Route Four

A problem-solving method that focuses on solutions

Get the balance right

This problem - whatever it is, and however serious it is - is only a part of your whole life. Don't let it over-balance that life, but start thinking about some of the good things you have. Jot down some thoughts on:

	something you enjoyed, big or small, work or not
	a good result you got from some effort that you made
	something you've done that you're proud of
	something you like about yourself
	someone who likes you, and what they like in you

What'll be different?

If you can visualise a successful future, then you can start to make it happen. Imagine there's a miracle tonight, while you're asleep, and what you're concerned about is magically resolved, so you don't have to think about it any more. You don't yet know about the miracle, because you were asleep when it happened. When you wake up tomorrow:

	what would be the first thing you'd notice that'd tell you there isn't a problem any more?
	and then what else?
	and then what else?

Keep writing things down till you run out of "what else's" - try to get at least ten of them.

How will you make it happen?

Miracles don't often happen, of course - but ordinary people like you & me can do quite extraordinary things that look to others like miracles. What you've imagined could happen, if you start to work towards it. Take the first thing you thought you'd see after "the miracle" happened:

	what can you do now that'll make it more likely to happen?
	and what else?

Keep writing things down till you run out of "what else's"

Repeat this for the other things you'd get from "the miracle".

Take a creative break

Now put your notes aside until tomorrow to give your subconscious a chance to work on this. See if you can put them out of your conscious mind for a bit. Do something nice for yourself - you've earned it with all that hard thinking you've been doing!

Now it's "tomorrow"

What's the one thing you'll do today to start creating your solution?

And do you know how to do it, or do you need to get some help?

"The best way to predict the future is to make it happen" - Tom Peters

I can help you to move forward