Solving Your Problems

By Beth Dargis
Posted Sunday, October 3, 2004

How many times during a day do you say, "Not again, this always happens"? You can't find your keys, you are late for work, the water overflowed, or you are out of toothpaste.

If a problem continuously happens, it's probably time to do something about it don't you think? Complaining about the same thing over and over, but not fixing the problem doesn't help.

Most of the time we put up with problems even though they consistently irritate us. Why? Because we don't take the time to stop, think things through and come up with a solution.

1. Name Your Problem What problem keeps coming up for you?

2. Look at your current procedure Are you late because you go to bed late, wake up late, and then do too many things right before leaving?

Do you lose keys because you don't have a specific place for them or a habit to put them in that spot, so you throw them wherever you end up first?

Do you run out of things regularly because you don't have an errand day or a shopping list put up?

3. Is there any way to tweak your procedure? Can you research online on how to get your kids to listen better?

Can you create a habit to help you remember nice things about your hubby instead of criticisms?

Can you make a routine to back up your computer every Friday so you don't lose files?

4. Try out your new procedure for 2 weeks-a month What's working? What isn't? Is there any more research your need to do? Is there anyone to ask about this problem?

5. Keep tweaking until the problem is solved to your satisfaction Too many people give up after one try at something, figuring nothing will work and they will have to keep putting up with this problem. Keep at it.

Action Plan

Keep a pad of paper with you this week. Notice problems that keep coming up over and over. Wouldn't it be nice to get them solved?

Make your problem solving plan.

Problem:

Current Procedure:

Research/Ideas/Brainstorm:

New Procedure:

What is working?

What isn't working?

New tweaks:

Problem Solved

About the Author
Beth Dargis works with overwhelmed women to help them gain control over their lives. Sign up for the Free New Habits Course (http://www.encouragingcoach.com/programs-habits.htm) to start changing your life one habit at a time.