This “frozen” state is really very normal reaction given our biology and humanity. What can move us toward successful solutions, is simply having a place to start, things to do, and sense that even though we cannot solve the problem today, we are actively dealing with it and making a difference. This problem solving process can easily be done by anybody who makes the time, and follows the instructions. I have yet to find a problem that cannot be addressed using this model. To begin, here are some of the reasons we get immobilized and then get the fight or flight response. To fight may create more of a problem, and to fly, either physically or psychologically doesn’t really address the problem. Of course, if you are being chased by a Bear, definitely fly. If it is a life situation, then step up and work it out. To help you understand why you may have seized up, here are some things that may be going on: 1 - Brain function - When the lower or emotional part of the brain "floods" it overrides our frontal lobes (higher level thinking). That's why it is never a good idea to make decisions when you are highly emotional. You aren't using all your wisdom. If you take some time to step away, calm down or go for a walk, you will be able to re-engage your thinking frontal lobes. They are not lost forever. 2 - Flooding of information. All of us take in tons of information everyday. Today’s individual takes in more information in a day than people in the past took in, in a lifetime. Without filters, like knowing our values, goals, and having clear priorities, it is difficult to choose what to pay attention to. People need a sorting "criteria" so they can make the choices that are best for them. This is why being clear about your personal values, life vision, and goals helps you choose what information and solutions are best for you. 3 - You are being asked to step outside of our comfort zone and our brain floods with fear, again, #1 takes place. 4 - Personally, developmentally you are shifting to a new way of thinking and/or feeling about life. There are many developmental models that explain how humans grow and change, i.e., M. Erickson and A. Maslow. The current models use a spiral process rather than a linear model. Two of these I can recommend are: While this paradigm shift is going on, everything takes on new meaning. Chaos becomes the theme. As the person "rides out" the shift, meaning emerges as the mind accommodates this new way of being and learns how to operate from this new place. The Wholistic Integrated Problem Solving process looks at the person’s WHOLE life, and using all the tools they have at hand, create an integral solution that enhances and optimizes all of the parts of their life that are impacted. Step 1 – Gather Information This process allows people who are overwhelmed or flooded to simply and easily talk and at the same time randomly gather information that will be part of the solution. In the beginning phase there is no need to choose, decide, edit, or criticize, only to gather information. Step 2 – Cluster When this initial phase feels complete or simply comes to a stop, it is time to step back and look for patterns, clusters of information, clarify them. Step 3 – Clarify There is now enough information to clarify the issues to be addressed and maybe sole solutions are emerging. Step 4 – Prioritize Now that you have the issues clarified, it is time to determine where to start. Step 5 – Feedback This model is a dynamic problem solving process. As long as the problem or project is active, you will be coming back to add information and/or re-clarify and prioritize. So the process starts with the big picture and filters down to a single action step that is doable; the power of action is returned to the system. Taking one step at a time you walk toward a successful solution. The successful solution to a problem creates a well-deserved moment of relief and satisfaction. Self Esteem increases and space is opened for relaxation or the choice of another activity. The power of action, instead of re-action, releases you from the worry of the unknown, and instills a sense of power. Learning to solve problems, not make them go away, reveals creativity in action. The "solution" to a complex problem will consist of an action plan that's flexible enough to change as needed, yet holds direction for the future. Which would you rather come up with, the "right" answers to life's problems or smart answers that fit your needs? Within the tension and rush to come up with the so-called "right" answer, most American's do not devote enough time and energy to such vital preliminary steps as; understanding the problem, determining its affects, evaluating the full range of potential outcomes, and making smart personal choices. Some of our teachers have encouraged us to believe there's only one correct solution to most problems, only one correct way of reaching the solution, and no need to consider the problem again once the solution is found. This is a simplistic and false truth. Most problems have many more than one solution, and as you have probably found, as you solve one problem, others often arise. Problems are usually more ambiguous and complex than those on school tests, so, using a wholistic problem solving process is crucial to modern living. Luckily, we face not only problems, but also opportunities to learn. Consider the leaky ceiling. The problem might not be a leaky ceiling but possibly a broken pipe, clogged drain, or any number of things. All possibilities, plus the size, age and nature of the leak and the building need consideration. If not, we may find ourselves fixing the leak again and again without ever addressing the complete solution. Taking the time to explore, in depth, a Wholistic Integral Solution, will serve you in the end. Problem solving’s a learned skill that integrates the analytic, emotional and pre-verbal or inner-wisdom of the individual. Wholistic problem solving includes three different processes: 1. Mental---brainstorming, data gathering, logic, prioritizing, clustering information and organizing facts. 2. Emotional---impulses, feelings and subjective impressions. The majority of decisions are based on an emotional need. Unfortunately, emotions can change from moment to moment, and are not a good singular base for important decisions. 