Day 78 – The Problem With Problems

Yesterday, I wrote about being Outcome Focused and the positive dynamics associated.  Today, I will warn against the pitfalls of being Problem Focused.

Being problem focused is fine if you want to maintain a steady state, where change is not desired.  For example, the cooling system in my old van keeps the engine from overheating.  I can tell by the gauge in the dashboard that it works fine.  No problem.  It’s a closed loop system that maintains the temperature of the motor within a certain acceptable range.  I pay little or no attention. Until there is a problem, then all hell breaks loose!

That gauge goes into the red zone, my anxiety goes in to the red zone too!  I have to deal with it.  I don’t want to, I’m not happy about it, but I must deal with it or face even worse consequences of ruining the engine. So, I spring into action and deal with it.  After risking 2^nd degree burns and sacrificing a little knuckle meat under the hood, all is well again.  I’m back in the acceptable range, and my anxiety goes back down as well.  In this case, being problem focused works out.

But, what happens if I’m problem focused habitually?   Then problems seem to never cease.  The phone rings, I answer and there is a problem. Anxiety goes up, I deal with it, and anxiety goes down.  Someone knocks on my door, Oh boy,  another problem.  I deal with it.  I go into a meeting.  What do I find?  Another problem. I get on the freeway, what do I find. Yep, you get the picture.  That is the problem with problems, they are endless and will never cease.  I find myself in a cyclical state of anxiety and focusing on things I don’t like. This can become a habitual state of being that is no fun.  There is little or no inspiration.  And, the worst part is things don’t seem to change, I’m just treading water, and when I begin to drown I panic and kick  harder until my head is above water and continue on.  No positive emotion here, just avoidance of tragedy.

If you are problem focused your attention is dominated by things you don’t like. This will wear you down.  And worst of all existence seems bleak and seems to never change, you maintain between bouts of anxiety until entropy eventually snuffs you out.  So, if you find yourself stuck in the cycle of problems, snap out of it and become Outcome Focused! Refer to my blog from yesterday.  You will find inspiration and positive emotion and change for the better when you make the 365 Commitment.  Sure, problems will still happen, but they will no longer dominate your attention, because your attention is focused on the goal!

Ben Wagner (85)

Member The 365 Commitment