Problem-Solver or Solution-Generator: Why the Difference Can Make or Break You

In today’s economy it seems that many entrepreneurs are focused on one big problem – cash. Meaning, many don’t seem to have enough of it. If you read the papers or listen to the news, you’ll hear the same thing…lack of cold hard cash is a problem.

How do we stop having issues with our cash flow so we can start having more profitable businesses? How can we eliminate our debts? Why is my revenue stuck while my friends seem to be rolling in the dough?

This is actually focusing on the wrong end of the problem

Let me remind you of a little secret around creating wildly successful businesses. It starts with your inner game. It starts more specifically, with the message you send yourself. And if you follow Law of Attraction principles at all, then you also know that what you focus on expands.

So when you focus on the problem, what happens?

That’s right. You get more of the problem, don’t you?

What might shift for you RIGHT now by focusing your attention on solutions? Now I know you are probably thinking to yourself, “But Melanie, how can I focus on a solution without focusing on the problem?”

Let’s look at an example.

Say a member of your team has a problem. They bring the problem to your weekly staff meeting. They tell you WHY it’s a problem. Now everyone is focused on the problem. Finger-pointing starts, negative energy expands and everyone leaves the meeting feeling depleted. Where do you go from there?

What if your team adapted a Solution-Generator mindset? So that same team member mentions the problem but brings 2 or 3 potential solutions to the meeting. The team brainstorms how to make those solutions happen and the problem dissolves and the team energy expands. Very little attention is put on the problem – everything is focused on something positive and actionable.

When your attention is on the solution rather than the problem, you begin to see new ideas and opportunities. Coincidences occur. You literally become a solution magnet!

Now let’s apply this to cash flow. If you are focused on not having enough money, then you will feel overwhelmed, frustrated and maybe even angry. You will probably feel like sitting on the couch to watch re-runs of Law & Order because at least your life is MUCH better than those criminals on TV.

What if you started your day by focusing on what is going well first? My coach Ben calls this being “not-problem” focused. Then, give yourself a new focus with a power question. Here are some examples:

What could it look like to have more XX [clients, $100k months, peace of mind, etc.]

How can I unlock more wealth in some really exciting and new ways today?

Who do I need to meet or connect with today to expand our wealth?

I think you see where I’m going with this. Train your brain to focus on generating solutions and you will start to unlock a whole new level of success in your life and business.

Your Assignment:

1. Think of something you have been focusing on as a problem and reframe it as an opportunity.
2. Identify 3 possible ways for solving the problem in the next 30 days.
3. Before you go to bed tonight take action on it. Do the same tomorrow!

The best way to stop focusing on the problem is to get into action solving it. Use your mind and resources to create solutions, rather than to create thoughts ABOUT the problem.