The Seat of the Situation

Problems are complicated. We need to think clearly about them, to analyze their causes. We also need to act quickly because, oddly or not, some solutions expire. 

Sit, or move?

Think, or act?

This isn't a universal assertion, but maybe one with value: 

the situation isn't entirely the problem, and the problem isn't entirely the situation.

As closely as cause and effect may nest, there are likely other causes, other effects worth considering. It's a bit like widening the circle in a jam session. Yes, the new instruments complicate things, and yes, sometimes the notes are discordant, but oh! the miracle of the unexpected harmonies can make the how piece better.

That's the situation. What if it existed before the problem, and needs to exist beyond the problem?

We can sit with a problem without making that problem the entire situation.

What do you think?

-- doug smith

 ps: The drawing is only partially related. It't a situation. It's a problem. I drew this dancing with the idea of problem vs. polarity...and other random situations. 

 

A Quick Quote from James Clear

 "Don't ignore the problem, but keep it light. Take action with a smile. Adding tension won't solve your troubles faster. 

Even when the problem is hard, it doesn't need to harden you. Unknot yourself. Body loose, head clear, and then take the first step. 

Be happy in the doing."

-- James Clear

Enjoy The Outcomes

Every problem leads to an outcome.  Some you want and some you definitely do not want. 

You're going to prefer the outcomes of the problems you solve.

Don't you think so?

-- doug smith

 

Roots of Their Own

What looks like the root cause of a problem might have roots of its own.

Keep digging.

-- doug smith

 

With Love

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 

Done

 

Trying to fix a problem from the past could cause a problem right now.

When it's done, let it stay done.

-- doug smith 

Complicated

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 

Emotional Options

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 

Bad Solutions?

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

 

Hard Work

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

 

Where Did It Start?

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

You're Still OK

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 

Consider

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

 

Over-thinking?

Some problems are only problems  because you think they're problems.

Too much thinking? Or too little?

-- doug smith

 

Keep Going

A problem won't stop you if you don't stop.

-- doug smith