PROBLEMS OR SOLUTIONS

It is a Matter of Focus
SOLUTION OR PROBLEM?
You’re either in the problem or the solution. Right?

Not so fast.


Some like to dwell on problems. There are plenty of them to dwell on, and you will never run out of issues to consider. The problem with dwelling on problems is that it does not produce solutions. The more you look at the problem, the bigger it seems to get. My wife leans more in this direction.


Others like to dwell on the solutions. They spend little time determining the root cause of the problem and quickly launch into solutions without learning from past mistakes. I tend to be in this camp.


The good news: Patty and I are a couple who lean on each other's strengths to navigate problems and develop Christ-centered solutions. She slows me down and helps us do root cause analysis. I speed us up and help brainstorm solutions. We both take it before God and ask for his wisdom and guidance.


DON’T WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE
Have you ever snow skied? If you have even watched it on TV, you’ll know that looking in the direction you are going is highly advisable. In fact, the surest way of getting hurt is dwelling on problems as they approach you. For example, the degree to which I focus on the tree while downhill skiing determines the likelihood of hitting it. Instead, I need to focus on the open space, the space between the trees. This space is the solution. If I concentrate on the solution, I’m more likely to reach it.


Conversely, if I focus on the problem, I’ll likely stay entangled. However, if I don’t see the tree, that is an even bigger problem. And, if I’ve hit that tree in the past, it would be a good idea to think of ways to avoid it this time.


When I started writing this article, my main message was: “Be in the solution; stay out of the problem.” Of course, it was. I tend to overindex solutions and underindex postmortems. In Patty’s case, if she were writing this piece, she would advise you to spend time in reflection and learning from past mistakes.


There are two principles crucial to a productive, life-long partnership in problem analysis and solving. They are:


Principle 1: Take time to look at the root cause of problems so that you can avoid them in the future.


Principle 2: Avoid dwelling on the problem; stay focused on the solution.


These principles are very simple yet incredibly profound, emphasizing the power of our focus in determining our outcomes.


THE POWER OF OUR MIND
Our minds are powerful tools, capable of directing our actions and shaping our realities. When we choose to focus on problems, our thoughts become clouded with negativity and fear, leading us to feel stuck and overwhelmed. It’s like fixating on the tree while skiing; our chances of collision increase because our focus is misdirected.


When we shift our attention to the open space and the solutions, we create a path forward. This positive focus opens opportunities and allows us to navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence.


A SCRIPTURAL PERSPECTIVE
The Bible emphasizes the importance of focus and perspective, encouraging believers to concentrate on positive outcomes and divine guidance rather than obstacles. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus our minds on positive and virtuous things.


Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (NIV)

By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and maintain a mindset that seeks solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Thinking about what is true, noble, and correct helps us to stay grounded and optimistic, steering us toward constructive actions.


THE POWER OF FOCUS
Proverbs 4:25-27 emphasizes the importance of focusing straight ahead on the path God has set before us.


“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV)


By not getting distracted by the problems and temptations that lie to the right or left, we can walk steadfastly in His guidance, moving towards the solutions He provides.


HEALTHY & POSITIVE FOCUS
Matthew 6:22 illustrates the importance of having a healthy, positive focus.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22 (NIV)


Just as a lamp lights up a room, our eyes, when focused on good and healthy things, fill our entire being with light. This light guides us towards solutions and helps us avoid the darkness of problems.


TRUSTING GOD BRINGS PEACE
Isaiah 26:3 exhorts us to trust God and keep our minds steadfast on Him, assuring us that doing so brings us perfect peace.


“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)


This scripture highlights the connection between trust, focus, and peace. When we trust God and focus on His promises and solutions, we experience a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges.


CONCLUSION
These scriptures emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive focus, aligning our thoughts with God’s will, and keeping our eyes fixed on the path He has set for us. Doing so makes us more likely to move towards the solutions He provides rather than getting stuck in the problems that distract us. Focusing on solutions and trusting in God’s guidance can transform our lives, leading us to peace and fulfillment. Conversely, we must take time to fully understand the problems we’re up against and uncover the root cause. Without this analysis, we will not learn from our mistakes and repeatedly run into trees.


ACTION PLAN
After considering this, the question remains: “How can I better focus on the solution and avoid dwelling on the problem, yet at the same time learn from my mistakes?“ Here are my top ten suggestions for actions you can take:


1.  Journal: When you do so, it will become apparent when you are overly focused on the problem. Using journaling to vent is perfectly fine, but a better use would be to brainstorm with yourself some solutions to the situation that you’re dealing with. Always looking to scripture is undoubtedly part of this process. Capture those scriptures that God puts in your heart as you’re journaling. Dwell on those and not on your problem.


2.  Practice Gratitude: Start each day by writing down three things you are grateful for. This shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life, setting a positive tone for the day.


3.  Set Specific Goals: Break down your solution into small, manageable steps. By setting specific, actionable goals, you can create a clear path forward, which helps shift your focus from the problem to the steps needed to solve it.


4.  Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to center your thoughts. These practices help you become aware of negative thought patterns and train your mind to focus on the present moment and potential solutions.


5.  Positive Affirmations: These reinforce your focus on solutions. Repeating affirmations such as “I am capable of finding solutions” can help rewire your brain to focus on the positive.


6.  Seek Wise Counsel: Talk to a mentor, pastor, or trusted friend about your problem. They can offer a fresh perspective and provide solutions you might not have considered. Sometimes, verbalizing the issue can also help clarify your thoughts.


7.  Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can help clear your mind and reduce stress. A clear, stress-free mind is better equipped to focus on solutions rather than problems.


8.  Read Inspirational Material: Fill your mind with positive and inspirational material, including books, articles, and podcasts encouraging solution-focused thinking. Scripture, biographies of overcomers, and motivational stories can be particularly helpful.


9.  Limit Exposure to Negativity: Be mindful of the media you consume and the people you spend time with. Limit exposure to negative news and pessimistic individuals who focus on problems rather than solutions.


10. Pray and Meditate on Scripture: Spend time in prayer, asking God for wisdom and guidance. Meditate on scriptures that speak to God’s provision and problem-solving abilities, such as James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (NIV)


By incorporating these actions into your daily routine, you can train your mind to focus more on solutions and less on problems, aligning your thoughts with positive outcomes and Christ’s divine guidance.


Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
 July 02, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate conversations with Christ.