and here’s what you need to know..

Government websites have a mostly deserved reputation for being terrible and driving us nuts .

So it was a pleasant surprise to try IRS Direct File , a new (and politically controversial) option to file a tax return online directly with the Internal Revenue Service . Direct File works like TurboTax, but it’s run by the government and free to file a federal tax return.

Most people aren’t eligible to file their taxes with Direct File. I thought I could, was rejected partway through and instead used TurboTax.

Direct File was not perfect. Still, I liked using the IRS website — and I definitely prefer it over TurboTax, which annoys me with constant nags for more money and my private data.

You might feel differently about it. I’ll tell you about my experience with Direct File and why it’s important even if you don’t use the site.

We deserve effective online government services. Direct File is visible proof that government websites don’t have to stink.

How to file your taxes with IRS Direct File (if you can)

The first thing to know about Direct File is that it’s a trial project . And you probably can’t use it .

You can only file your tax return with the new IRS site if you’re in one of 12 states including Texas, New York and California; work for an employer rather than yourself; and meet many other eligibility requirements. (Read more here .)

Just going through Direct File’s seven online screens of eligibility checklists and doing an online identity verification almost made me quit.

Shira Ovide

But once I did start my tax return, Direct File felt pleasantly similar to TurboTax, which I have used for years.

Direct File guides you through yes or no questions about your income and potential tax breaks. You can chat online for help, too .

There are far fewer questions than there are in TurboTax because Direct File only permits use by people who have simple tax returns.

There were things I didn’t like. Unlike TurboTax, which had a digital copy of my W-2 tax form and let me pull in digital records from my investment accounts, I had to type into Direct File details like my income and interest payments.

That took more time and left room for me to mistype numbers.

The biggest problem was that part way through, Direct File told me that I couldn’t actually file my federal tax return with the site. Ugh.

I missed a detail in the eligibility checklist that you can’t use Direct File if you had more than $1,500 in interest income last year. I did. I was also nixed because I paid into a Health Savings Account, a fund through my employer to help pay for medical expenses.

I went through the whole Direct File process anyway to see how it went. And again, I was pleasantly surprised that the website was easy to use with clear questions and helpful explanations. And did I mention that it’s free? (If you can use it.)

A warning: Don’t mix up Direct File with existing IRS options to complete your tax return online.

You can also set up an account on the IRS Free File Fillable Forms website. Unlike Direct File or TurboTax, you need to go through the tax form yourself line by line. (Read more here about free or low-cost tax filing options.)

A colleague, Monica Rodman, found it confusing to use Free File Fillable Forms. Monica was so unsure of the results that they double checked the work with TurboTax. The whole process took 12 hours!

Monica gave up and had a good experience using Free Tax USA — which charged nothing to file a federal return and $15 for a state return.

The Free File Alliance, which runs Fillable Forms and a program called IRS Free File , has said about 463,000 households filed returns using Fillable Forms last year. NPR recently reported that more than 50,000 people have tried Direct File so far. Tens of millions of Americans file taxes with TurboTax each year.

The problem that IRS Direct File is trying to solve

Critics of Direct File in Congress and industry say the government is wasting money by replicating existing services like those from Intuit’s TurboTax, H&R Block and smaller tax preparers.

I can’t answer whether Direct File should exist or not. I can say as a technology writer and longtime user of TurboTax that commercial tax software drives me batty.

I like using TurboTax. But I hate that it nudges me over and over to pay more for extra features I don’t want. TurboTax also repeatedly tried to get me to use Credit Karma, a personal finance site also owned by Intuit.

And TurboTax wants permission to use private information like your income and debt to make more money pitching you financial services. ( Here’s how to say no to that .)

Direct File didn’t work for me, but I liked that it had zero yucky nagging as TurboTax has.

Intuit didn’t respond to my questions.

I know that not everyone will trust a government tax website. But I appreciate a choice between filing my tax return for free directly with the IRS or using a paid commercial website.

Hillary Hartley, chief executive of U.S. Digital Response , a nonprofit that helps governments create technology services, said citizens and government agencies benefit from competent public websites like Direct File.

We expect technology in our lives to just work. “When government can deliver on that same promise, then it pays dividends in rebuilding trust in our institutions,” Hartley said.

Julie Zauzmer Weil contributed to this report.

