It's true ... if all you have is a hammer in mind … most everything will likely look like a nail to you…. When people focus on problems only... they tend to miss possibilities…forget to laugh … and blame others for difficulties they face….
There are different chemical reactions taking place in the mind of an optimist…or a visionary… and a person steeped in problems…. Listen to cynics tell you about problems in their day... and to a person suggesting a solution to a problem they face at work... to see what I mean….
Did you know the human brain can actually rewire to create a cognitive map for one or the other ... problems or possibilities .... Furthermore we reboot the brain for possibilities… simply by what you do and say daily….
1. Imagine yourself benefiting from near perfect hindsight vision...and then simply make it happen. Cut one problem off at the pass by throwing a solution at it … as if you were looking at it’s resolution a full year away. Then expect results far soon … because you saw it...
2. Optimism can help you to see more possibilities and fortunately … optimism can be taught …in ways that move you to new visions for success in a thing…. Question how it can happen and expect results…. How could even a little more everyday ingenuity begin to work in your favor today…?
3. How do you respond when life throws you a curveball? Would you be a good character in Scott Adam’s Dilbert cartoon? If so… try a new approach the next time you feel that hammer in your hand … ready to whack whatever nail you walk across….
4. Can you find any room within yourself to identify more with Martin Luther King’s vision for improvement…? Can you find any reasons to say with him… “I’ve been to the mountain top and I’ve seen God….there is no turning back…” Sure … King ended up paying the highest cost for his dream … yet it is one that continues to change and improve a universe.
How could you begin to focus on that lofty mountain peak out there … the one calling your best … in ways that make the hammer seem useless…. How could satisfaction and contentment help you to go after more of the possibilities that are waiting for you to rewire the wings of your mind?
Interestingly, the new issue of Reader's Digest has a new issue which focuses on 100 ideas to solve some of the problems we face in America today. To introduce this special feature they say, "This special report on the best big ideas for upgrading our Leadership, Health Care, Education, Infrastructure, Immigration and Energy will help America succeed as a beacon of democracy, moral authority and innovation in this new century. Beginning with the ideas, many of which are brilliant, and then targeting and collaborating between political parties to carry them out that can make a difference in America. While Reader's Digest may not be my main reading fare, I was curious to see what was in this issue and was very pleasantly surprised! I so agree -- focusing on possibilities rather than problems is what can make the difference. You recognize the problem, but get beyond it quickly with possible solutions.
Posted by: Robyn McMaster | October 1, 2006 7:02 AM | Permalink to Comment