Provocare Coaching

When we think we have a problem, it is natural for us to feel pessimistic about the situation and perhaps even present it as such to those around us.

It can also cloud our judgment and decision making when considering other people ideas, concepts, feelings and suggestions.

However, some people tend to look on the bright side of issues; some take a more practical approach and decide what can and needs to be done. Understanding how to engage with both perspectives is vital as we consider ideas or find a solution to a problem and move forward.

The problem perspective

The problem perspective when considering our options is closely associated with a pessimistic outlook on life and can be illustrated using the metaphors of ‘problem’ vs. ‘possibilities’.

When we see something as a problem, we tend to focus on what is wrong and view it in isolation from its surroundings.

In terms of possibilities, when we take a positive approach, we look at all the different angles and options we have to solve problems and make things better.

Taking a negative approach can be helpful as it focuses us on what needs to be done to overcome an obstacle. However, looking at everything as a ‘problem’ can hold us back or miss out on opportunities for ourselves or our organisations. As Yoda said, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.”

We may be so preoccupied with what is not working or what could go wrong that we miss opportunities and fail to see anything else. Sometimes we need to make a conscious effort to shift our perspective and look at things differently to move forward.

So many individuals and organisations miss out on growth, development, and happiness because of the lens they take to their decision-making.

The possibilities Perspective

When we take a positive approach, we tend to focus on the positive aspects. This can be illustrated using the metaphor of ‘problems’ versus ‘options’. From this perspective, we view problems as different options to overcome an obstacle. The key is to consider all possible solutions and possibilities before making a decision.

There will always be negative aspects in life; and risks; however, when we take a more optimistic approach, we can focus on the positive aspects and overlook some of these issues.

How to engage both perspectives to move forward?

It is essential that when we experience difficulties or think we have a problem or when considering an idea that doesn’t sit comfortably with us, the lens we view it with does not hold us back from achieving our full potential.

Instead, consider all possible ways to overcome the issue, develop new ideas, take the chance that it might work. Instead of thinking about it as something negative, look at it from a different perspective and find out how this situation could benefit you in the long run. This will help you see things from a new perspective and turn your ‘problem’ into possibilities.

Do not let history, experience, ego, fear, cynicism or the need to be sure and correct all the time cloud your judgement. Likewise, don’t let being overly optimistic set yourself up for a fall.

Taking our time, being aware of our perspective and others bringing balance to our thought process is the key.

Silver lining 

Regularly taking a more positive approach and focusing on the possibilities instead of problems can improve your quality of life and help you achieve your full potential. For those in leadership, it will help your organisation grow. Yet, it’s more challenging for us to do.

The key is to try and look at things from a different angle now and again to keep things fresh and exciting. By seeing challenges as opportunities, we can overcome our issues and achieve our goals with greater ease.

Differentiating between problems and options can help us view life differently and we should engage both perspectives to move forward.

In some cases, we may have to take a practical approach and focus on what needs to be done to overcome an obstacle; however, it is also vital that we do not overlook all the possibilities.

By thinking about problems as options and shifting our perspectives, we can take a more positive approach to life. When we see something as a problem, it is more challenging to adapt to uncertain circumstances. A different way of looking at things helps us to develop solutions and move past this obstacle.

Changing your perspective

• Think about what you need to do to overcome the challenge. Remember that whatever happens, it will help you grow and become stronger.
• Keep positive friends around you who will remind you of your strengths and encourage you when times get tough.
• Find support groups online or offline where you can be inspired by others who have overcome difficulties.
• Stay away from those who are quick to reach conclusions, dismiss ideas or say no. likewise, be cautious around those who are quick to go where angels fear to tread.
• Look at the situation from a different perspective and find a silver lining in it. Focus on what you can learn from this experience and how you can use your knowledge to achieve your goals or help other people in the future.
• Try focusing on things that make you happy rather than dwelling on issues that cause you stress. This will help you take a break from life’s difficulties and see your situation differently.
• By refocusing our energy on what makes us happy, we can find the solutions to overcoming challenges much more quickly and easily. Similarly, when we think of problems as possibilities, we can focus on opportunities in every difficulty. This will allow us to find inspiration and learn from challenging experiences to achieve our goals or help other people in the future.
• Instead of dismissing ideas outright and jumping to the potential risk and pitfalls, take your time and consider all the options, possibilities and potential benefits.
• New perspectives allow us to find new opportunities that exist in every problem. By looking at things from a different angle
• We must not forget about the challenges or be blind to the risks we face; however, it is equally important that we take a more optimistic approach and look at things differently now and then.

We would encourage you to make a conscious effort to learn how to differentiate between problems, pitfalls, and options to take a positive approach and achieve your full potential.

Learn how to view life challenges differently and engage both perspectives to move forward. Focus on the positive aspects of your challenges and find out how they can help you grow as a person and overcome any obstacle you face.

Think of problems as options and focus on learning from your experiences to help others achieve your goals. Find the silver lining in every situation, keep support groups around you where you can learn from others’ wisdom and look at life’s difficulties with an open mind to find solutions.

By mastering the art of shifting perspective, we can face life’s challenges with positivity and take a positive approach to achieve our goals. By focusing on the options that exist, we can learn from challenging experiences to overcome any obstacle or help other people in the future.

We would love to hear how does your prospective cloud hinder or help you reach potential success in your decision making?