Step Away from the Crazy

The problem with a problem sometimes isn't actually the problem itself. Sometimes, the real problem with a problem is how consumed we become by it. We dwell on it, go over and over it in our minds, lose sleep over it, get ourselves twisted and tied up in knots and let that problem start to take over. That is, until we find a solution.

Ironically, the more we dwell and focus on the problem, the less easy finding a solution becomes. Standing too close to a problem looks something like this. 

 

That's a really nice big crazy mess you've got there.

Well, keeping your eyes on that same big crazy mess, take a step back. Take ten. At some point soon, it might start looking something like this:

This is the same problem, in perspective. All that white space is the other stuff in our lives. It's the friends we spend time with, the community we live in and engage with, it's the walk with the dog or the exercise at the gym, it's browsing a book shop, it's surfing the net. It's nice and clear, trouble-free white space. And it's where, more often than not, the solution to your brain-numbing problem lies.

How often have you struggled with an issue, only to have a friend inadvertently come up with the right answer? How often have you had a light bulb moment while exercising or in the shower, or doing the washing up? Incidentally, Agatha Christie said she used to come up with all her plots while doing the washing up. i.e. not sitting at her desk with a pen and paper trying to develop a story. Creating distance creates white space. Or in other words, if you focus too hard on a problem that's all you will see.

Five top problem busters:

1. Step away from the problem. Switch off your computer, iPad, mobile, whatever you're tied to. Remove yourself from the physical environment you're in - get outside, go for a walk, do anything but think about the issue you're wrestling with.

2. Change your routine. Our brains get set in their ways and become lazy when it comes to problem solving. We have a routine, we stick to it, our brains accept the status quo. Changing your routine creates a shift in your brain, forcing it to wake up and react to new stimuli. Shifts are great for creativity. And creativity is great for problem solving. So change what you eat for breakfast, the route you take to work, the music you listen to, do something you wouldn't normally do like enroll in a salsa class or get out of town for a day.

3. Speaking of creativity. The most effective problem solvers are the most creative. And I don't mean artists or musicians or dancers, necessarily. Creative problem solving means looking at every single factor and resource available and then coming up with as many different ways to combine those factors and resources to solve the problem. Make a list of everyone and everything around you who might offer a solution.  Now list every single way in which each of those can help. Don't dismiss any ideas at the start, just list them all, even if they seem ridiculous. Now start whittling down the list until you're left with one or two good solutions.

4. Let people know you need help.  People like to help and, more often than not, will if they can. Don't keep a problem to yourself when three or four people around you might be only too willing to pitch in and help you out. One of many of my grandma's sayings:  "A problem shared is a problem halved".

5. Keep things in perspective and keep it light! Ask yourself, on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad is this problem? Handle it appropriately. Keep a sense of humour and build in some fun to your day. Remember fun? Your problem won't go away if you go out and enjoy yourself, but keeping things in perspective will ultimately help you get through.

Best wishes,

Dawn