Solving problems

Yesterday was one of those days that started out with problems, continued with problems and ended with problems. Yet the positive side of it was that it began with a dark and gloomy forecast and ended with partly sunny skies (that a metaphor there gang).

One of my strengths is that I focus on a problem until it is solved. That can be a weakness as well if it takes your mind off other tasks that need to be tended to.

What are some ways to handle problems?

1. Define - what is a problem?

Let me give you a quote to chew on today. "A problem is something you can do something about. If you can't do something about it, then it's not a problem. It's a predicament."

A predicament is something that must be coped with, endured.

To quote John Maxwell, "when people treat a predicament as a problem, they can become frustrated, angry or depressed. They waste energy. They make bad decisions. And when people treat problems as predicaments, they often settle, give up, or see themselves as victims."

Then he goes on to give this illustration:

"If you are married, chances are that if you are a morning person, your spouse is a night person (or vice versa). That is a predicament. You can't change that. You can't change the way people are wired internally. If you try to, you and your spouse will experience lots of conflict, and there will be no resolution. However, your difficulty in findings ways to spend time together because of your different bents is a problem, and it CAN be solved."

2. Anticipate problems.

We really shouldn't be surprised when problems arise. We should be surprised when everything goes well.

Years ago Doc Dobbins told me this, "expect people to act in the flesh. When they act in a spiritual, godly manner, rejoice!"

A problem not anticipated is a problem. A problem anticipated is an opportunity.

Anticipating a problem is not negativity - it is being realistic - and there is a big, big difference.

I really struggle with this second point. But I am learning.

More tomorrow....