This month I decided to become a problem-solver and to stop (to the best of my ability) adding to the incessant whining of the negative we’ve-got-a-problem, it’s-not-my-responsibility, I’m-tired-busy-overwhelmed people that seem to inhabit every workplace, organisation and circle of friends.
I think problem-solvers are people who have a solutions mindset, rather than stellar talent or skills. They are attractive, dynamic and they move things forward. They can apply their mindset to all areas of their lives: work, creative pursuits, personal life, relationships and so on and so on.
So, from now on, when a problem falls in my plate, I will:
1. Choose to solve it. I will not tell myself it can’t be done.
2. Not complain. I know that if I start whining, I will never stop and the problem will still be there tomorrow.
3. Focus on what needs to be achieved. I will work out what the goal or best outcome is and work backwards from that.
4. Make a plan. I will work out the specifics. I will figure out who needs be involved and who needs to be excluded.
5. Write down the plan and make it as visual as possible.
6. Take immediate actions to make things happen. I will recruit help, I will kick things off, I will sharpen the skills I need to succeed. I will stop putting off till tomorrow what I can do today.
7. Ignore the whiners, the nay-sayers, the uncommitted. It’s not their problem, it’s mine and I’m going to solve it, and when I do I’ll be better equipped to solve the next problem and then the next one, and those left behind will probably still be complaining about something.
8. Stay enthusiastic despite set-backs, rejection, disappointment, heartache, anger…
9. Smile about it – misery is draining.
Wanna try it out?