3 Must-Have Problem-Solving Strategies for Moms

I think we all can agree that dealing with problems is totally messy, inconvenient, and stressful.

Did I mention no fun?

Many of us are so dang busy and overloaded all the time, that we run away from challenging situations rather than dealing with them.

Do you notice that the more overwhelmed you get the more avoiding you do with problem solving strategies?

What’s your creative style for avoiding problem solving?

• Sweep it under the carpet- Out of sight, out of mind
• Duck and cover- Just ignore it
• Procrastinate- I’ll get to it later
• When it gets bad enough, I’ll do something about it
• Someone else will handle it- It’s not my job
• Just talk about it- Spin it around and around and around

The truth about avoiding problem solving is… it comes with a “domino effect.”

The longer you put off dealing with a problem, the more complicated and worse it gets.

Just like when your engine light comes on, but you keep driving the car, and then wonder why a list of things are wrong with your engine, when you finally take it to the shop for service.

Here’s a tidy way of saying it, “If you don’t deal with it… it will deal with you.”

I don’t like living on the short end of the stick, so I’ve learned that dealing with challenges gets me in a better place quicker, than if I keep avoiding them… aka, not letting excuses like fear get in my way.

Having a few problem-solving strategies that work, changes my willingness and effectiveness in handling challenges, and I’m sure it will for you, too!

3 Must-Have Strategies for Problem Solving for Moms:

1. Think it.

The biggest challenge in problem solving is how you think about it.

Do you think problem solving is hard, avoidable, or impossible?

Those beliefs were somehow programmed into your brain, so they fire off whenever you’re faced with a problem, and you get stuck.

Your brain is a creature of habit and wants to take the easy road by running on autopilot whenever it can.

But the good news is… it can be changed.

Every muscle in your body needs training to stay in shape, and your brain is one of them.

It doesn’t have to look like a 6-pack, it just needs to become supportive of problem solving. 🙂

The easiest training strategy for your brain is to create solution-oriented statements, and recite them consistently, rather than dwelling on the problem.

Here are a few suggestions to start with:

“I want to solve the problem of ______________.”

“I’m thankful there are solutions for ______________.”

“I’m working on the solution for _____________.”

Maybe you feel silly listening to yourself say these words out loud, but it’s a starting place.

They open up your eyes and ears to finding solutions quickly and easily.

And they prepare your heart to be more willing, too.

2. Do It.

Thinking and doing are tied together… by your will.

You think about something, then you want it, and then you find a way to do it.

When you train your brain, your willpower gets a boost, as well as your desire to find solutions.

And then… when your desire is elevated, you’ll be motivated to take the action steps needed for your solution.

Decide on your first step toward a solution, and do it asap.

Even if it’s scary, hard, uncomfortable, or humbling, just do it now.

A supportive friend might be good to lean on as you take solution seeking steps.

Do you need professional help to solve your problem? If so, reach out for extra help right now.

Keep taking tiny steps toward your solution, and you’ll get the problem behind you in no time!

Stop choosing to stay stuck, because problems don’t fix themselves.

3. Finish it.

One of my mantras is, “It’s a bunch of tiny steps that gets the job done.”

Decide you’re in it to finish it… no matter what else comes your way.

Keep taking one tiny step after another, even if you’re dealing with several problems at once.

Work on what you can, and it will get easier to take the bigger steps as you go.

Remember… problem-free is not the goal.

The goal is becoming good at problem solving.

And this extra one should be first and goes without saying…

4. Ask for help!

Always remember that God is bigger than any mess you’ll find yourself in, so trust that He’ll provide the remedy.

Ask Him for specific help and then be sure to look for it.

Find support and help through small groups and good friends.

There’s lo tons of resources online through podcasts, e-books, classes, and courses.

Get extra support from a counselor if the situation is more than you can handle yourself.

If you look for help, you’ll find it!

There are other moms who have gone through what you’re dealing with.

Hearing their stories and learning how they faced their challenges will encourage you to find your best solutions, too.

And the bonus is… the more you apply problem solving strategies, the better you’ll be become at it.

(Originally posted November 12, 2019)