Problems is No Problem: The Best Way to Win Over Life Problems
Photo credit: Celestine Chua / Foter.com / CC BY
This is one true fact: we live happier lives when there are less problems to face. But as they say, life is not a bed of roses. When there are roses, there are bound to be thorns secretly hiding within that lush red layer (or any other rose color you fancy).
And in the reality of life, we are constantly going through the struggle and challenge of problem solving – from life’s everyday issues to complex ones that can immensely alter the course of your life’s goal. Some are better at it, while some are, well, not so skillful in dealing with their problems. But then again, people who are great at solving their issues get to live their life’s much easier.
Bottom line: The more problems solved, the happier and satisfying your life is.
Why most fail to solve their problems?
One of the greatest faults most people do when trying to face their problems is that they focus on identifying the problem and not so much on finding the best solution. I beg to differ with what genius Albert Einstein once said that, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking (defining) about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” He may be a genius in many other ways, but this thought on problem solving may not be the solution.
I found this Lifehack article, which clearly supports what I am trying to emphasize that focusing on the solutions should be given greater importance. This is essentially because concentrating on the problems feeds “negative emotions into your brain” according to neuroscientists. If we look at it the NLP way, this is certainly a big no no!
Additionally, most think of problems of what it is – problem. There needs to be a change in how we view it. Reframe your perception of problems, if you will. Have you ever thought that solving problems, regardless of its intensity, does actually spark creativity in how you think? It pushes you to go beyond more than what is obvious. We have always been taught to think outside of the box. But why do this when you can also throw out the box instead? It can be hard to do, but problem solving can be a lot of fun too, you know.
Because of this, there is a tendency that when a solution is found, it does not address the root cause of it all. Think of it as a weed. You cannot eliminate it if you only slash the surface leaves. You need to dig deep and snag the roots out of the ground. That is the same thing with problem solving; you have to look at the many angles on how it must be addressed.
You SCORE by playing doctor
I have mentioned earlier that solving life problems can actually be fun. That is because it involves a little bit of a role playing. This is especially highlighted and emphasized in one of the most easy-to-use tool kits in NLP in solving issues, which is taught and introduced on a NLP Practitioner Level. The S.C.O.R.E. Model, which was developed by Robert Dilts and Todd Epstein, is a very efficient process in defining the problems and designing the solutions by viewing the problem in five components.
So where does the role playing come in? Well, the S.C.O.R.E. model is essentially a diagnostic guide very similar to how a good doctor does in providing patients with the right long-term treatment for a certain illness. A good doctor does not automatically write you a prescription without examining you, right? This is exactly how you should be tackling your problems.
The five components involve the consideration of the following: the Symptoms and Causes of the problem, the Outcomes and Resources that you have in solving the problem and the Effects that come along with it.
- Symptoms – the obvious issues that signify that there is a problem (What is wrong?)
- Causes – the factors that is causing the symptom (What are the underlying causes?)
- Outcomes – the desired goal or outcome that will replace the current situation or symptom (What is the end-goal?)
- Resources – the components to achieve or sustain the outcome (How will you solve the problems with what means?)
- Effects – the impression and meaning that will mark that you have achieved the desired outcome (What and how will it change things?)
Basically, if you map out your problem in this manner, you are able to get a full view from the root cause of your problem all the way up to the long-term consequences of your desired end-goal.
Step-out and detach
The great thing about the S.C.O.R.E. Model is that it is not an entirely linear process. It is dynamic and a desired state can be achieved regardless of the sequence on how you tackle and deal with the issue. It is one, if not the only, of the most free-flowing techniques used in NLP. What is important is that you begin by looking at the context of the problem.
Also, one distinct characteristic of the S.C.O.R.E. Model is the need to step-out and detaching yourself from the situation. This means that you need to look at the problem objectively. While doing this, you can arrange the S.C.O.R.E. in this timeline:
As I have mentioned earlier, the S.C.O.R.E. Model is dynamic, which means that you can get started with the process in whatever way. But this timeline is the most basic and easiest way to use this model by starting with the past components. Remember that most negative thought patterns and life situations that we experience in the present begin in the past. So, it is only but logical to start there and work your way to your end point, which is the desired future. The resources, on the other hand, should be detached from the timeline, as this is the factor that allows you to reach from point A (past) to point B (future).
From me to others
Interestingly, the S.C.O.R.E. Model is not entirely self-serving. It is actually an excellent tool that can be used for life coaches in helping others in defining and finding solutions to their problems.
But one thing that makes this model a fulfilling tool is the satisfaction that it gives to you. Imagine how great it would be to know that you can always intuitively resolve issues and problems and come out winning in any given life situation. And this is where a paradigm shift needs to take place. A problem is not just a problem per se. Problems (and solving them) are actually an asset in your self-development. When viewed in positive perspective and managed and solved with the right tools will ultimately resolve in your desired end-goal.
If you want to know how to effectively use the S.C.O.R.E. Model in your day-to-day encounter of problems and provide you with the efficient ways to solve them, join us in one of my FREE NLP Fast-Track Course. I will share with you how to address your problems stress-free with this model, along with many other NLP tools and techniques, in this 2-hour intimate session. Simply fill-out our inquiry form or call us now to book the seat reserved just for you!