The beginning of a new year is a usual time for individuals to reassess their goals and priorities. It can also afford an opportunity to gain a new perspective on problem-solving abilities.
Many of us have problems that remain unsolved because we continue to look for solutions with a narrow focus. We wear blinders, so to speak, have tunnel vision and suffer from a limited perspective. We don’t realize that we all have the amazing ability to find solutions to problems by simply changing the way we think about them. To accomplish this, however, we may need to overhaul our problem-solving approach.
Over the year I have been intrigued by the way some individuals are able to view adversity in a completely different manner from others who become bogged down, depressed and unable to move on with their lives. Those able to solve problems and move on to new challenges are not necessarily smarter, better educated or even more experienced. They are, however, more skilled in thinking about problems that permit them to find solutions with less wear and tear on themselves physically and emotionally. There are some of their “secrets” I have discovered:
Successful problem solvers aren’t overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem itself. While some individuals make things more difficult by magnifying the situation so that the mole hill becomes a mountain, others don’t let anxiety and distorted thoughts erode their logical, rational ability to think through solutions. I found that they, from the beginning, think, “I can survive the worst if I approach this properly.” Mental health professionals find that individuals suffering from depression, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness tend to magnify and make a catastrophe out of problems more often than healthier, more effective individuals.
They don’t “overdefine” things as problems. Many individuals become overwhelmed by minor things because they tend to view everything as a setback. They tend to personalize difficulties, feeling that life for them has more than its share of negative outcome. Successful problem solvers, however, learn to reframe their thinking and look at things in a different manner.
These individuals find a time and place that permit their creative problem-solving abilities to formulate. I have often suggested to individuals that they take some time off to clear their minds and seek solutions to their difficulties. A long weekend, a quiet time at a certain part of each day, a long walk or a drive in the country may enable a troubled person to separate the forest from the trees.
Another secret learned form successful problem solvers is that they don’t limit themselves to a pre-determined number or type of solution. They give the unconscious part of their mind the opportunity to seek solutions. Solo brainstorming can provide one with fresh, new, previously unthought-of of solutions.
The successful ones avoid self-pity. This energy sapping state of mind keeps many people from finding solutions. Self-pity is self-absorbing and inner directed thinking instead of looking outside of one’s own circumscribed world of possible solutions.
Take all of these “secrets” and give yourself the opportunity to back away from your problems. Take a rest. Suddenly out of nowhere a solution may emerge because sudden insights often occur when thinking and doing something completely unrelated to the inevitable difficulties we all encounter.
During this new year give yourself a break. A whole new world is out there if you are willing to give it a try. What do you have to lose?
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
