As with most habits, we are programmed to think about things in a certain way. We approach and try to solve problems by using the same methods. We rationalize based on habits, environment and training.
It is easy to get extremely comfortable with the way you do things. Without knowing it, we become cemented in believing that our answer is the only right and logical answer to a problem. When our solution does not work, we get frustrated or give up.
The next time you come against a problem that you cannot easily solve and before you walk away frustrated, try to look at the problem from a different perspective. Flip the problem upside down, or better yet, you stand on your head, and look at the situation from a different angle, you may just find your solution.
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A few years ago, I was considering buying a bigger house with more closet space to solve my storage problem. My clothes, shoes and accessories would not fit inside my closet without being crammed in.
I consulted a professional organizer, bought tubs and bins but nothing worked. One day, while killing myself, rearranging my closet, trying to find a way to make room for my clothes, I heard a voice whisper, “you do not need a bigger house with a larger closet, you need less stuff.”
It never occurred to me that I had too much stuff. However after taking a good look at all my clothes, shoes, coats, jackets and purses, I was shocked to see that I was hording things that I did not need and did not wear.
I decided to clean out my closet and give away anything that I did not use. I thought I could be a blessing to someone who needed clothes and shoes, instead of them taking up space in my closet.
If it was not for the voice (who I like to believe was God), I would have never changed my perspective. I had one way of looking at things and frustrated myself on trying to fix the problem.
Since, that episode I clean out my closet regularly, which has become a freeing experience. By giving away things I do not need, I have room for the things that I use; help people in the process and now have fewer items to maintain.
I was listening to a man complain about his chosen profession. He said he loved what he did and could not imagine himself doing anything else. However, his business caused him grief because he could not make any “real” money. He was having a difficult time maintaining his lifestyle with the money that he was earning. He was frustrated because he tried every way in the book to make his business successful.
Perhaps he is looking at the situation from the wrong perspective. His problem might not be about the sum of money he earns but may have to do with lifestyle.
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I was complaining to my husband (he would say I was fussing) about something that he said, that I did not like.
His response to me was, “change the way you think, so you won’t care about what I say and it won’t bother you.”
So, I said, “you are absolutely right, from now on, I will change how I think and I can careless about ANYTHING you have to say!”
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