5 ways to approach things differently.
We keep trying to approach a problem with the same mindset that created it. You ever hear the definition for insanity? Repeating the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. How can you approach the problem with the same mentality that created it. Going with things that were tried and true once may not be the best approach for this new dilemma because if that was the case then the problem would be solved. As we change and grow we come up with new obstacles we never experienced, new problems and if you are not seeming to get ahead then the problem lies with how you are approaching it. So take a step back from it and ask a different question if you want an answer.
When I first opened my massage practice I rented a room for $195 a month a building. I was scared of that number because I had no clients at all. The more I thought about how would I be able to pay for this and psych myself out the more I would hesitate pulling the trigger on the space. It wasn’t until I stopped thinking in a lack of and started approaching it from a place like okay I currently am working here, alls I need to do is work 1 full day there and I can pay for this. Once I stopped going into the problem with a lack mentality and asking the same question over and over, How am I going to afford this when I have no clients, and instead coming from a place of my job will supplement me in the meantime that is when I found the courage to jump in. That seemed like a lot of money back then to a newbie business and in all that fear I found my courage.
I stopped approaching the situation the same way I always did and found an alternative way that led me to where I am right now. Here I am starting at the same place yet this time established, more knowledgeable and more determined than ever. Even the past year I debated on moving because I was approaching that thought with the same mentality that created it. So let’s talk about ways that you can shift your approach and gain more success.
Shift your mentality to a place of abundance.
When you shift from a lack (problem) to a place that has it already that is when you are able to see things you didn’t see before. For example I didn’t want to move because I believed I wasn’t good enough, I wouldn’t be able to survive without the gym, that no one would come to me, do you see it? All that negative thinking how on earth would anyone find an answer in that hot mess? Problems arise all the time, to solve it you just have to come from a place that believes it’s already solved.
Once I changed from I can’t to wow I already have a clientele, okay I now have the space to bring others on board, moving may open me up to even more clientele, I can network with all the local businesses to get established that is when I knew the problem was solved. I could do it.
There are answers to all the problems you just can’t close yourself off to the solution!
2. Take a step back from the problem.
If you are hammering away all day at the same problem and nothing seems to work what is the best thing for you to do? Give it a rest. You need time for your brain to digest the situation and process it. It’s like if you were downloading something on your computer, first you start the download, then once it’s complete now you install and wait, then you restart the computer and after you run it. Imagine your brain the same way, you are downloading all the information every second and then slowly installing it into your repertoire. It takes time for you to understand the material and taking moments of respite will refresh your mind. Once you have fully processed it you reach that ah-ha moment. You know the one I’m talking about right, where it just clicks? That is because you took time away from the problem.
3. Research or ask someone who has more knowledge
If you don’t know the answer then hit the books, or YouTubes or podcasts. Out there someone may have the same problem as you and they may offer the solution. If you can’t seem to find something that fits find someone in that field or who understands it. Whenever I get stuck on something I look for a class or I find someone who knows more than me. If I don’t have the answer I want to find someone who does because that way it makes me understand it fully. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to approach someone about your problem. The more minds the better, check your ego at the door. We don’t know everything and if you allow your stubbornness to get in the way rather than gain the know how then the problem first lies with you and your ego. Let go of not being the best or the smartest, embrace not knowing and get excited about it.
4. Obtain new skills
Maybe what once worked for you isn’t enough now. Skills don’t always mean things like massage therapy or cooking, a skill is also an attribute such as leader, confidence or speaking to numerous people at once. The problem may be that you are trying to move up the ladder in your job but they keep passing you over. You check out the other candidates and you don’t understand what they have that you don’t. Well find out, get to know them or ask the boss directly. Maybe that person has had experience running meetings and dealing with larger teams than you have. Maybe they have more experience speaking and do so confidently. That means you need to commit your time to learning these new skills so that way in the future the boss looks at you and knows you're a shoe in.
5. Ask different questions
If you keep asking the same questions and hoping for an answer or a different answer then the problem lies in the question. There has been numerous times in the past I kept asking someone this or that and every time the answer would be I don’t know or something that wouldn’t give me an answer. I would bash my head against a wall wondering why are they an idiot and push the blame on them instead of realizing the question would produce the same results over and over. It’s when I took responsibility for my approach and started asking the same question but a different way.
Asking someone the same question 5 times won’t yield you results. It’s only going to infuriate you and probably piss the other person off as well. Instead of doing that ask it another way. You may find you get an answer and your sanity to boot!!
So try these steps to any of your problems and see if you don’t get the answers or solutions! There is always a way no matter what so don’t get discouraged or feel trapped or hopeless. You get to chose how to solve it so take it as an opportunity to beat something you haven’t before. Maybe when you finally do you may help someone who is going through the same thing you are.
Today was an 8!