When confronted
with challenges in life, we have a tendency to focus on the problem. As we focus on the problem, it is apt to
become imposing – larger than life! In
many cases we feel quite small in comparison to the looming difficulty, which can
appear to be quite large. In this case we
have, as they say, “Made a mountain out of a mole hill”. The more we dwell on the problem the more
insurmountable it can appear.
Since it is a
known fact that what we place our
attention on is drawn to us, would it not be better to spend more time
contemplating the solution? Our problems
are solved much faster when we focus on how to resolve them. It can be as simple as wondering what the
solution is, or asking what the solution is, or a knowing that the perfect solution
will present itself.
It is
important that we focus on the solution each time the issue comes to mind;
thereby, we draw the resolution to us. One
method of doing this is simply saying something like: “I wonder what the
solution to _______ is.” Or “What the
solution is for this.” In many cases just
saying this once will not produce the desired results, unless it is a minor problem. We must keep refocusing our mind whenever we begin
to worry, when thoughts of the problem resurface.
Our minds have
the ability either to operate like a wide angle camera taking in a very large
scene or to perform like a telescope zeroing in on a particular object. We have the inherent ability to focus our
mind. For some of us this is easy; for
others it takes more will and determination.
We have free choice, which means that we can drift along allowing life
to deal our hand in a haphazard way, or to focus on what we want and draw that
into our life. When we choose the former,
we get whatever comes our way. The
wonderful thing about being a human being is that we can choose the latter; we
have the ability to focus on something specific, drawing the object of our attention
to us!
The first
step is making a conscious decision to focus on the solution. Next, whenever you find yourself worrying or
focusing on the problem, bring your attention back to the solution. It’s as simple as that. As mentioned previously, that could be as easy
as asking “What is the solution?” then contemplating that.
When confronted with a challenge:
·
Make a conscious intention to focus on
the solution.
·
When you find yourself thinking about
the problem, bring your attention back to the solution.
This all boils down to one statement: Focus on the solution rather than the
problem.
There are
many ways to focus on the solution. One
of my favorite methods is to ask questions.
Asking questions not only helps me focus on the solution, but it also
brings forth the answer. Sometimes the
answer comes instantaneously; other times it comes later, usually when I least expect
it.
Another method
would be to do some research on the topic.
This can be done by reading articles and books about the subject. Reading biographies about others who have
successfully dealt with a similar problem can be helpful. Watching uplifting movies about people who
have successfully overcome similar obstacles is also helpful. It is imperative to maintain a positive state
of mind while dealing with a problem, so we don’t start moving in a downward
spiral.
The first
step is to set our intention by making a conscious decision to focus on the
solution. Next we must take action; we
do that by taking the next steps toward the solution while maintaining our
focus. Inaction provides an opportunity
for our mind to wander and start to worry.
Just taking action of some kind helps us to move closer to a solution
and to maintain a positive frame of mind.
Focus on the solution.
Wishing you good fortune,
Randall Monk
