Emotions can get in the way of solving problems. Stirring up anger, or fear is hardly ever helpful. But what if even in the toughest of situations we solved problems with love.
There can't be too much love, can there? And the supply is always renewable and inexhaustible if we stay with it.
Problems solved with love stay solved longer.
We also feel much better about the whole thing.
What do you think?
-- doug smth
Trying to fix a problem from the past could cause a problem right now.
When it's done, let it stay done.
-- doug smith
You could think of it as the ostrich effect - putting your head in the sand to avoid a danger. You can't see it anymore, you don't notice the discomfort, but it's still there and you're still exposed.
Overlooking the complexity of a problem does not simplify it -- or solve it.
As uncomfortable as it may be, we need to face our problems with courage, deal with them using our creativity, focus on our goals with clarity, and show compassion for anyone effected by our course of action.
When problems are complicated we need not hide. It's better to rise.
-- doug smith
What's the strongest emotion for you?
What's the one emotion that more often than not seems to run you instead of you running the emotion?
If the answer is "none" then good for you, and maybe share how you got there because it sure is hard for most of us. Emotions once activated send all the right chemicals thru our bodies to keep us in that elevated emotional state. When we need that flush of energy it's worth experiencing the rush. When we don't, it gets in the way.
We can choose.
We have the ability to take emotions out of problem solving if we are willing to.
Are you willing to?
-- doug smith
You do not need to accept a solution that is forced on you. You might well be better off with the problem still in place.
Speed is great, until it isn't.
-- doug smith
Collaborative problem solving makes conflict resolution just and fair.
Resolving conflict and solving problems are not the same thing, but they do share much in common and can unify efforts toward better solutions.
Work together. Talk about it. Share concerns. Consider (always) the needs of others.
It's not magic, it's hard work.
-- doug smith
We tend to claim that we don't want problems. Let's just keep it smooth. Let's not rock the boat.
And yet, worry and anxiety and low self-esteem can produce an unlimited amount of concern. There must be a problem, right, because there always is a problem?
It's hard to talk yourself out of a problem that you talked yourself into.
What do you tell yourself about your problems? Maybe that's a place to start.
-- doug smith
Maybe it didn't turn out \exactly as you planned. Maybe the problem is still clanking around in the background or even right in front of you.
There you are. Calm. Focused. Centered.
Centered problem solvers are OK even if their problem is not yet solved.
-- doug smith
Simply buying some one's solution solves one problem but it might not be yours that it solves.
Consider the source. Consider the agenda. Consider the ramifications.
Centered problem solving could take longer, but you'll like the results more.
-- doug smith
Some problems are only problems because you think they're problems.
Too much thinking? Or too little?
-- doug smith
Be careful of an answer that feels automatic. What if the obvious solution is an illusion?
Problems seldom create their own solutions without magnifying the problem.
Just because you can't see an agenda doesn't mean that there isn't one...
-- doug smith
Do you believe that love can solve a problem?
It may not be magic, but it is a great place to begin. Love, rather than resentment, for the situation. Acceptance and compassion for the person or thing in the way helps us see more possibilities.
Unconditional love enriches the target of the love. And, there's a wonderful bonus. Unconditional love enriches the giver most of all.
-- doug smith
