Solution vs. Problem

When you hit a snag, do you focus on the problem or the solution? I’ve had several conversations in the last couple of days about confidence, leadership, and getting past obstacles. I usually describe myself as a problem solver, and the key is to focus on the solution vs the problem.

 

Focus on what you want to attract

We get more of whatever we focus on. So if you focus on the problem itself, it is just going to be magnified. On the other hand, if you put your attention on finding solutions to the problem, those are what will show up.

 

For example…

I am scheduled for hip surgery in a few days (actually the day this blog will publish). Last night I noticed that the weather forecast is 7+ inches of snow and freezing rain the night before and the morning of surgery. I spent too much time at first, thinking about all the plans that were in place for this particular event:

• Boarding my cat for the week
• My ride to the hospital
• My ride back from the hospital
• All the prep needed for before and after
• The careful planning about how this fits in with other plans I have in the next few months

Then I immediately went to thinking about all the problems it would cause if I couldn’t get there or if they ended up rescheduling it. It was literally keeping me from being able to fall asleep.

 

So what did I do?

I reverted to my old IT management days when we always had contingency plans in place. Once you know what you’ll do if something unexpected comes up, you can stop worrying about it. So now I have two backup plans. If it can’t happen on the day that is planned, I have two choices:

• If it can happen the same week, a few changes will be needed, like extend the cat’s boarding time and maybe rearranging transportation to or from the hospital. But those are all things that can be done.
• Otherwise I’ll schedule it toward the end of February. I’m moving next month. I was planning on that being toward the end of February, to let me recover from the surgery. But I can make the move earlier and THEN have the surgery. That will still give me time to recover before several trips I have planned for April.

 

But wait – there’s more to consider

I always feel relief when I know several ways I can achieve a goal. But having the solution is not all you need. At the top, I also mentioned confidence and leadership. Focusing on the solution is about reframing the situation. You also need to believe that you can 1) find a solution and 2) implement that solution. Remember the children’s story about the little train that could? It repeated “I think I can” until it reached it’s goal.

 

A suggestion

I’d like to suggest that “I know I can” is a better thing to believe and to be telling yourself. And whether you are operating alone or leading a group, having confidence in yourself and in the ability of others to accomplish a goal is critical to getting past obstacles.

 

Feeling stuck?

Sometimes just talking it out can help. And sometimes hearing the same message several different ways is what is needed. I’m always happy to have those conversations. You can book a free 15-minute phone call here.