“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” -Albert Einstein

How many times have you been in a position or situation where you felt like you had a problem that needed to be solved?

Just taking a wild guess here…but I bet it happens a lot.

In fact, I’m sure it does. Why? How can I be so sure?

Because most of us were raised in a society where part of the ingrained value system values and honors PROBLEM SOLVING.

Yeah, we all have problems. Some of us even look for problems to solve. Life seems to happen and before you know it you’re in another problem. Again!

Just when everything was going so well too!

And on the other side, we find a lot of success gurus and teachers telling their followers to be SOLUTION ORIENTED.

Hmmm…Solution Oriented…what does that mean?

Well, it means that when a problem comes up, you don’t stay focused on the problem. Instead, you immediately begin to think of HOW to solve the issue at hand.

Now, you may be thinking “Well…Yeah. That’s right. Isn’t focusing on a solution a good thing? I mean, it’s better than focusing on a problem isn’t it?”

Well here’s the deal. And please read closely because if you GET what I’m sharing here…you just might have a paradigm shift.

So here it is: Solution-Orientation is the other side of the same coin as Problem-Orientation.

In fact, they both sprout from the same root: PROBLEMS!

Here’s what happens when you focus on solving your problems:

YOU GET MORE PROBLEMS TO SOLVE!

No wonder life seems to fluctuate so much. One minute grace descends upon you and the sun has an extra glimmer…

And the next minute…uh oh…”Houston…we got a problem!”

However, it’s understandable. We’ve been raised in a culture where problems are what life is all about…especially solving problems. Think about it.

We’ve got PROBLEMS. It’s not hard to see. The media (and people) thrives on it. Why? Because problems sell. Conflicts sell. And finding solutions to our conflicts sell too.

“It’s a PROBLEM. Fix it.” That’s the ingrained, unconscious mental attitude MOST people practice. And again, it’s mostly unconscious. Maybe right now, you have a problem you’re trying to solve in YOUR life. And maybe, if you think back a bit…you might even  find that you’ve been solving problems all your life. Is that you?

I’m sure many of you will. And again, it’s quite natural since we’ve all been programmed to think in terms of PROBLEMS and SOLUTIONS.

Now, I’d like to provide an alternative…Because the consequence of being in a Problem/Solution Oriented STRUCTURE…is that it will NEVER resolve itself. Instead, it will continue to oscillate, back and forth, between a problem and a solution.

Now, if you ask me, that’s NO WAY TO LIVE! Life is not a journey to see how many problems you can solve. What would be the point of that? Sure, it’s been glorified in our society…the HERO IS always the one who solves a problem. But this is NOT the reality that most GENIUSES live in.

Have you noticed that most of the geniuses in every society and age were artists, philosophers, musicians, poets, writers, painters, etc.?

Now let me ask you this: Did Mozart or Beethoven CREATE their works of art as a RESPONSE or REACTION to something…a problem maybe?

Did Picasso paint as a RESPONSE or REACTION to something or did he CREATE for the sake of CREATING?

I propose that as CREATORS ourselves, we will never find fulfillment and the promise of an amazing life by being PROBLEM SOLVERS and just reacting to what is.

As CREATORS, we have the divine ability to CREATE something…OUT OF NOTHING!

A blank canvas. A blank sheet of music paper. An empty lot where you’re planning to build your dream house.

Whatever it is, the Human Spirit has the gift of the Creative Faculty and with it rise up, high above any problem or circumstance and tap into the creative power.

It’s not by solving our problems that we’ll find our mission and purpose. But by CREATING whatever is seeking to express itself through us. It’s by unleashing the impulse that is flowing through you. It’s being the CREATIVE FORCE in your life.

In essence, I’m asking you to FORGET ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS. FORGET about finding a way to solve all your problems. Because your problems today were your solutions yesterday. And most likely, your solutions today will be your problems tomorrow.

Instead, tap into the magnificent creative spirit within you and CREATE something new. Create a life of beauty and joy. CREATE what you really want in life.

Here’s a simple way to start letting go of being PROBLEM/SOLUTION ORIENTED and start being the CREATOR that you are:

STEP 1: VISION

All great works of art and creation begin with the VISION. Your problems are not problems. Only feedback to the current route you’re taking to create your vision. They’re meant to make sure you’re going in the right way. That’s all. Nothing but feedback.

Seeing a “problem” as feedback releases the need to simply focus on a solution as an end in itself. Because it’s not. It’s simply part of the creative process to create what you really want: YOUR VISION.

So take time to always step back and tune back in to WHAT you’re really wanting to create. Then proceed.

STEP 2: FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR CURRENT REALITY

Yes, no matter how “bad” it is. It’s the feedback and the raw material you are going to use to create your best life ever. Love this moment. Love what is here right now. Love your “problems” and see the divine order. Find out how this is serving you. Look for the blessing in the curse. Use your current reality to create the tension that will seek resolution. And the resolution is the constant creative process and journey towards what you really want.

For the sake of it.

After that, simply allow the journey to unfold. Stay connected to your OUTCOME. And take action now. And while you’re at it, since this process will NEVER end until you’re gone…feel free to give yourself permission to fall in love with the process of CREATION. As a creative being, it will never end.

And on that note…CREATE a beautiful day!

*Joshua
“The High Vibe Coach”