3. Intuitive---pre-verbal, somatic, difficult to identify their origin, unconscious, and sometimes not validated by society. Mind Mapping – Using Both Sides of the Brain You already have a lot of information about your obstacle or problem; it simply has not been clarified and/or organized. When you try to organize information before, without editing, capturing all of it, you automatically loose information that does not fit the current paradigm. The first step becomes “MindMapping,” [1]or as I call it, an information gathering and dumping process, or an overview of the problem. Begin by asking yourself "What is the decision that needs to be made or problem that needs to be solved?" These can range anywhere between “What does my focus need to be for the next step in my life? To “How shall I clean the garage?” You can do Mind Mapping individually or in a group. The only rule is that there are NO bad ideas, everything gets written down. Begin by drawing a circle in the middle of the page and draw spokes in all directions, each spoke will be a different idea related to the central subject. Write on the spokes as ideas arise, draw branches off the spokes for ideas that not only relate to the central idea but are also have some relationship to an individual spoke. Put the name of your problem or project in the center of your circle and begin to talk to yourself about the problem. As you describe the issue, write down what you hear yourself say. In the case of the garage you might simply walk around the garage and jot down thoughts as they come to you. You can also write down feelings and intuitions as you go. Don't push yourself to make vague items clear. These are the areas about which you will need to gather more information. For an example of a mindmap, go to the web at: http://www.buzanworld.com/Mind_Maps.htm Now that you have gathered a bunch of information, there may be more lurking inside that has not come to awareness. These can be insights into the issue, feelings, and memories about previous situations that mirror this one, or who knows. At lease give them an opportunity to participate in the problem/project creation process. This process is very simple. Find a timer, set it for 20-30 minutes, find or create a place where you can sit or lie undisturbed by anything for that time, and breathe. Keep your mindmap handy to write on if something pops up, but primarily pay attention to your breath; breathing in, breathing out. This mindfulness meditation process helps to clear the clutter of the busy mind so information that has not been immediately accessible can rise to the surface. Now it is time to take all the information you have gathered and make lists so you can prioritize them and begin to take action. Look at your mind map and put all the information that relates to one primary idea or activity together, i.e., under clean out the garage there may be lists of things that are there, you night have two spokes, one named keepers and the other get rid of. List all the “things” on the appropriate spoke and put on your list 1 – Things to keep, 2 – Things to get rid of. Obviously the next issues are 1 – where to put the keepers and 2 – what to do with the “get rid ofs.” Now all you have to do is prioritize where to start, keep, or dump. These topics may become their own projects, but at least now you know where to start. Great, now I have 142 lines on my list, where do I start? Easy! Use the step-by-step process of taking the time to choose between only tow things, over and over again. Once the choices are clarified, use a simple selection process that allows you to choose between two items at a time rather than 142. The choices are best worded clearly and are Observable, Measurable and Specific. Setting priorities or making a hierarchical list simply means you decide the order in which you want to accomplish certain tasks or choose options. You set priorities every day of your life, though you may not be calling them "priorities". What most of us do is automatically choose an action out of awareness or when we are “thinking” about a choice, use some random criteria to decide. For those of us who find it difficult deciding what to do first when faced with a long list, you will find the grid exercise that follows a simple and useful tool. The process: 1 - Arbitrarily number the items on your list and begin the process of prioritizing them. The grid below is set up for 5 items. If you have more than 20, break your items into groups of 20 and eventually cluster the winners from each group and choose again. It turns out that we can usually decide between two choices. Remember non-action is an act, so when in doubt make a choice anyway. You can always go back later and reprioritize. 2 – Time to compare pairs of items, over and over again. Start with item number one and compare it to item number two. Next, compare item 1 to 3, then item 1 to 4 1 to 5 and onward. Put a check mark next to each choice and work your way through the list. After you compare item 1 to 2, 3, 4 and 5 move to item 2. Compare 2 and 3, 2 and 4, etc. When you are done, if you have items with the same number of check marks, simply compare them like you did in the beginning. Compare the numbered items listed below and put an x next to the number that wins each time: 1/2 _____ 1 - _____ 1/3 _____ 2 - _____ 1/4 _____ 3 - _____ 1/5 _____ 4 - _____ 2/3 _____ 5 - _____ 2/4 _____ 2/5 _____ 3/4 _____ 3/5 _____ 4/5 _____ Here is an example of comparing personal values: Safety Adventure xxx Love of Learning xx Gratitude x Creativity xxxx After comparing the values, as described above, the votes are in and the prioritized list is: 1 – Creativity 2 – Adventure 3 – Love of Learning 4 – Gratitude 5 - Safety Now that you have made some choices, ask yourself how you feel about them, one at a time. While you are pondering, if a word does not come to mind pause a moment and check out how your breathing. If your breaths are short and shallow, you may be angry or scared. If you are breathing deep in your chest and feel relaxed, the emotions may be those of love or happiness. Of course