Problem vs. Solution Oriented Thinking
Every problem has a solution and usually more than one. Yet I'm amazed at the number of people who would rather lament (expression of grief) over a situation than activate their critical-thinking skills to find solutions. The fact is this: focusing too much on a problem makes you feel powerless; focusing on solutions makes you feel empowered. Choose solution-oriented thinking to feel happier and more capable of changing the situations in your life.
Here are a few scenarios and how they can be approached from either a problem or a solution-oriented mindset:
Problem-oriented: I wish I could do "X" but I can't because of "Z".
Solution-oriented: How can I work around "Z" so that I can do "X"?
Problem-oriented: Why did they get that? It's not fair!
Solution-oriented: How can I put myself in a position to get what they got? Let me see if they'd be willing to give me some tips.
Problem-oriented: I'm stuck. I don't know what to do.
Solution-oriented: Let me sit down and think of some options to move forward.
Problem-oriented: I can't afford that.
Solution-oriented: How can I afford that?
(from Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki)
Are you a problem-oriented thinker or a solution-oriented thinker? Here are a few traits that are common with each personality type:
Traits of Problem-Oriented Thinkers
- Negative
- Feeling hopeless
- Often place blame on others
- Easily frustrated
- Quick to give up
Traits of Solution-Oriented Thinkers
- Positive
- Feeling hopeful
- Take responsibility
- See problems as challenges that can be overcome
- Willing to hold on until a problem is solved
The mind is a powerful tool. When its full capacity is engaged, creative and innovative solutions can solve even the toughest problems. Sometimes, just changing the way you think about a situation is all the change you really need. From that new place of calm, great solutions can flow more freely.
Applying Solution-Oriented Thinking When Life Gets Real
What do you do when life gets real? Real, like not being able to find your car keys with just a few minutes before your child's daycare closes. Real, like losing your job due to a layoff. Real, like a loved one getting a life-threatening diagnosis or receiving one yourself. Choice is a powerful thing. You have the power to choose solution-oriented thinking no matter what the situation.
Solution-oriented thinking chooses not to dwell on problems but instead, puts energy towards finding solutions. As with most things, it's easier said than done. When life throws us painful, unexpected blows, human instinct causes our emotions to flare. That's normal, and just fine, as long as after we're knocked down, we get back up with a mind to strategize solutions.
Here are a few solution-oriented thinkers that have inspired me recently.
Bozoma Saint John
Bozoma Saint John has done cool things like teaching a class based on Tupac's music while a student at Wesleyan and working with Spike Lee, Dr. Dre and Beyonce. She's headed huge projects for iconic brands like Pepsi and Apple, and Uber. But when her mother and her husband faced battles with cancer at the same time, life got real. After rounds of chemotherapy, her husband was given grim news; he only had a few weeks to live, There wasn't much Bozoma and her husband could do to make this problem go away. So instead, with a sense of urgency, they set out do everything they'd ever wanted to do so there would be no regrets once he was gone. The solution, for them, was making the most of the time they had left. Watch the interview she did with Lewis Howes here.
Muniba Mazari
Muniba Mazari got married at 18, following the wishes of her father. Two years later, she was in a life-altering car accident that left her paralyzed and unable to ever have children. Muniba was devastated. But while in the hospital, she decided to start painting as an outlet for her grief. She wrote down her fears and decided to face every one of them. That solution-oriented mindset has led her to great heights, including being the National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women - Pakistan and so much more.Watch her inspiring talk here.
Adam Baker
For Adam Baker, life got real when he became a father. He realized he and his wife were trapped by debt and had little hope of ever being free. They devised a solution: sell all their things and pay off their debt. This new freedom would allow them to spend a year backpacking through Australia and inspire others to chase freedom. Watch his TEDx talk here.
We all will face situations that seem impossible. With solution-oriented thinking, we can come out on the other side better instead of bitter.
Applying Solution-Oriented Thinking When Life Gets Real
What do you do when life gets real? Real, like not being able to find your car keys with just a few minutes before your child's daycare closes. Real, like losing your job due to a layoff. Real, like a loved one getting a life-threatening diagnosis or receiving one yourself. Choice is a powerful thing. You have the power to choose solution-oriented thinking no matter what the situation.
Solution-oriented thinking chooses not to dwell on problems but instead, puts energy towards finding solutions. As with most things, it's easier said than done. When life throws us painful, unexpected blows, human instinct causes our emotions to flare. That's normal, and just fine, as long as after we're knocked down, we get back up with a mind to strategize solutions.
Here are a few solution-oriented thinkers that have inspired me recently.
Bozoma Saint John
Bozoma Saint John has done cool things like teaching a class based on Tupac's music while a student at Wesleyan and working with Spike Lee, Dr. Dre and Beyonce. She's headed huge projects for iconic brands like Pepsi and Apple, and Uber. But when her mother and her husband faced battles with cancer at the same time, life got real. After rounds of chemotherapy, her husband was given grim news; he only had a few weeks to live, There wasn't much Bozoma and her husband could do to make this problem go away. So instead, with a sense of urgency, they set out do everything they'd ever wanted to do so there would be no regrets once he was gone. The solution, for them, was making the most of the time they had left. Watch the interview she did with Lewis Howes here.
Muniba Mazari
Muniba Mazari got married at 18, following the wishes of her father. Two years later, she was in a life-altering car accident that left her paralyzed and unable to ever have children. Muniba was devastated. But while in the hospital, she decided to start painting as an outlet for her grief. She wrote down her fears and decided to face every one of them. That solution-oriented mindset has led her to great heights, including being the National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women - Pakistan and so much more.Watch her inspiring talk here.
Adam Baker
For Adam Baker, life got real when he became a father. He realized he and his wife were trapped by debt and had little hope of ever being free. They devised a solution: sell all their things and pay off their debt. This new freedom would allow them to spend a year backpacking through Australia and inspire others to chase freedom. Watch his TEDx talk here.
We all will face situations that seem impossible. With solution-oriented thinking, we can come out on the other side better instead of bitter.
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