Watch the Status Quo

Most problems have someone or some thing invested in the status quo.

-- Doug Smith

Defining Problems

There is a problem out there trying to define you. What will you do about it?

-- Doug Smith

Is Stress A Choice?

How big of a deal is stress in your life?

We all endure a certain amount of stress. Depending on what's going on in your work and in your life, you may be going thru more stress than you want. Not all stress is bad (setting an ambitious goal, for example, adds a kind of good stress) but too much stress can slow you down.

How much of your stress are you choosing? Certainly, not all of your stress, but could you admit that some of it is the result of you doing too much worrying, or waiting too long to work on that big goal, or taking what the boss said too personally, or procrastinating when you knew the deadline was going to be tough?

You know as well as anyone else the answer to what to do about the stress you cause yourself: let it go. Stop it. Relax, breathe, focus, and then get to work.

When we do that, when we control the stress that we can control, when we choose "no" to a piece of self-selected stress, it makes handling the tough unchosen stress much, much easier.

Refusing to believe that stress is a choice won't get rid of your stress. Face it, deal with it, and when you can -- let it go.

-- Doug Smith

Expand Your Possibilities

Have you ever considered something an insurmountable problem, only to years later wonder why it was ever a big deal?

We grow. We learn. We gain perspective.

What if that problem that is stumping you right now is one of perspective?

Part of the problem could be how you're looking at it.

Learn to see things differently and your possibilities expand.

-- Doug Smith

Seek Clarity

Not every problem is one of perspective, but those that are can be baffling.

Seek clarity, no matter how many filters fly your way.

-- Doug Smith

Get Started

Every project is meant to solve some spoken or unspoken problem.

Find the problem, change it to a goal, and get started.

-- Doug Smith

Untangle

Completely solving a problem requires us to untangle its emotional aspects.

-- Doug Smith

They're Easy to Find

Take a walk anywhere and you'll find a problem worth solving.

-- Doug Smith

Positive Goals

Centered problem solvers keep the people side of their goals positive.

-- Doug Smith

It Will Get Your Attention

A problem gets worse until it gets your attention. It's up to you what happens next.

-- Doug Smith