Back to the Basics

Recently, I had a problem with my cellular phone and after perusing the owner’s manual very carefully and getting no results, I called my cellular phone customer service number. They provided several suggestions, none of which remedied the problem, and then told me to “restart” the phone by turning it off, removing the battery and then turning the phone back on. After doing this, the problem disappeared and the phone resumed normal functioning.

My experience with computers has been challenging and rewarding. One important lesson that I have learned is that “restarting” the computer often solves problems when all else fails.

Athletic coaches often go “back to the basics” when the team’s performance is floundering. A golfer or tennis player can improve a faulty swing or serve by using the principle of returning to the basic mechanics of the swing/serve.

These same strategies of returning to the basics and renewing our efforts with a fresh start are often useful. The following are several examples of returning to the basics:

• Healthy communication within a family can be made difficult by overscheduling activities for the children and/or the parents. A child’s after school activities and parental involvement in non-family related activities can crowd the family lifestyle and allow for little or no time to simply be together as a family and enjoy each other’s presence. For example, setting aside some protected time on the weekend can be a good start toward building family unity and cohesion.

• A business or an organization with unclear goals and objectives, patterns of negative communication within the organization and difficulties brought on by team members without effective interpersonal skills can necessitate a reevaluation of the basic components of the organization.

• Marriages based on unhealthy pillars can lead to difficulty and perhaps dissolution. All of the factors detracting from a strong bond between two people including a lack of commitment, lack of trust, unhealthy communication patterns and unclear since of direction in the marriage can require a basic overhaul to bring health back into the marriage.

We live in a very complex society filled with many challenges. Oversimplifying
complex problems is not a solution worth considering but getting back to the basics can create a fresh start worthy of consideration.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2004