jump to navigation

Shift focus away from the problem/solution paradigm April 16, 2014

Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Fear and Anxiety, Solving Problems.
Tags: , , , , , ,
add a comment

The usual adage in personal growth writing on problem solving is that success is more likely if we shift the bulk of our attention to the potential solution(s) instead of fretting about the problem.

However, perhaps we should consider focusing on neither the problem nor on the possible solution. Both are intertwined in the problem-solving paradigm, and both focus-approaches are non-productive and limiting.

At least, that is my interpretation of a suggestion made by Dr. Richard Carlson, who comments that by obsessing about the problem/solution combination, we are engaging in an intellectual and emotional approach that is counterproductive.

Why? This idea seems counterintuitive.

Because, Carlson says, obsessing about the problem and by implication its solution, we create anxiety and stress and thereby a state-of-mind which is not conducive to clear thinking and finding a way out of whatever difficulties we are facing. Obsessing affects our overall mood negatively and gets in the way of finding answers.

The key, Carlson says lies in “not focusing on the problems, not giving them the energy and attention they need to grow in our minds, making them seem worse. We do this not to avoid facing the problems, but to make room for solutions to grow.” (1)

(1) You Can Be Happy No Matter What, Dr. Richard Carlson, New World Library, Novato, California.

 

Solving problems: Thought, circumstances, reality April 14, 2014

Posted by Dennis Mellersh in Fear and Anxiety, Solving Problems.
Tags: , , , , , , ,
add a comment

When we work on our programs of self-improvement, one of the biggest obstacles to success can be how we think about the problems that we all inevitably face as part of living.

The thought process that we bring to bear on our problems, or significant challenges, can often turn (in our minds) a correctable circumstance(s), into a seemingly unsolvable difficulty.

The real problem we have may be an inability to distinguish between a persistent negative thought and the actual circumstances prompting that thought pattern in our minds.

Following is a hypothetical example

The cascading negative financial thought:

  • I don’t have enough money in the bank; I don’t have a job; I am doomed to a life of financial disaster and poverty

The actual financial circumstances:

  • I have three months living expenses in the bank

The reality financial positives or potential as opposed to the negative financial thought:

  • I can budget and stretch out my savings
  • Three months savings can therefore be a workable financial cushion
  • I want to work and I have marketable skill sets
  • With some effort I can get a temporary or part-time job
  • I can then work towards getting a full-time job
  • Or I can start a part-time home business to generate income

The point is that there can be many additional positives in this situation, but we have to learn to distinguish between our negative thinking on “our problem” and the true circumstances; and recognize the reality positives and potential

Thanks to Dr. Richard Carlson, author of You Can Be Happy No Matter What, for the basic concept I have expanded on in this post.

Carlson’s book provides a method for altering our thought process so we are better able to make the distinction between our thoughts about a personal problem and the actual circumstances pertaining to the problem; and thereby take a proactive, unemotional approach towards a solution.

Dr. Carlson also points out that our “low” moods, which are usually fleeting, can have a large impact on the generation of negative thinking. He provides ideas for combatting this tendency.