We often spend a lot of time and energy thinking about difficult situations, but this does not always bring the desired result. One wise professor decided to demonstrate to his students how to properly approach life's challenges. With the help of a simple glass of water, he taught a lesson that will be remembered for a long time and will help many rethink their approach to solving problems.
The professor began his lesson by taking a glass of water in his hand. He held it up for all to see and asked the students:
— How much do you think this glass weighs?
There was a lively whisper in the audience.
“About 200 grams! No, probably 300 grams! Or maybe all 500!” the answers began to come.
“I really won't know for sure until I weigh it. But that's not necessary right now. My question is this: What happens if I hold the glass like this for a few minutes?”
— Nothing!
“Indeed, nothing terrible will happen,” the professor replied. “But what will happen if I hold this glass in my outstretched hand for, say, two hours?”
— Your hand will start to hurt.
— What if it's all day?
“Your arm will go numb, you'll have severe muscle weakness and paralysis. You might even have to go to the hospital,” one of the students said.
— How do you think the weight of the glass will change if I hold it all day?
“No!” the students replied in confusion.
— And what needs to be done to fix all this?
“Just put the glass on the table!” one student said cheerfully.
“Exactly!” the professor replied happily. “That's how it is with all life's difficulties. Think about a problem for a few minutes and it will be right there with you. Think about it for a few hours and it will start to suck you in. If you think about it all day, it will paralyze you.”
This parable is not just a metaphor, but a practical tool. From a psychological point of view, constant “scrolling” of problems, or rumination, does not lead to a solution, but only increases stress and exhausts the nervous system. When you “put down the glass”, you give your brain a chance to rest, refocus, and often it is at this moment that an unexpected solution comes or the energy for action appears. Try right now, when you feel the weight of a problem, to ask yourself: “Which glass am I holding for too long? And what can I do to put it down, at least for a few minutes?
