Do you effectively handle life’s problems well?
What problems are you dealing with? We all have some.
At least I hope you’re dealing with them.
Not ignoring them or running away in fear.
An article on Forbes says “we must be courageous enough to tackle them (problems) head on before circumstances force our hand.”
Learning to handle life’s problems effectively is a vital skill that has a strong effect on your health, happiness and success. Having problem-solving strategies can help you manage when life throws its punches.
“Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” Robert H. Schuller
Every person approaches a problem in a different way. Some focus on the problem or the reason why a problem emerged (problem focused thinking). Others prefer to think about possible solutions that help them to solve a problem (solution focused thinking).
There is an argument that suggests you spend no time thinking about your problems. Basically hide it under the carpet, don’t focus on the problem, leave it alone and don’t dwell on it – you are more likely to find a way forward. I suggest you absolutely don’t do that, it’s more likely going to grow and grow until the problem becomes a crises.
The other common way we look at problems is becoming obsessed by them. We focus on the negatives and all of the problems in our lives and blow them out of proportion. We come fixated on them, and see nothing but our problems.
You simply have to focus on ways to actually resolve handle life’s problems. Many people let their minds wander toward the negative, which then prompts them to focus on more problems instead of searching for ways to resolve the situation and grow from it. The problem eats away at them and becomes far worse a problem then it should have been. One positive way to see problems as an opportunity. Find the solution and you move forward.
Have you ever wondered what exceptionally successful people do differently than the rest? Well one of the characteristics of top people is that they are intensely solution oriented. They do not continually think and talk about the problem, and who is to blame, and how much has been lost, and why did this happen to me? Instead, they focus on the solution, and what can be done.
Let me repeat that, don’t focus on the problem, focus on the solution, and what can be done!
Your success in life will be determined by how effectively you solve the problems and difficulties that you have to face. Handle life’s problems well and your life will undoubtedly benefit.
There are six steps to handle life’s problems
1. Define the Problem Clearly
Be clear about what the problem is. Start by defining the problem clearly and then ask “What else is the problem?” Never be content with a problem that has only one definition. Keep asking, “What else is the problem?” The truth is most problems are actually made up of several smaller problems. By defining the problem clearly, this enables you to break down the problem into its constituent parts so that you can solve each of the smaller parts at once.
2. Identify All the Possible Causes
Before seeking a solution, ask, “How did this problem occur?” What are all the possible causes of the problem? What are the reasons for the problem? It is important that you deal with the underlying causes that created the problem in the first place. Dig deep, uncover the layers, so that you come up with all the reasons for this problem. It’s often not one thing but a number of reasons, find them all.
3. Identify All the Possible Solutions
List the possible solutions (options). This is the time to do some brainstorming. “What are all the possible solutions?” What are all the different things that you can do to solve the particular problem? Rather than assuming that there is only one answer, write down as many different solutions to the problem that you can think of. The more solutions the better. Start with the end in mind. Be clear about what you want to accomplish once you decide upon the solution.
4. Make a Decision
Evaluate the options. What are the pluses and minuses of each solution? Honestly! What’s the best option, in the balance? Once you have all the information select the solution that looks and feels to be the very best of the solutions available. Then ask, “Why is this the best solution?
5. What is Your Fallback Solution?
Be sure to ask, “What is our alternative solution?” In other words, once you have decided on the best solution, be open to the possibility that it will not work out at all. If that were the case, what would be your “Plan B?” What would be your fallback position? What would be your alternative or second solution if your first solution failed?
6. Determine the Worst Possible Outcome
Before you implement the solution, ask, “What is the worst possible
outcome of this course of action?” What is the worst possible thing that can happen if you go ahead with this solution? Very often, the second alternative you developed turns out to be better than the first choice because the worst possible consequences of the second solution are not as severe as the worst possible consequences of the first solution.
7. Put your Solution into action
Now put your solution into action. Do it. After all it is not going to solve itself.
Focusing on solutions instead of problems, can revitalize your mind and help you constantly move forward. The more difficult and important the problem, the more helpful and necessary it is to use a disciplined process.
“Be grateful for what you have and stop complaining – it bores everybody else, does you no good, and doesn’t solve any problems.” Zig Ziglar
Ready to solve your life’s problems? Ever thought of working with a Life Coach? If you’re interested in working with me as your coach arrange to have a 30 minute FREE introductory call.
Ready to solve your life’s problems? Ever thought of working with a Life Coach? If you’re interested in working with me as your coach arrange to have a 30 minute FREE introductory call.