• Yes, you can file your tax return for free. Here are your options .
• The IRS says nearly 1 million people have an unclaimed tax refund from 2020. Here’s how to find out if the IRS owes you money .
• TurboTax and H&R Block now use AI for tax advice. It’s awful .

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Meta’s Smart Glasses Are Becoming Artificially Intelligent. We Took Them for a Spin.

What happens when a columnist and a reporter use A.I. glasses to scan groceries, monuments and zoo animals? Hilarity, wonder and lots of mistakes ensued.

Brian X. Chen, left, and Mike Isaac, reporters for The New York Times, trying out Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses. Credit... Aaron Wojack for The New York Times

Supported by

By Brian X. Chen and Mike Isaac

Brian X. Chen is The Times’s personal tech columnist, and Mike Isaac is the beat reporter covering Meta.

• March 28, 2024

In a sign that the tech industry keeps getting weirder, Meta soon plans to release a big update that transforms the Ray-Ban Meta, its camera glasses that shoot videos, into a gadget seen only in sci-fi movies.

Next month, the glasses will be able to use new artificial intelligence software to see the real world and describe what you’re looking at, similar to the A.I. assistant in the movie “Her.”

The glasses, which come in various frames starting at $300 and lenses starting at $17, have mostly been used for shooting photos and videos and listening to music. But with the new A.I. software, they can be used to scan famous landmarks, translate languages and identify animal breeds and exotic fruits, among other tasks.

To use the A.I. software, wearers just say, “Hey, Meta,” followed by a prompt, such as “Look and tell me what kind of dog this is.” The A.I. then responds in a computer-generated voice that plays through the glasses’ tiny speakers.

The concept of the A.I. software is so novel and quirky that when we — Brian X. Chen, a tech columnist who reviewed the Ray-Bans last year, and Mike Isaac, who covers Meta and wears the smart glasses to produce a cooking show — heard about it, we were dying to try it. Meta gave us early access to the update, and we took the technology for a spin over the last few weeks.

We wore the glasses to the zoo, grocery stores and a museum while grilling the A.I. with questions and requests.

The upshot: We were simultaneously entertained by the virtual assistant’s goof-ups — for example, mistaking a monkey for a giraffe — and impressed when it carried out useful tasks like determining that a pack of cookies was gluten-free.

‘Hey, Meta, What Am I Looking At?’

What happens when a columnist and a reporter use A.I. glasses to scan groceries, monuments and zoo animals?

A Meta spokesman said that because the technology was still new, the artificial intelligence wouldn’t always get things right, and that feedback would improve the glasses over time.

Meta’s software also created transcripts of our questions and the A.I.’s responses, which we captured in screenshots. Here are the highlights from our month of coexisting with Meta’s assistant.

BRIAN: Naturally, the very first thing I had to try Meta’s A.I. on was my corgi, Max. I looked at the plump pooch and asked, “Hey, Meta, what am I looking at?”

“A cute Corgi dog sitting on the ground with its tongue out,” the assistant said. Correct, especially the part about being cute.

MIKE: Meta’s A.I. correctly recognized my dog, Bruna, as a “black and brown Bernese Mountain dog.” I half expected the A.I. software to think she was a bear, the animal that she is most consistently mistaken for by neighbors.

Zoo Animals

BRIAN: After the A.I. correctly identified my dog, the logical next step was to try it on zoo animals. So I recently paid a visit to the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, Calif., where, for two hours, I gazed at about a dozen animals, including parrots, tortoises, monkeys and zebras. I said: “Hey, Meta, look and tell me what kind of animal that is.”

The A.I. was wrong the vast majority of the time, in part because many animals were caged off and farther away. It mistook a primate for a giraffe, a duck for a turtle and a meerkat for a giant panda, among other mix-ups. On the other hand, I was impressed when the A.I. correctly identified a species of parrot known as the blue-and-gold macaw, as well as zebras.

The strangest part of this experiment was speaking to an A.I. assistant around children and their parents. They pretended not to listen to the only solo adult at the park as I seemingly muttered to myself.

MIKE: I also had a peculiar time grocery shopping. Being inside a Safeway and talking to myself was a bit embarrassing, so I tried to keep my voice low. I still got a few sideways looks.

When Meta’s A.I. worked, it was charming. I picked up a pack of strange-looking Oreos and asked it to look at the packaging and tell me if they were gluten-free. (They were not.) It answered questions like these correctly about half the time, though I can’t say it saved time compared with reading the label.

But the entire reason I got into these glasses in the first place was to start my own Instagram cooking show — a flattering way of saying I record myself making food for the week while talking to myself. These glasses made doing so much easier than using a phone and one hand.

The A.I. assistant can also offer some kitchen help. If I need to know how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon and my hands are covered in olive oil, for example, I can ask it to tell me. (There are three teaspoons in a tablespoon, just FYI.)

But when I asked the A.I. to look at a handful of ingredients I had and come up with a recipe, it spat out rapid-fire instructions for an egg custard — not exactly helpful for following directions at my own pace.

A handful of examples to choose from could have been more useful, but that might require tweaks to the user interface and maybe even a screen inside my lenses.

A Meta spokesman said users could ask follow-up questions to get tighter, more useful responses from its assistant.

BRIAN: I went to the grocery store and bought the most exotic fruit I could find — a cherimoya, a scaly green fruit that looks like a dinosaur egg. When I gave Meta’s A.I. multiple chances to identify it, it made a different guess each time: a chocolate-covered pecan, a stone fruit, an apple and, finally, a durian, which was close, but no banana.

Monuments and Museums

MIKE: The new software’s ability to recognize landmarks and monuments seemed to be clicking. Looking down a block in downtown San Francisco at a towering dome, Meta’s A.I. correctly responded, “City Hall.” That’s a neat trick and perhaps helpful if you’re a tourist.

Other times were hit or miss. As I drove home from the city to my house in Oakland, I asked Meta what bridge I was on while looking out the window in front of me (both hands on the wheel, of course). The first response was the Golden Gate Bridge, which was wrong. On the second try, it figured out I was on the Bay Bridge, which made me wonder if it just needed a clearer shot of the newer portion’s tall, white suspension poles to be right.

BRIAN: I visited San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art to check if Meta’s A.I. could do the job of a tour guide. After snapping photos of about two dozen paintings and asking the assistant to tell me about the piece of art I was looking at, the A.I. could describe the imagery and what media was used to compose the art — which would be nice for an art history student — but it couldn’t identify the artist or title. (A Meta spokesman said another software update it released after my museum visit improved this ability.)

After the update, I tried looking at images on my computer screen of more famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa, and the A.I. correctly identified those.

BRIAN: At a Chinese restaurant, I pointed at a menu item written in Chinese and asked Meta to translate it into English, but the A.I. said it currently only supported English, Spanish, Italian, French and German. (I was surprised, because Mark Zuckerberg learned Mandarin.)

MIKE: It did a pretty good job translating a book title into German from English.

Bottom Line

Meta’s A.I.-powered glasses offer an intriguing glimpse into a future that feels distant. The flaws underscore the limitations and challenges in designing this type of product. The glasses could probably do better at identifying zoo animals and fruit, for instance, if the camera had a higher resolution — but a nicer lens would add bulk. And no matter where we were, it was awkward to speak to a virtual assistant in public. It’s unclear if that ever will feel normal.

But when it worked, it worked well and we had fun — and the fact that Meta’s A.I. can do things like translate languages and identify landmarks through a pair of hip-looking glasses shows how far the tech has come.

An earlier version of this article misidentified the blue-and-gold macaw. It is a species, not a breed.

How we handle corrections

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. More about Brian X. Chen

Mike Isaac is a technology correspondent for The Times based in San Francisco. He regularly covers Facebook and Silicon Valley. More about Mike Isaac

Tech Fix: Solving Your Tech Problems

Brian x. chen, our lead consumer technology writer, looks at the societal implications of the tech we use..

Ditch Your Wallet: Using your phone as a digital wallet is attainable , but it requires preparation and some compromise.

Managing Subscriptions: The dream of streaming — watch what you want, whenever you want, for a sliver of the price of cable! — is coming to an end as prices go up. Here’s how to juggle all your subscriptions and even cancel them .

Apple’s Vision Pro: The new headset  teaches a valuable lesson about the cost of tech products: The upsells and add-ons will get you .  

Going Old School: Retro-photography apps that mimic the appearance of analog film formats make your digital files seem like they’re from another era. Here’s how to use them .

Cut Down Your Screen Time:  Worried about smartphone addiction? Here’s how to cut down on your screen time , and here’s how to quit your smartphone entirely .

A New Age of Surveillance:  Meta’s $300 smart glasses can inconspicuously take photos and record videos. They also offer a glimpse into a future with less privacy and more distraction .

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