feelings have many names. Some people find it easy to name how they feel, and others have difficulty describing their emotions. The primary question you need to answer is does this feel good, bad, or need more consideration. Here are some more questions you can ask yourself about feelings that arise: ¨ Are my emotions limiting my choices? ¨ Am I afraid of loosing someone or something I’m attached to? ¨ What affect will the changes I’m considering have on those around me? ¨ Am I willing to pay the price of going for what I really want if I am criticized? ¨ Do I have strong feelings I cannot identify? ¨ How am I going to figure out what they are? Now you've come to the point where you can let go of all your hard analytic and emotional work, time to use your intuition. But how do you access intuitive awareness? There are 3 levels. Gut--a feeling of anxiety, fear, or that things just aren't right. Often called first impressions, or somatic, usually, an overview of a situation or personality. Mental--sometimes found in dreams and daydreams. A new order of things, relationships you have been aware of that seem to make more sense than anything else you had previously considered. Spiritual--a global rightness, a oneness with life, a new piece of the cosmic puzzle. The most important part of using your intuition is the ability able to hear the messages that come to you. These gems come to you best when you are relaxed and able to "hear" with your inner ear. Use relaxation exercises and mindfulness meditation, and pay attention during the time just before you fall asleep and right after you wake up. It may be helpful to keep a journal next to your bed. Some people carry a small handheld tape recorder with them to use in the car or while walking. Be sure to write down pieces of information in your journal. They may not make sense now, but later, when you go over your notes, the pieces may make a whole picture. Use tools that draw on your intuitive skills such as the I Ching, Tarot Cards, stream of consciousness journaling, spontaneous story telling or singing, games that allow the free use of your creative imagination. Creative arts such as painting, drawing with the whole brain, creative writing, and poetry draw on the intuitive function. Pay attention to the symbols that arise and relate them to the question at hand. To clarify your decision, ask yourself these questions: 1. What are the immediate affects, to decide, or not decide? 2. What is my decision deadline? 3. What are the short and long term consequences for each choice? 4. What are the pros and cons of my choices? 5. What resources do I have and what do I need? 6. Which choices best fit into my Life Plan? If you are asking “What Life Plan?” see the section on Life Planning. 7. How does this solution match my personal values and personality preferences? 8. What skills do I have to solve this problem, and what do I need to learn? 9. What areas need more data? How you will I obtain that information? Some techniques to choose are: A. Interview experts, counselors, and people with experience in your situation. B. Visit your local or a college library and pick from the knowledge of the reference librarian and card catalogue. C. Gather some experience performing the job, task. D. Imagine the outcome of each decision. Use all your senses; sight, hearing, smell, taste, and kinesthetic. E. What relationships will be created changed or ended? If after all of the above, you still feel immobilized, do something, anything to move forward. Whatever you do, you will get more information, i.e., that was not the right choice, or good idea! Many decisions, even those with extensive research reach the coin flipping point. Facts are tools but they aren't the same as your inner wisdom they won't make your decision for you. Learn to trust your inner wisdom, and don't allow yourself to be immobilized by indecision. Your response to the answer of the flip will tell you even more. FINALLY, think of the problem you are solving, or the decision you are struggling with, as a mystery play or giant puzzle. The pieces may come to you in various forms but are not as clearly marked, as you would like them to be. Turning the pieces over and over will lend new light to their message. Fun isn't it? Remember to not take your problems too seriously, that will only add to the burden and get in the way of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Personal agenda's or fears, upper limits issues (fear of success), and private "buttons." You may be on the right track to the perfect decision for yourself but may stumble over individual obstacles that keep you from proceeding down your correct path. Watch for your first few reactions after you think or feel you have made the "right" choice. Ask yourself where those reactions came from. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible. Be aware of habitual responses like “I could never do that.” Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the dance. Play with choices, explore absurdities, laugh at your mistakes and move on. Problem/Decision: __________________________________________________ Deadline: __________________________ Mind Map List of issues or topics: 1 2 3 4 Etc. Prioritized list 1 2 3 4 Etc. Now it’s time to move to the Planning and Scheduling Process.by Linda Lawless MA
When a problem is totally overwhelming or very complex, what other solutions are there besides screaming and running from the room?
What is Wholistic Integrated Problem Solving?
The Components
Mental
Right Brain and/or No Brain
Left Brain – Making Lists
Step by Step
Checking In
Intuitive
Flying By The Seat Of Your Pants Just Doing It!
Watch Out For.....
Wholistic Problem Solving - Worksheet
LifeDancing
Master Life's Movement & Discover Advanced Well-Being
Wholistic Integral Problem Solving
When people are faced with BIG life challenges or problems, quite often they become immobilized or overwhelmed by the enormity of the issue. How and where do they start to change their life? They may react and attempt random, unsuccessful solutions loosing their sense of power or control over their life, or they may become frozen into inactivity.
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