Perhaps the first step in creating change happens at the level of thought! It’s a part of our experience which is often unseen and ignored. Solution vs Problem thinking is what can make all the difference to how you experience the circumstances of your life.
Some of the thinking might be invisible, but all of my reality lives in my thinking. In order to change what I create, changes must occur in my thinking. It occurred to me that there are 4 stages / levels in relation to this.
1) Problem thinking. The thinking that is part of the problem, or keeps me stuck in the problem or issue. Thought that is around the subject of the problem, such as rumination, frustration, self-pity etc. This kind of thinking is often invisible, under the surface.
e.g. I don’t deserve what I want. I’ll never meet someone in the miserable town.
2) Thinking about the problem, but focusing on the negative aspects.
e.g. Why can’t I have a successful relationship. Why did she leave me? Did I do something wrong?
3) Thinking about the solution. Thought that is focused on considering and finding solutions to the issue.
e.g. How can I communicate better in a relationship?
4) Solution thinking. The thinking that forms the solution. This could also be no thinking at all – presence.
e.g. I deserve to be in a great relationship. I am kind and loving, and sure to meet someone that’s a good match for me.
Although, changing habitual thinking can be challenging, I can see it might be easier to move to the next level in this scale, by knowing that these different types of thought exist.
You have the choice to focus on Solution vs Problem Thinking! Rather like seeing the cup half full as opposed to half empty, the key is to begin directing your mind towards the solution rather than the problem.
Change your thinking, change your reality!
