Episode 273: Reframing Problems
Show Notes
Kelli discusses:
When we’re struggling with a challenge or problem it’s enticing to jump into analyzing and solving mode.
But research has found that a far more effective strategy for problem solving is to actually slow down and reframe by asking 1) What is the problem? And 2) Is there are different way to look at the problem?
Example:
1) What is the problem?
Admittedly, sometimes I get annoyed at my husband, and it seems like his tendency towards carelessness is the problem. However, I’ve come to notice that his carelessness of spilling crap everywhere doesn’t always bother me. It bothers me much more when I’m already feeling edgy, stressed, or tight for time.
2) Is there are different way to look at the problem?
Well, I could notice that I’m feeling stressed and tired. I could expand further and notice that there just isn’t enough time in the morning to clean up after making my kids breakfast. And there isn’t enough time in the morning because we’ve been getting to bed a little later and waking up a little later. So really, getting a little more sleep and getting to bed just 10-15 minutes earlier would make a big difference.
Keep in mind, if your body is feeling a lot of anxiety, give it a little support first before diving into reframing. We have lots of episodes on grounding and self-care for those high anxiety moments.
Here is an interesting webinar from the Institute of Coaching about problem solving effectively.
