Keep Your Past Problems In The Past

Do problems from your past trouble you?

I've sometimes found myself in a pattern of drudging up old problems from the past, as if they had anything at all to do with the present situation. They don't. Oh, they can certainly complicate things. And old problems will stick around as long as you invite them to. Don't invite them.

The problems of our past belong in the past.

Let's leave them there. Drop them like the dead weight they are.

When we fully resolve a present day problem it stops popping up in the future. So if past problems are popping up, maybe they aren't resolved. Resolve them. Retire them. Let them go. But, keeping them around sucks all the energy out of the room and has the problem solving effect of tying your shoes together. Why do that?'

Did you solve that problem? If so, let it go. If no, you know where to go: back to the plan to finish the job.

-- Doug Smith

Problems Make Us Stronger

Did you ever stop to think how much you owe to your problems?

No, I haven't gone nuts. Think about it. Every problem we solve, every solution we design, gives us a level of focus and creativity that we didn't have before. Problems help us grow (because if we don't grow, the side effects are bad.)  

Where would you be today if you'd never had a problem to solve?

The next time I have a problem, it will be the opportunity I seek. Maybe the problem is the key to the next big step. Maybe the lesson to learn will propel me forward farther than I could have ever gone before.

Problems make us stronger. Isn't that comforting?

-- Doug Smith

First Decide To Solve The Problem

Your first problem solving decision is to solve the problem.
The rest is details.
-- Doug Smith

Start With Your Goal

Centered problem solving thrives on a strong focus on your goal.
Start with your goal.

-- Doug Smith

Solve Problems Creatively, Practice Creativity

Do you want to bring more creativity to your problem solving?

I would guess that the answer is "of course!" More creativity leads to better solutions. Oh, yes and it's more fun. Can problem solving be fun? Absolutely, but only if you bring enough creativity into the process to get past the aggravation and move forward to the fun.

Creative problem solving requires creative practice. Find ways to sharpen your creativity.

Find ways off line. Go for a walk. Visit a museum. Draw a picture. Make up a joke (that's harder than it might seem). Create!

This is your coaches prodding, working on you in this moment: go create something!

Practice your creativity the way a great pianist practices their art and craft of playing the piano. You've got you keep your fingers on the keys. Go!

-- Doug Smith

Find the Center

At the center of your problem may be what's right, not wrong.
Stay curious. Stay centered. Focus on your goal.

-- Doug Smith

Control Your Direction

If you let your problems control you, make sure they control you in the direction of a solution.

-- Doug Smith

Get the Whole Picture

Someone else's problems can seem much easier to solve than our own. We might even be tempted to solve them.

Before we jump to solutions, let's get the whole picture. Sometimes the toughest cause is the least visible.

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Find Solutions

When problems come looking for us we owe it to ourselves to find solutions.

Has a problem found you today? What is your response?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Centered Problem Solvers Take Action

Problems are meant to stir us into action.

Are you ready yet?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Implement!

How is your problem solving action plan working? Are you solving your biggest problem?

Centered problem solvers know that ideas are wonderful and yet only as useful as the plans AND actions behind them. We must move forward. We must actively do things to make a difference.

Implementing the solution to a problem is even more important than finding the solution.

Go all the way. Enjoy the benefits. Solve the problem. Work your plan.

-- Doug Smith

Let Your Creativity Flow

What if all your problem needs is more creativity to find a solution? 
Centered problem solvers let their creativity flow!

-- Doug Smith

Muscle Up!

Solving problems builds mental muscle.

Muscle up!

-- Doug Smith

Ramp It Up

When you're passionate about problem solving the possibilities are endless.

Ramp it up!

-- Doug Smith

Centered Problem Solvers Keep Learning

What will you learn today to help you solve tomorrow's problems?

Learn constantly. Every single day.

-- Doug Smith

Shift

Sometimes the smallest shift in thinking and acting creates the biggest impact.

Get ready to shift.

-- Doug Smith