Finding Solutions – Problem Solving

Finding solutions when you are ‘inside’ a problem can be as challenging as looking for the sky when you are in a cellar without windows. If you have watched movies like ‘What the bleep’ or ‘The secret’ you are familiar with the concept of the power of the mind and you will be on the way to accept that life does not always work in a logical sequence of cause and effect. This also applies to finding solutions. If you could have figured it out using logic you would have figured it out by now! As Albert Einstein said: ‘The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.’

We live in a world of self-induced limitations. If you are carefully observing your language you will find that in even the simplest conversations you might have with work colleagues, friends or even your children you are continuously re-affirming limitations and beliefs that will not serve you. Even in the conversations you entertain in your mind when you are by yourself you repeatedly confirm those blocks. These self-induced limitations are partly responsible of getting us into the box, where we cannot seem to see the solutions to our problems. So what is it that we can do to get out of the box?

Let’s have a look at the different positions in finding solutions to challenges:

Position 1 – Unawareness

Given that you are reading this article already means that you have moved from position 1, which is when you are ‘blissfully unaware’ to position 2.

Position 2 – Awareness

Becoming aware means noticing that something is the way it is and that there might be a possibility for things to be different. That is the stage that clients come to see therapists, counsellors and coaches. If you are lucky enough to sit on some coach’s couch you have differentiated yourself from the majority of the population who live in position 1. This is where we analyze our problems, think them through and do all we know how to do to get out of the box. In this stage you want to collect information, rather than over-analyzing and trying to find premature solutions.

Position 3 – Change

Once you have spent time gathering data on your challenge you will then be able to apply change. Some change you will be able to apply by yourself, other change might need a ‘change agent’, coach, therapist, friend or a specialist. Specifically if your box is created with such mastery and you have done all you can do – then it is time to find a ‘change agent’ specialist.

Position 4 – Forming a new habit

After making a change you will need to practice forming a new habit. Just like you got used to brushing your teeth this might need time and reinforcement.

NLP (Neuro Lingustic Progamming) ‘change agents’ specialize in helping you becoming aware of the limitations and blow the walls of your boxes so you can become aware of solutions. Skilled and conscious use of words can change problems and apply changes so that you will know when and how to leave the cellar to be able to see the sky!

Want to know more? Have a look at my blog.

Nathalie Himmelrich is the founder of ‘Reach for the Sky Therapy’ on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and specialises in ‘relationship related issues’. She is working with individuals and couples using techniques ranging from Counselling, Neuro Linguistic Programming to Journey Therapy. She supports clients in their personal growth in a supportive and professional environment.

Visit my website: http://www.reachforthesky.com.au or visit my blog: http://reachforthesky.wordpress.com and sign up for our newsletter today.