Do You Have a ‘Problem’ or ‘Solution’ Mindset?

Have you ever questioned how you think?

It can be pretty illuminating to find out!

Broadly speaking, people fall into one of two camps: problem thinkers or solution thinkers.

So how do you know if you’re a problem thinker?

Well, you might say things like:

“I am so over this – I’m happy just to give up right now!”

Or,

“The world is against me.”

Or,

“I should do that…. but I probably won’t.”

People who, by default claim problem headspace, tend to be fairly reactive to the world around them.

They might blame external ‘circumstances’ – and sometimes themselves – for the situations they find themselves in.

Hopefully you’re not groaning too much if you’ve recognised yourself in this scenario…

But if you have, that’s also fine!

Because at least now you have a little more conscious awareness of the pattern you’ve fallen into and can choose… right now… to start doing things differently.

So how does a solution thinker, think?

Well solution thinkers might say things like this:

“I am going to persevere and find a way to solve this.”

Or,

“I am responsible for the outcomes I get in my life.”

Or,

“I will take that action step.”

Solution thinkers focus on creating positive outcomes for themselves (and others) because they fundamentally believe they have choice and control over their outcomes.

Even in situations where on the surface it may appear they don’t have choice or control, they make decisions to give them the control back.

For example, they might choose to walk away from a situation (or person) that is not favourable to them.

See what I mean?

So which default position do you tend to adopt the majority of the time?

Are you more reactive and blaming? (problem mindset)

Or more proactive and pro-choice? (solution mindset)

What teeny action can you take today to get you back in the driving seat?

Rebecca

Rebecca Allen, Chief Illumination Officer of Illuminate Personal Growth, works with professional women to help them take their careers to the next level. If you are feeling underwhelmed by your lack of career progress, looking for support and encouragement and keen to learn new skills to improve your prospects, then you’re in the right place. We provide online career courses, courses for women, live workshops and leadership trainings in Sydney as well as 1-1 executive coaching. Check out our signature virtual course The Career Accelerator Game Plan – in 6 weeks you could be in a whole new place!

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