Difficult Challenges? -- What If?

Sometimes life can seem like one long series of unsolvable problems. I know there have been times when I would much rather find something else to do and quit whatever I was doing simply because it was too much trouble to continue. In fact, earlier in my life that is exactly what I did do. (And to tell the truth, I wouldn't change it even if I could!)

However, I think there comes a time in every one's life when we want a result. This result could be a goal, dream, or some other desirable end result that we are willing to sacrifice for but maybe we just are not quite sure how. It could be that the challenges that stand in the way seem to be too difficult to overcome.

Sound familiar? I bet we all have been there, or are there now.

First, let's agree that challenges we face always look worse the more we look at them and the harder we work to meet them. Especially if these challenges don't go away. Many times we get so close to the situation that we are unable to see all the options.

Here are some suggestions to find more options.

First: Write in a list form everything that you see facing you as a challenge or a problem. Just seeing this information on paper gives you a psychological edge over it because you are aware that you are doing something, taking action.

Second: For each challenge come up with all the options you can think of using a What if? scenario. Do not rule anything out at all!

You can use a positive What if? such as:

What if this problem did not exist? What would that be like?

What if I could really solve this? What would I do? *What if turned this challenge into a benefit? What would that look like?

What if I broke this problem into smaller problems? What would that look like?

Or you can use a negative What if? such as: *What if I ignored this problem? What would happen?

What if I walked away from it, gave it some time and came back? What would happen?

What if I gave this to someone else to happen? Would that work?

Now, you can certainly get more specific in your questions than this. With practice you will get better. Remember that your subconscious might not allow you to consider all options possible. Really work on coming up with all the options available to you - no matter how crazy they may seem.

Once you have all your options, rate them for possibility. Obviously, some will not be usable. Some will be brilliantly simple and the exact answer that has eluded you all along!

Ask for help from friends, coworkers, family or your coach to add to your option, sort them out, and implement the solutions.

The great thing about doing this exercise is that you immediately get a sense that you do have options!

And that in itself solves a big part of the problem.

As always,

Your online Coach and Friend,

Miami Phillips www.creativemasterminds.comHelping owners and entrpreneurs have more profit and less headachescoach@creativemasterminds.com

Quotation of the week: Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness. Shakti Gawain

About The Author

Miami Phillips is an ANSIR Certified Personal Coach and the founder of Creative MasterMinds who believes personal growth is an essential ingredient to being happy and contributing to this world. While his main focus is affordable personal and business coaching, he also offers motivational teleclasses, ebooks, reading recommendations and much more. To find out more visit his site at http://www.creativemasterminds.com or send him an email at coach@creativemasterminds.com

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Coaching Information:

Related Articles

Going On a Mental Diet
Diets are always in style. Every time you turn around, someone is coming out with a new and improved diet.
Ch-Ch-Chain of Hearts: Cranking Up Compassion
Can you hear your compassion? It's time to crank it up.One of the most difficult challenges we face in our quest to be compassionate is dealing with conflict.
5 Keys to Powerful Communication
As a coach that specializes in marriage, couples and family coaching, it is critical to develop strong and clear keys for communication. How many times have you been faced with a difficult feeling or occurrence that you are reluctant to discuss with your partner? You probably thought, "If I just don't say anything, I can get past it"?The problem is most of us can't get past it.
A Simple Strategy for Managing ADD
As an ADD Coach, I usually begin my conversations with new and potential clients by saying, "Tell me about yourself and why you're looking for coaching." Most people answer with a long list of their ADD challenges.
New Developments Make Christian Life Coaching "The" Career Choice for Work-At-Home Professionals
I have watched for a couple years now, as my wife's career has really taken off and I must admit, I am impressed. At the age of 55, having had so many life experiences, it just made me sit up and take notice that something huge is happening.
The Need to Feel Special
From the time Jennifer was a little child, she was demanding of attention, especially from her mother, Sarah. With two older brothers, Jennifer had a "special" place in the family as the baby and the only girl.
Purpose
Many people go through much of their lives without really thinking about their purpose. I don't mean a lofty, philosophic, and often unrealistic purpose that has us striving to save the world or solve the challenge of poverty throughout the world (although these are both admirable for those whose true purpose is to do so).
New Definition of Retirement
A new definition of retirement is evolving. It's one that's focused on continual exploration, learning and growth.
Just Listen, Please!
When did you last do that? When did you last listen to yourself? Is there a small voice inside you calling out "Just listen to me" Just listen. Please".
Empowering Vision
Playing Our Part:Sir Michael Costa was conducting a rehearsal, in which the orchestra was joined in a great chorus. About half way through the session, with the trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the Piccolo player muttered to himself, "What good am I doing? I might as well not be playing.
Secrets of Creating Interpersonal Power
If you work with people, as a company owner, manager and team leader or on the customer interface, your impact on others is your most important asset! Someone creating 'Interpersonal Power', as I see it, has the ability to inspire, motivate and facilitate outstanding action in another.In 1996 I won the Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA, in Whitewater Slalom.
Receiving Thanks and Praise - The View from the Other Side
We demand more from those who provide to us and because we are frequently in roles which deliver goods and services ourselves, we are on the receiving end too - of complaints, frustrations and generally poor behaviour.Why is it that when we are on the receiving end, we miss the fact that we ourselves, when we hang up our service-provider-hat at the end of our shift, often end up as 'customers behaving badly' too?Why do we take our own frustrations out on others, the way it has been taken out on us? Why do we sometimes become the Hyde from our normal Jekyll?So, when someone goes the 'extra mile' to say 'Thank you', or appreciate the actions you have taken? What do you take from that and how do you react? You feel good, I guess.
7 Effective Ways To Boost Your Self Esteem
1. Get a life purpose statement.
What The Buddha Says About Coaches
There is a Buddhist saying that goes like this: "If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill it." This means to kill any concept of the Buddha as something apart from oneself.
Coaching for Results
He's a very successful sales manger who craves results. He can't be bothered with people who don't produce.
Your Mindset Determines Your Success in Life
To keep at the top of your game you have to keep a clear head. You can't afford to fill up on news and negativity.
Who Are You Mixing It With?
I talk and write a lot about Life Design - creating and sculpting a life that is fulfilling for you. It is about shaping your personal landscape and environment.
Coaching Skills for Peers: Extending Influence
Many people think of coaching solely as a management technique. Although coaching skills provide managers with the means to get business results while creating solid relationships, the value of coaching in other arenas is often overlooked.
Im Gonna Die MY Way
My wife says I have the strangest taste in movies. You see, there are movies I can watch again and again, which she couldn't sit through once.
The Role of Grief Group Facilitators
Technically, there are two types of grief groups. Informational and support groups are for individuals who have an interest in the grief process.