Amiee Ball is the founder of JAB Consulting Group. She has trained over 10,000 business owners and executives on how trust drives results.
You know what’s tough? Being a problem solver. It sounds great in theory, right? Solving problems left and right, saving the day, being the hero. But let me tell you, being a problem solver can also be your kryptonite.
As a problem-solver, I always believed that my greatest strength lies in my ability to identify and fix issues. But over time, I’ve realized that my love for problem-solving is not only a strength but also my greatest weakness. The same analytical and critical thinking skills that have made me an excellent problem-solver also make me prone to overthinking and overanalyzing situations, leading to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Problem goblins (as I like to call them) often creep up on us without even realizing it. Do you do it, too? Maybe you’re the vacation planner who thinks about all the potential issues that might arise, such as flight delays or a hotel that’s not up to par. While it’s good to be prepared, this can also lead to unnecessary stress and worry, especially if these issues never come to fruition. Or perhaps, as an entrepreneur, you’re always looking for ways to improve processes and workflows. While this is an essential part of owning a business, it can also lead to overthinking and micromanaging. If you’re not careful, you can quickly create problems that don’t exist, leading to confusion and frustration among the team.
The truth is, harnessing the superpower of problem solving can be like wielding a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an essential skill that allows us to navigate through life’s challenges and find solutions to complex problems. On the other hand, when taken too far, it can lead to overthinking, anxiety, and a lack of trust in ourselves and others. When we’re accustomed to taking charge and finding solutions to challenges, we easily become critical of others and their ability to solve problems. We start to believe that we’re the only ones who can fix the issue effectively, while everyone else is incompetent.
This lack of trust also extends to ourselves. Constantly anticipating problems and overthinking every situation forces us to doubt our abilities and decisions. We become paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong decision or taking the wrong action, leading to procrastination, analysis paralysis and missed opportunities.
So how do we overcome this problem of being a problem solver? How do we ensure our superpowers don’t morph into weaknesses? In my experience, it’s all about trust: trusting your team, trusting your own abilities, and trusting that not every problem needs to be solved right now. Sometimes, problems solve themselves if you give them time.
With that in mind, here are a few tips I share with clients for balancing problem-solving with realistic thinking.
1. Focus on what you can control.
Problem solvers easily get caught up in the potential issues that might arise. Instead, focus on what you can control. Identify the things that are within your power to change and work on those first.
2. Avoid catastrophizing.
Catastrophizing is when you imagine the worst-case scenario for a situation. While it’s good to be prepared, it’s also important to avoid catastrophizing. Don’t spend all your time worrying about the worst possible outcome. Instead, focus on the most likely outcome and plan accordingly.
3. Use positive visualization.
Positive visualization is a powerful strategy that can help you overcome negative thinking. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, take a few moments to visualize a positive outcome. This can help shift your mindset from negative to positive. Instead of saying “What it that happens?” ask yourself, “What if that doesn’t happen?”
4. Be aware of your own behaviors.
Self-awareness is “the ability to look inward, think deeply about your behavior, and consider how it aligns with your moral standards and values.” Self-aware individuals understand their strengths and challenges and know what helps them thrive.
Overall, while problem-solving is a valuable skill for success and recognition, it can also become a source of stress and burnout when taken to the max. It’s important to recognize the signs of when your strengths are turning into weaknesses and take action to prevent it. Trusting in others and delegating tasks can alleviate some of the burden of problem-solving, while setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care can help ensure that you don’t become a victim of your own success.
Remember, if creating problems that don’t exist was a superpower, there wouldn’t be just one superhero in town. But in reality, it’s a hindrance to progress and success. By learning to balance your problem-solving skills with self-awareness and trust in others, you can become truly unstoppable in achieving your goals and making a positive impact on the world.
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