That title isn’t from me but from the Reverend Robert Shuller
The usual definition of a “problem” is a situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
That definition has fear, uncertainty and anxiety often reigning supreme when problems arise.
We are looking to deny or avoid problems, not solve them.
We are focused on a fight, flight or freeze survival response.
Reverend Shuller redefined a problem instead as a question raised for inquiry, consideration or solution.
I love that change of definition. It certainly changed my perspective and my approach.
Look, challenges and obstacles are unavoidable.
It’s part of life.
What we don’t realize is that problems more often present opportunity.
For example, the problem may be personal or business — us.
How we talk down to others, how we procrastinate, and how we reject offers to help.
Being made aware of that problem gives us a chance to inquire, consider and change.
Being made aware of the problem gives us an opportunity to solve it.
I’ve always felt that self-awareness is a virtue.
In no area does it rise higher than awareness of our own problems.
You can’t address what you don’t know.
That’s why self-awareness is so important.
Choose to see problems as a need for a roadmap check.
The roadmap map for your life and your business.
And never be afraid to go back to your map even if you think you know the way.
You may find a different route that gets you there faster, safer and achieving a lot more along the way.
That’s why problems aren’t stop signs, they are guidelines.
My mindset challenge to you this week:
Identify a problem and face it head on.
View it as an opportunity.
Use the three-step approach of inquiry, consideration and solution.
And thank the person who raised the problem.
They gave you a gift.
You received an opportunity to be inquire, consider and solve before it’s too late.
Because you now view problems not as stop signs but as guidelines.
That’s powerful.
And I’ll see YOU at the next 2MMM
