Boost your confidence.
In almost every problem we face there are opportunities to learn about ourselves and grow. Even if these problems seem all-encompassing and overwhelming.
Not every problem results in a crisis. But even when we experience relatively minor setbacks, if we’ve got a lot of other issues going on at the same time, even the smallest problem can feel like it’s too big to handle.
OVERVIEW
Having a system or a framework to follow can help break a large issue down into smaller chunks that can be easier to handle.
Following a process means you are more likely to cover all the important aspects of a plan and therefore maximise the chance of success.
Worry can either lead us to avoid the problem altogether or to start overthinking it. It can stop you thinking clearly and lead to irrational behaviour. Because our brains try to process our worries at night, our sleep can be affected too.
It really helps to take a positive step by step approach to problem solving, a technique for both overcoming day-to-day obstacles and reducing our levels of worry.
If there is a process to follow then we don’t need to tackle the whole issue in one go…just follow each step.
Like many of the Peak State tools, Problem Solving works well in conjunction with other techniques. Why not check out Goal Setting, Visualisation and Self Compassion.
THE WHY
Exercise
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CHECK: Check in with yourself. How are you feeling right now?
Is there a problem that you are carrying?
How is this problem making you feel?
Are your thoughts, feelings and behaviours helping you to solve the problem?
Are you thinking about the issue too much?
Is it affecting your mood or even your sleep?
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CHALLENGE: Ask yourself if you have actually tried to solve the problem – or have you just been thinking about the problem, making it feel bigger and bigger?
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CHANGE: There are some problems that are simply out of your control, but for many personal issues it’s worth trying a different and systematic approach.
Try using the following step by step questions as a guide:
What is the whole issue and who is involved?
What is your part in the issue – what bit can you control or influence?
What effects do you want to have on the problem? – make a list of 3-5
Where and how can you best achieve these effects? – break it down into mini-plans with objectives for each
What do you need to achieve these effects? – how much time and resource or how many other people are needed for each mini-plan?
When and where do you need to activate these resources in order for it to work? – Put each mini-plan on a time-line and map out when and where you are going to act
Do you need to ask for help? Or do you need to let anyone else know about your plan because it affects them too? – it’s doubtful that your plan will exist in isolation, so have a think about other people and how they might be affected. What can you do to minimise this effect or ensure it will be positive for everyone?
LISTEN TO THE TOOL