The fundamental key to solving any problem

Ride the mood elevator and get your emotional quotient in control with these steps, which will help you tackle both big and small problems

Bhavna Dalal
Updated: Nov 6, 2019 04:58:44 PM UTC
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We are faced with obstacles every day, from simple issues like 'How do I finish my tasks on time?' to more long-term problems like 'How do I get promoted?'

Whether the problem is small or large, start looking at it differently. Think of issues as the static noise between radio channels when there is no sound clarity. The moment the channel is switched to a frequency set to play your favorite music, the tone changes from the static to the desired melody. It is akin to the feeling of finding the solution.

Just like the radio channels, the frequency of problems is different from the spectrum. What truly determines this frequency is your emotional state of mind. That jarring static noise at an unprogrammed channel is like the confusion in your mind. Certain emotions encourage the problem, and others enable solutions. This emotional energy of your thoughts can be in your control, if you choose for it to be.

There are two ways to do it:

  1. You can tune into positive emotions by thinking of something completely unrelated to the problem, but that which relaxes you, and brings you a certain calmness, peace, or happiness.
  2. The bolder way to do it is to face the negative emotion head-on. To agree to feel your way through it and emerge into the higher frequencies, which are more positive in nature.

An excellent way to understand this is by using the mood elevator as described by Larry Senn, in his book by the same name. Our emotions go from a lower vibration of depressed to the highest frequency of gratitude. Don't we come up with answers in the shower or on a walk? Then, we are willing to relax into a higher frequency of emotion.

While we all do this to some extent, imagine the power of choosing to do this consciously and making it your problem-solving technique. It is the go-to technique for visionaries with large daunting vision.

Follow the steps below when you are feeling stuck and don't know what to do.

Step 1: Find yourself stuck in a problem? Acknowledge it. Be grateful for what it will teach you. Decide not to go down the spiral of frustration. Choose to take a deep breath.

Step 2: You could choose one of two approaches. The first option is to think of something that makes you happy—playing with your dog or watching a silly movie, for instance, to feel at peace and motivated. Alternatively, allow yourself to feel the pain of not being able to solve a problem. Notice where you are feeling it in your body. What does that feeling need you to know? How old is the feeling?

Step 3: Ask yourself, "What are the three things I need to get the solution?"

Step 4: Identify the first small step you will take in the direction of the solution fulfilling any of those three needs. How will you hold yourself accountable to follow through with it?

Step 5: How will you celebrate the successful execution of the solution?

Although it may not seem like it, problems arise because they want you to acknowledge some emotion within you. The better you get at understanding that, the faster you will be able to cruise through all challenges, big or small.

The author is Founder and CEO of Talent Power Partners, a Leadership Development company based in Bangalore, India.

The thoughts and opinions shared here are of the author.

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  • Larry Senn - The Mood Elevator Guy

    Thanks for sharing these thoughts. Most great ideas and solutions come to us when we have a quieter mind. The mind is far too busy on the lower floors of the Mood Elevator like irritated and judgmental and quieter when we are on the higher floors of the Mood Elevator like Curious. Also thanks for the mention of me and the book

    on Nov 8, 2019