The best way to find answers and solutions quickly

Written by Alex Poeter

Have you ever needed to solve a problem quickly because you were under a lot of pressure?  I think this is something we’ve all experienced.  And what we tend to do in those situations is the opposite of what would actually be helpful: We keep pushing and trying to force things.  Of course the more we get revved up, the more we cut ourselves off from the part in us that can provide us with answers and solutions.  Here is a powerful perspective and approach that has helped me many times in these situations.

First, let’s take a look at what’s really going on in those moments so we can gain a greater understanding.  When we feel under pressure to find an answer or solution, we usually do things that are not that helpful:

We resist the problem we’re dealing with.

We shift into fight or flight, which activates our sympathetic nervous system – this means we’re reactive, defensive and feel like we don’t have control over our situation.

We project scarcity into our actions and decisions - we feel like we don’t have what we need.

So, what to do?  I’ve found that the most effective way of finding answers to urgent questions and solutions to problems is to “let go of the resistance.”  So, instead of judging the problem and wishing it wasn’t there, it actually helps to embrace it.   I know this might sound like a big ask, but it’s definitely possible if you approach the problem with appreciation – appreciation for “being able to create something new that benefits others,” or “being able to foster greater synergy among your team members” if you’re trying to find a solution collectively.  

The key is to not judge the problem, but to see that it’s necessary for finding or creating a solution.  Finding or creating solutions allows us to keep learning and growing.  In that sense, solutions and problems are two sides of the same coin.  There will always be big questions we want answers to and problems we want solutions for.  It’s just an integral part of life.  

Being able to find appreciation for a problem means we can trust that the solution is hidden inside.  And the more we can let go of resisting the problem and learn to welcome it, the quicker the solution will reveal itself to us.  I want to invite you to try this out for yourself.  Just pick a problem you’re currently facing and ask yourself: 

What are the potential opportunities and gifts this problem might be offering to me?

Try to find something about the problem that allows you to feel less resistant so you can see new possibilities and opportunities.  Then reflect on the question:

What are some possible ideas for a solution that would benefit everyone impacted by this problem, and thereby benefit the greater good?

Putting your focus on the possibility of finding a solution that benefits everyone involved allows you to shift from “feeling the need to protect yourself from a threat” to “creating something new that can have a positive impact”.