4 easy steps to problem solving

Often times we run into a problem and it gets us "stuck" and we can't seem to move on while we have this issue staring us in the face. Typically we take side tracks around the problem which often takes off into dead end situations or worse we don't do anything until the problem blows up into a major problem of some sort. 

Here are 4 easy steps to take to help avoid those dead ends or blow ups and help push through your problem and on to your original path to success.

Step 1:  See the positive(s) in the problem 

Lets face it, most of the time when we see a problem, we rarely get excited about the opportunity it presents and we usually spend our time and attention being in a negative frame of mind about it. With that in mind, how successful will you be in solving the problem with that mind set?  Yes not very successful! So 
when presented with a problem seek out the positive(s) and put yourself in a positive mind frame.

Step 2: Identify The Gap

Ask yourself what is it that you are attempting to achieve prior to the problem. Usually we focus on what is wrong rather than what it is we want to accomplish.When you see what it is you want to accomplish and or the positive outcome you will be able to see the problem as an opportunity to get a positive result.

Step 3: Create a Plan

Now that you are in a positive mind set, the biggest and most important thing we can do is TAKE ACTION. In doing so you will want to create an action plan. You will need to ask yourself some tough questions and in some cases you may need to change your perception.

Step 4: Enjoy The Process

This is where the magic happens! When you have laid out a well thought out plan, begin to TAKE ACTION and enjoy the process, the problem ceases to exist. The problem that was a negative cloud that had us going down a dead end or fearing that it was going to blow up at any moment paralyzing us in our tracks is gone and you can move on to the next thing on the road to success.

I love this quote!

Don't let your learning lead to knowledge; let your learning lead to action. - Jim Rohn

I cant tell you how many times I have told many people in sessions that I have facilitated "please do not leave my session and let the workbook/binder I gave you sit on a bookshelf our get stuck under your car seat or in-between the cushions of your couch. Hang onto them and refer back to them" In fact in some sessions we have filled out action plans in those workbooks. However what do you think probably happened in almost all cases? Think back to any of your most recent training classes or a leadership book you have read and what has happened? Exactly!

So what if I told you to take the top three things you learned today and immediately write out an action to take on each of those three things. And what if I told you to put those things into action your first day back at the office How powerful would that be for you? 

Now before you exit out of this page. Think of something you learned recently. It can be anything, it could even be this very concept and write down one action you are going to take and do it right now......

Nice job! Keep it up you are well on you way!