When faced with a problem we all tend to make three main errors in the way we think about problems in general.

First, we tend to see the problem as unique and therefore in need of a specific solution.

Second, we tend to see the problem as one big lump of trouble which means we feel we have to come up with a big lump of a solution.

Third, we tend to use problem focused language. We get stuck in problem mode. We worry about the problem and keep adding to it. It just seems to get bigger and bigger and the solution seems increasingly more elusive.

Try this instead

The first step in overcoming this mindset is to try to break the big problem up into a series of smaller more manageable tasks. Even a small success will help turn around your mindset from problem focused to solution focused.

It’s a subtle distinction but an important one. It takes the emphasis off the problem and onto the solution. Dwelling on problems makes them get bigger. By contrast, dwelling on solutions makes them more plentiful!

Think things through

This brings us to the subject of looking for overly specific solutions. What tends to happen is that we censor ourselves before we’ve had time to really think the solution through. So, take one of your smaller problems and, on a sheet of paper...

Write down all the solutions you can think of, however daft or far fetched they may seem. The idea is to come up with possibilities at this stage. Don’t censor and don’t be critical, just be as creative as you can.

This tends to have two results. First, it helps you tune into the possibility that a solution exists. Second, it often reduces the stress and tension. When we more relaxed we are able to think more clearly.

Once you’ve exhausted your list of possible solutions, it’s time to go through them, pick one and try it out. Sometimes you may find that you adjust your original idea or you combine ideas.

Inevitably we pick up a great deal of knowledge as we go through life but often have the tendency to keep it packaged up into specific boxes. This means we over emphasize the uniqueness of a problem at the expense of the similarity of solutions!

Some homework for you

Here are some questions to begin asking yourself to help focus your attention on past learning and tap into your personal resources...

When was the last time you were faced with a challenge (problem) and you dealt with it successfully?

What personal qualities helped you resolve the issue last time that you might be able to draw on now?

What did you do last time that might be helpful this time?

Thinking about your friends and relatives, what qualities would they say you have to overcome such difficulties?

Think of other times that you found a solution, what might you take from those experiences to help you at this time?

Of all the strategies you have used in the past, what do you think would be most helpful now?

And finally...

When you have your solution the next step is to try it out and assess the results. If it doesn’t quite work out as intended, use this feedback and adjust your approach. After all, you created the possibility of a range of different solutions.

Problems are often challenges that are imposed on us but can be approached very much like we tackle our goals. Turning them into a challenge and focusing on solutions can take the heat out of the situation and dramatically change our perception of it.

Often it’s the perception of the huge insurmountable problem we get hung up on. However, perceptions can be changed and problems find solutions in the process.