It's human nature to get stuck on a problem that we just can't stop thinking about, getting bogged down by how bad, terrible, and seemingly important the problem seems. It doesn't even have to be a big problem that ruins your whole week -- small issues that pop up are far more common, and unfortunately, it is our negative mindset that inflates these tiny problems into huge beasts.
Worse yet, if you're the type to ruminate, you may find yourself trapped in a damaging feedback loop of negative thoughts that only sap your energy and keep you from focusing on what's really important: the solution.
While understanding an issue from every angle can be important, excessive, anxious focus on obstacles can lead to stress, frustration, and inaction. People are tricky in that way, where our instinct to focus on the problem sounds effective in theory, but instead takes us further and further away from solving the issue.
Instead, shifting your mindset toward solutions helps you stay proactive, resilient, and motivated to overcome difficulties. In today's blog post, let's explore practical strategies to recalibrate our problem solving skills to focus on solutions instead of dwelling on the problem. By the end of this post, I want you to come away with more tools to help you better navigate the problems you may dwell on in your daily life with confidence and clarity.
Shifting your mindset and approach
Part of the reason why we have a tendency to focus on the problem and not the solution is due to our initial approach -- our first instinct is to focus on the known, the problem right in front of us, because that's all we can concretely see. And in some way, our minds are convinced that if we just consider the problem enough times and in different ways ("where did this go wrong, how could I have avoided this, this is unfair, etc.") that somehow our problem will magically go away.
That's why a solution-oriented mindset is critical to recalibrating our approach. The problem isn't going anywhere, and thinking about it isn't going to make it go away. Complaining does nothing to change a situation, so focus on finding solutions.
Instead of getting overwhelmed by the issue, train yourself to ask: What can I do to fix this?
To shift your approach, I recommend that you:
- Reframe the problem as an opportunity: Every challenge presents a chance for growth and learning, a topic I touched upon in my last blog post on the topic.
- Focus on what you can control: Redirect energy toward actionable steps rather than dwelling on things beyond your influence. You can't go back in time and undo what has been done, but you can control how you move forward.
- Stay proactive, not reactive: Avoid knee-jerk reactions and take time to develop a thoughtful plan. Oftentimes, reactions done in the heat of the moment can make the problem worse. Take a moment, breathe, and refocus on moving forward.
Break down complex problems
Big problems can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to see a way forward, though I firmly believe that no problem is too big that we can't break it down into more digestible components.
And if you really think about, most things in life are like this.
For example, when was the last time a house suddenly "poofed" into existence in front of you? Hopefully never -- after all, a house is made of bricks, smaller portions that form the greater whole. Applying this logic, I like to think that the key to effective problem-solving is breaking issues down into smaller, manageable steps.
There's no formula for breaking down problems, but I think it's helpful to:
- Define the issue clearly: Be specific -- almost annoyingly so, I advise -- about what exactly needs to be solved. Is it really about what you think it is about?
- Identify contributing factors: Understand the root causes rather than just symptoms. Instead of focusing on the many situations, worst case scenarios or ideas of how what happened could have been avoided, focus on why it happened. Potential solutions should target the underlying cause, otherwise we risk repeating history.
- List possible solutions: Brainstorm multiple approaches without judgment, even if they're not super specific, amazing ideas at face value. Simply the act of getting your creative juices flowing can calm you and refocus your mind back on to proactive thinking.
- Prioritize the best options: Focus on practical, actionable solutions that align with your goals, even if they are small. Start thinking of what is most beneficial to solving your problem in the moment.
- Take the first step: No matter how small, any proactive action can lead to progress and build momentum.
Tackling a problem piece by piece makes what was once a daunting task into something far less intimidating and more manageable. Breaking down a problem can help you stay focused and motivated, leading to a deeper understanding of potential solutions, instead of ruminating on the same problem over and over again.
Overcoming obstacles along the way
It may sound discouraging that even solving problems can present problems, but challenges and setbacks are inevitable. However, they don’t have to derail your progress, and in fact, can serve as jumping off points towards new possible solutions.
Strategies for overcoming obstacles:
- Expect setbacks: Recognize that roadblocks are part of the process and prepare to adapt. For instance, you may encounter an unexpected problem that is particularly difficult to solve. Acknowledge that you're only human, and it's almost impossible to come to the right solution immediately.
- Develop a problem-solving habit: Regularly challenge yourself to find solutions in everyday situations, and stay curious.
- Learn from failures: Treat missteps as valuable learning experiences that guide future decisions. It's easier to overcome problems if we allow ourselves the grace of not internalizing past mistakes, and instead, treat them as lessons that steer us towards the best solution.
Learning how to push through obstacles and pivot in a new direction is essential to maintaining a solution-focused mindset. After all, we overcome problems by focusing on the solutions, not the problem, and taking decisive action.
Putting it all into practice
A positive attitude is one thing, but the practical applications of solution-forward thinking are where real change happens. We want to make solution-focused thinking a habit, and the more we do it in our daily lives, the better these strategies serve us during times of stress and adversity.
You can try incorporating these strategies into your daily routine:
- Start your day with a solutions mindset: Set intentions each morning to set yourself up to tackle challenges constructively. It doesn't need to be a finely tuned ritual; even just taking 5 minutes in the morning to remind yourself that problems are best dealt with by thinking of solutions can be transformative on its own.
- Use a problem-solving journal: Keeping a written record can be particularly helpful for folks looking to recognize patterns or areas for adjustment. Write down obstacles that you recently faced, brainstorm solutions, and track your progress.
- Encourage a solutions-based company culture: At work or in your personal life, take care to model and promote positive problem-solving habits. If you work in a small team at your company, for instance, notice how a solution-focused perspective impacts your teamwork and engagement with your department.
- Reflect on past successes: Remind yourself of all the times you successfully solved problems to reinforce your confidence. Chances are, you've probably gotten through bigger and more serious problems than the one standing in front of you, now. There are many benefits to these positive reflections, including increased creativity and motivation.
Conclusion
Problems are unavoidable and in fact, are guaranteed to come up no matter if you're at work or home. Focusing on how to deal with these problems, aka their solutions, rather than the problems themselves is a powerful mindset shift that leads to greater productivity, resilience, and success.
There are quite a few techniques for breaking through this unhelpful feedback loop, including breaking down problems, overcoming new obstacles, and taking action. I am confident that these tools and techniques have a place in your life, allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence and ease.
The next time you’re faced with a challenge, take a deep breath, shift your focus, and ask yourself: What’s the best way forward?
The answer is always within reach.