Having A Problem Solving Problems? Solutions come easier with goals

By Annabelle Reitman

Problems are messages
Shakti Gawain

“Something is wrong” is the simplest definition of a problem. It is the point of becoming aware that we are “stuck”, have hit a stone wall, have taken the wrong action step, or we actually fear success.

A goal is a desired outcome toward which you direct time and energy. Setting goals is a basic element of problem solving. Goals are specific, measurable, realistic, and timed; they may also have cost factors and/also resource constraints. An easy immediate goal being accomplished in a small amount of time, e.g. make an appointment, write one email, return one phone call, allows you to check off one item on your “to-do” list. One action leads to another encouraging you to commit to a longer-term goal, thereby solving a problem, e.g. gain five new clients within 6 months or design a new global marketing campaign by September 1st.

Start first with making the problem a reality. A problem becomes concrete by:
· Describing the situation
· Defining the predicament
· Listing objectives to be accomplished
· Explaining impact of solution
· Implementing action

Now, establish your goals initiating a plan of action to resolve the problem. This will enable you to:
· Know where you are headed – your ultimate objective
· Be aware of your progress – monitor your activities/tasks at specific intervals
· Set the priority of your daily/weekly tasks
· Establish a timeline for each task
· Revise objectives and plan of action as necessary
· Feel a sense of accomplishment

Before implementing a project, determine obstacles that you may need to face and resolve before moving forward: physical, conditional, or psychological. The most common barriers to success include: cost/financial, time/deadline limitations, self-confidence/motivation, and/or non-productive behavior. By only seeing barriers in totality is self-defeating and leads to much pressure being felt.

Moving one step at a time is a major ingredient of success and allows you to break a major or overall large goal into a number of smaller goals. This lessens anxiety, stress, and allows you to face barriers bit by bit. For example, if your goal is to obtain an advanced degree and you are looking at the entire projected financial cost; it can be quite considerable and a major barrier. Instead, total the cost of taking one or two course for the first semester (including books and fees) and see if that is manageable. Or, research grants, scholarships, what types of courses will your employer pay for, etc.

In other words, look at the problem from a positive angle: “Is there some way I can make this work?” “What would it take to make it work?” By not accepting that problems exist without solutions, you will tear down or eliminate barriers and achieve your goals.

Your Mojo and The Workplace

By Annabelle Reitman

“Mojo” as defined by Wikipedia is ones self-confidence or self-esteem. It is really the level or strength of belief in oneself in a situation.

Do you radiate self-assuredness in the workplace as you interact with your colleagues, staff, and/or supervisor? What about your clients or customers? Without mojo or with a weak one, how can you expect someone else to have confidence in you or your capabilities to do your job?

With a strong mojo, you have a better chance to handle a work situation that maybe difficult or frustrating as well as dealing with any negative results. When you believe strongly in yourself and your abilities, you are able to manage yourself and future actions, change or influence what you can, and accept what is not in your control.

Think about work circumstances – In general, are you satisfied with the results? For example: How did your performance review go? Did you get the promotion or assignment that you wanted? Are you satisfied with your client or customer working relationships? How would you rate your standing with your boss, staff, or colleagues? What is the effect of your self-confidence upon influencing outcomes?

One basic question to ask your self is. “Does my mojo need strengthening or enhancement, and if so, how can I make this happen? Components that contribute to your mojo include:

·Identity: To create a strong, competent, individualized identity, you need to know yourself – your strengths, skills, knowledge, personal characteristics, work styles, communication styles, values, and priorities. Make a list of your perceptions of your self (NOT what other people think of you, but what you think of you). Share this list with family, friends and colleagues and ask them if this list is in sync with the image they have of you. How close is the match? Where differences exist, think of the reasons for them. How can you improve your ways of projecting your “brand” so that your authentic self is the one that people see and accept?

·Risk: Everyone wants to get more out of life that occurs only if you welcome growth and improvement. Changing and striving for self-actualization involves some risk – you may fail, you may not reach the heights you aim for, or you may be disappointed things do not turn out as expected. Willingness to risk is related to self-esteem – in that it is personal and subjective. The way you perceive your self determines level of risk-taking.

·Brag: Do you talk about your achievements? Do you take credit for what you have done? Bragging is a necessity – not a choice if you want to do more than just exist at work, that is, advance up a job ladder & arrive at the top. Bragging is not conceit; it is being forthcoming about who you are, what you have done, and what you are capable of doing. Given constant changes in the workplace – management reorganizations, retirements, mergers, downsizing – you need to keep people up-dated on who you are and what are your achievements.

Being aware of the components: identity, risk, and brag, you can strengthen your mojo leading to more positive reactions to you and your work.

Email comments to: Annabelle Reitman, Ed.D.
Career Management Strategist, Author
anreitman@verizon.net