Find meaning and purpose in your studies by connecting them to the “wicked problems” facing Australia, and turn concern into positive action for greater wellbeing.
The Flinders University Wicked Problems Report recently highlighted the top 15 concerns of Australians. From the cost of living and housing unaffordability to climate change and social inequality, there’s no shortage of challenges facing our society.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by this list. You might even be wondering how your studies fit into addressing these ‘wicked problems’. But here’s the thing: finding a sense of purpose, and taking action, can be a powerful way to navigate difficult times and boost your own wellbeing.
Turning Concern into Purpose
For many students, university is a pathway to making a difference. You might be studying to gain the skills and knowledge to tackle one of these very issues. But even if you haven’t yet connected your studies to a cause, the Wicked Problems Report can be a source of inspiration. Seeing the challenges laid out can spark a curiosity and drive to contribute.
Think about it:
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Direction and Meaning: Having a sense of purpose can transform your learning experience. When you identify a goal – whether it’s improving mental health, advocating for the environment, or addressing social inequality – your studies become more focused and engaging. Every lecture, every assignment, becomes a piece of the puzzle.
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A Bigger Picture: University isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about contributing to society. Understanding the big picture challenges can give your education a whole new level of meaning. It can shift your perspective from “What will I do with my degree?” to “How can I use my degree to make a difference?”.
From Anxiety to Action
It’s important to acknowledge that the report focuses on problems, which can feel deflating. You might be left wondering, “Where do I even start?”. Feelings of anxiety about the state of the world are valid. But here’s how we can use that anxiety as a springboard for positive action:
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Recognize Your Role: Your education is a powerful tool for change. Believe that you can play a role in creating a better future.
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Cultivate “Wicked Solutions” Thinking: Actively seek out and imagine solutions to the problems that concern you.
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Take Small Steps: Action, even on a small scale, can combat feelings of helplessness. Whether it’s volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or simply educating yourself and others, every action counts.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers a way to address this. First up is just recognising that reading a report like this one can elicit many different negative thoughts – ‘these are impossible problems’, ‘what possibly can I do about it?’, ‘people really don’t want to solve these’, ‘there are too many people making these things worse’. Negative thoughts aren’t necessarily inaccurate, but in excess, they aren’t helpful. They generally contribute to avoidance or ignoring problem.
Instead of just focusing on the negative, we can actively try to cultivate a problem-solving mindset. Try this: imagine a counterpoint to the Wicked Problems Report – a “Wicked Solutions Report.” What would it look like? What are the innovative ways people are already tackling these challenges? Even a brief thought experiment like this can shift your mental valence towards possibility and action.
This shift in thinking is crucial because action is the antidote to powerlessness. When we take steps, even small ones, we regain a sense of agency and purpose. This experience then reinforces our belief in our potential to make a difference.
So, how do you move from anxiety to action?
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Recognize Your Role: Your education is a powerful tool for change. Believe that you can play a role in creating a better future.
-
Cultivate “Wicked Solutions” Thinking: Actively seek out and imagine solutions to the problems that concern you.
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Take Small Steps: Action, even on a small scale, can combat feelings of helplessness. Whether it’s volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or simply educating yourself and others, every action counts.
By consciously shifting our perspective and taking action, we can transform feelings of anxiety into a powerful force for positive change, while simultaneously enhancing our own wellbeing.
A Global Perspective
For our international students, the Wicked Problems Report might offer a unique lens. You might see parallels or differences in the challenges facing your home countries. Many international students are driven by a desire to address specific issues in their communities, and their passion is a powerful reminder that education can be a force for global good.
Call to Action
Want to get involved? Here are a few ways to find your purpose and contribute: