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Set That Problem Free

Collage by doug smith
Have you ever held a problem so tight that it couldn't get away?

I have.

Why would we do that? We get so comfortable with a problem that it's hard to imagine living without it. But what good is that? It's a problem!

Or is it?

Maybe we need to see beyond what we keep defining in pain as our problem and embrace whatever is as whatever is. If that sounds like double-speak, forgive me for a second and think about it. The situation is the situation. Calling it a problem does not change what is going on. Agonizing over how much misery it is bringing us, our team, or our organization does not help.

Here's what I suggest instead. Set that problem free. Stop calling it a problem. It's the situation. Call it that if you like or don't call it anything at all. Set it free.

Set a goal. What is it that you DO want? Whatever is going on now, what environment, situation, action, or relationship do you really want? Go for that.

Set a goal. Design a plan. And then work your plan until you've forgotten all about your problem.

And, do you know why you'll forget all about your problem? Because your problem will be gone.

-- Doug Smith

key words:

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