6 STEPS TO A SOLUTION-FOCUSED MINDSET

Running your own business often brings you face-to-face with a whole range of problems and decisions.

From dealing with difficult clients to unexpected hurdles, they are all part of the journey of growth…but it can feel overwhelming at times.

The way you choose to engage with and think about problems, directly influences your ability to solve them effectively.

Being ‘solution-minded’ is possibly the most effective mindset tool we can have as a business owner.

5 STEPS TO A SOLUTION-FOCUSED MINDSET

1. Identify Your ‘Default Pattern.

When something really big goes wrong, we sometimes fall into a set pattern of behaviour. It can look different for everyone but there are a few examples below:

The Indignant (which goes a bit like this….) – ‘How dare they! I’ll show them.’

The Victim – ‘Why does this always happen to me? It’s not fair!’

The Child – ‘I want it NOW! I will NOT do x,y,z.’

The Rejected – ‘I’m not good enough, worthy enough, talented enough.’

The Deflector – ‘Why is everyone around me so incapable/ stupid/ inefficient etc?’

There are many more but these are the most common.

Our default reactions arise from feeling hurt, rejected, frustrated or unsupported. They often have their root in childhood and in those old family dynamics.

Think about the last time someone cut you up driving or took your parking spot or said something hurtful to you…what was your immediate response? How you deal with these small situations will often give clues to your ‘default’ when larger problems arise.

Once we become aware of our set reaction, we can change it. We can catch ourselves before the tantrum goes full-blown; keeping us out of drama and overwhelm and therefore more available to problem solve.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings

There is a HUGE difference between regressing to a child-like temper tantrum and actually allowing yourself the space to feel.

It’s ok to feel hurt, disappointed or angry when things don’t go to plan. It’s important to acknowledge it.

However, it’s essential not to get caught in it.

The key is to create a container for your emotions. Set yourself an amount of time to ‘feel’ whatever you need to. Maybe set a timer for 10 minutes, an hour or maybe even a whole day. You get to choose how long you stay there but once that timer goes off…you move forward to find solutions.

3. De-Clutter

Solutions need space.

On a practical level, they will not materialise if you have a million things floating around your head.

Get everything out on to paper. Journal. Write a list. Write a letter. Find a way that works for you.

4. A Problem Is An Opportunity

Learning to trust in a bigger picture takes practice…and faith.

It requires us to look at the world with different eyes; to address every block, barrier and problem not as an inconvenience or hindrance, but as an opportunity for our own growth.

It allows us to see a hurdle as a gift or as a gentle nudge (or a full blown body slam) to change directions, to try new things, to push ourselves or to begin a path that had not been considered before.

5. Meditate

Meditation can have such a profound impact on our ability to find solutions. It requires us to focus inward. With practice, it increases confidence, clarity, creativity and expansive thought patterns.

Find whatever meditation is right for you. It might be a quiet walk alone or perhaps something more structured.

I would highly recommend downloading the Omvana app and starting with the beginner’s 5-minute meditation. I also adore Emily Fletcher’s Ziva meditation programmes.

6. Get Support

You don’t have to do this alone!

Understanding that I deserved support and that it is an investment, was a turning point for me and my business.

Hiring a business coach catapulted my photography career and enabled me to push my business further than I ever thought possible (& create an entirely new one!)

Sometimes the best solutions are found with help!

Wishing you a clear, positive and solution-minded week.