I like to solve problems.

I like the feeling when the tumbler clicks into place and the perfect, tidy solution reveals itself.

This can be helpful, like when I am working with someone and I discover what they need so that they can get out of their own way.

Or when I am writing something, wading through my words, finding le mot juste.

Finding solutions is fun. A little hit of exhilaration.

However, my relationship with problem solving is a delicate one.

Sometimes I cross the line.

And then things go haywire.

The energy of the problem spreads like a virus and soon I am waist-deep in bullshit.

So what’s the line that gets crossed?

It’s the energy I bring to the situation…

If I am approaching the issue with a feeling of curiosity and a expectation that I will solve it, things tend to go smoothly…

BUT

(and this BUT is really my whole point here…)

… if I cross the line and my energy toward the issue turns to frustration (one quick slip and I am there), then there is little chance of me seeing an easy outcome.

My habit when frustrated is to keep chewing on the problem. To bull my way through. But the energy of frustration and force attracts more frustration. And more force pushing back.

To find the best solution, your energy (thoughts and expectations) must be a match for that easy solution.

The rub is that this takes effort. Awareness. Practice.

But the sweetness of the outcomes that follow make this a small price to pay. Pennies on the dollar.

So when your tangled up in the matrix of the problem, stop chewing on it.

Put it down.

Do something else.

Leave it alone.

Get aligned.

Get aligned.

Get aligned.

And then watch what happens.

Yes, the approach is uncommon. But so is a Very Cool Life.