What is often our initial reaction to problems?

The initial reaction to problems often involves attributing fault or responsibility to someone or something, which is characterized by the act of blaming. This human tendency occurs because when faced with a challenge, individuals may seek to quickly identify a source for the issue in order to make sense of the situation and shift focus away from themselves or their own actions. Blaming can also serve as a defense mechanism to protect one's self-esteem or image, making it a common instinctive response when confronted with difficulties.

In contrast, ignoring the problem can lead to unresolved issues, and while consulting others or attempting to resolve the issue may be appropriate responses in the long term, they often require a more balanced and determined mindset that doesn’t typically emerge immediately upon identifying a problem. Thus, the reaction of blame reflects a common psychological response that emerges in the face of difficulties.