How to get rid of confusions

We get confused sometime, and this happens because of conflict. Our mind has accumulated many things that we consider right or wrong. When we are in a situation that does not agree with our values, we get confused. The problem particularly happens when what we are experiencing seems contradictory to what we hold inside us. Our prejudices make us see things through a coloured lens. We do not see things as they are, but as we want to see them. It’s convenient and acceptable to us. Most of the conflicts in organizations happen because of people’s mind sets, about what they agree and disagree upon. If you look at surveys, you will clearly see that, not all people have the same stand on issues. While some of these may have a majority still there are people who may have an exact contra-opinion to yours.

So why does this happen ? The answer is variety. The world would be a dull place, if we had everyone agreeing to everything. Look at a democracy model, where the majority vote wins. Look at autocracy ,where a minority controls a majority. People have picked up various experiences throughout life and this pretty much dictates their outlook. One reason why we get confused is, because we don’t view things objectively. By this I mean, seeing things the way we are. We mix our notions and preferences to all situations. Often, we see strong opinionated people who vehemently oppose things that they disagree with. While there are other people who feel offended, at times.

The confusion applies to the world of technology also. You see, software is a set of abstractions. Layers built upon layers. If a program has to communicate with another program, both of them have to be at a particular level, to get the handshake going. For example, if say that data has to be passed between two programs, then the data should be on an agreed upon format. If they are talking thru JSON (Javascript Object Notation) then both have to be able to parse JSON text. Else if they are talking on XML (Extensible Markup Language) then both must have an XML parser. This is at the data level. A process level may share things thru REST (Representational State Transfer) or say SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) – both, a way of communicating.

The difference between programs and human beings is that we talk at many levels at once, while a program can operate only on one instruction,at a particular time. This is the architecture of most of the processors. It’s called SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data). We can fight confusion in many ways. Some of them are :

• Don’t react in any situation.
• View things objectively.
• Focus on the receiver (Gauge his/her level)
• Maintain a diary (Jot down the experience, things will start becoming clear)
• Question your values

A broad outlook on life sometimes helps. Also be resilient like a warrior who gets hurt but continues to fight till the end. Confusions come and go. Solve it. With this, you will become a better person, till you reach a level where you see that in the context of the highest, there is no confusion. It’s all within our mind. Look at nature. Do you come across any contradictions? No. Everything has been crafted out of wit and it all works as seamlessly as possible. We are the only species on the planet who gets confused. And we have all the tools that are required to remove it. Deep inside each one of us, is the answer to all questions. Access this well, and you will realize that the only thing that is stopping you from reaching that clarity is yourself. So get out of the way.

Best wishes,

Guru30