Develop a Solution Focused Mindset to Remove Problems

Stumbling across a problem is all part of life’s rich tapestry of experiences. Perhaps not such an enjoyable one, of course, but one that can provide a sense of achievement when you’ve solved it.

When a problem arises, how do you deal with it?

Solution orientated people tend to have a more positive and hopeful attitude, taking responsibilities seriously, and seeing problems as challenges to overcome.

Whereas people who search for a problem in every situation can be more negative in their outlook. On the other hand, it’s good to have the mindset that can spot any risks when a new project arises, but only when you can then find the solutions. Those who only see a problem often feel a sense of hopelessness, get frustrated quickly and perhaps even sometimes try to find someone else to blame.

When you are confronted with a problem, there are several ways to approach it:

• Devise a problem statement that is meaningful to you
• Chunk the problem down if you’re feeling overwhelmed
• Chunk the problem up to see where it fits into the bigger picture
• Look at the problem from multiple perspectives – the helicopter approach helps here

The Helicopter Technique

Often, when looking at a problem for too long, our minds can become muddled. That’s when you need to take a break. So, hop into your helicopter, rise above the situation and do these four simple actions:

1. Take a break – go for a walk, make a cuppa, do some exercise or listen to a podcast. Then you have a clearer mind to go back and look at the problem from a different perspective.
2. Write down any ideas that come to you while you’re away from the situation.
3. Talk the problem through with someone you trust.
4. Devise a plan – more on this later.

Chunking the Problem

Chunking the situation down is a great way of relieving the pressure. Better still, it’s a simple paper exercise.

Divide the page into two columns. Label the left column: ‘What I Can Do’ and the right one: ‘Where I Need Help’. Work through the issues, filling in each column, to clarify where the solutions lie and what needs doing.

For instance, I recently purchased a new computer, a Mac. Setting it up was a doddle until it came to the keyboard that I particularly need to use. It isn’t an Apple product, but I was assured it would work with my new Mac. I just couldn’t get it to connect!

First, I chunked the problem up. Where does the computer and keyboard fit into my bigger picture? To figure that out, I asked myself why I needed them at all.

The answer was obvious – I needed the new computer to provide my clients with an improved experience during my online workshops. This also addressed my ‘problem statement’, mentioned earlier.

Then I chunked the problem down:

What I Can Do → Where I Need Help

Plug the Mac in → Get the keyboard connected and working

Attach the leads to get it working → Set up applications

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness! Knowing your limitations or any reasons why you need help in a certain area is, in fact, a strength.

Solution or Problem Focused?

All the solution finding techniques I’ve devised and mentioned here are really simple and effective. They need to be – that way, you can remember them easily when you’re suddenly faced with a problem.

In the heat of the moment, when emotions are roiling, a problem focused person may say how unfair it all is, or that they are stuck and don’t know what to do. Instead, now you can remember these simple tips to help you tackle a problem.

Learning how to be solution focused is all part of becoming more resilient.

Robert Kiyosaki wrote a book about the differences between problem focused and solution focused mindsets, called ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ – it’s worth a read (or a listen) if you haven’t already!

So, here’s my final problem-solving method:

My 4 Ds of Problem Solving

• Discuss – when you get the problem out in the open and talk about it with others, it helps to both clarify the situation and understand the problem. The other benefit of discussing with someone else is that it shares the burden. As the old saying goes: a problem shared is a problem halved
• Devise – devise a plan using the helicopter and chunking techniques I shared above
• Do – then, of course, you need to carry out that plan. The ‘doing’ helps to make you feel more in control of the situation and, once it’s complete, you’ll have gained a sense of achievement for overcoming the problem
• Develop – you cannot fail to grow from solving a problem. Think of problems as learning opportunities, helping you to develop your skills and resilience. Looking back and reflecting on the process you used to solve the problem helps to cement that development

All of this is part of developing resilience. Having a solution focused mindset is a vital attribute as you traverse your road to success.