January 22, 2019: Day 32 of the U.S. government shutdown and approximately 800K people remain impacted. Federal workers deemed “essential” are required to work without pay. Others are furloughed, or placed on temporary leave.
You can’t help but turn on the TV and hear about stories of struggle, sacrifice and thankfully support from various people and organizations.
While it saddens me to witness all of these people suffering, I admittedly have a soft spot in my heart for the single mom, seeing as I have been one.
I often think back on the times when I was juggling career, finances and children’s activities. Five ways to make a quick meal from 2-3 items. Who had time for the supermarket? Two kids, two different activities, across town from one another. It wasn’t pretty.
However, it was during those times that I found myself making things happen even when I never thought I could. It is during the hardest of times in our lives that we often discover skills that we may never have thought we had, or we perfect those that we assumed were only average. For me, it was creative problem-solving skills.
The Creative Problem Solving Process typically involves six major steps to implement solutions to almost any kind of problem.
Those steps are:
- Have your facts together. Clarity is a must.
- Define the problem and have a full understanding of it before you make any moves.
- Identify possible solutions as there may be multiple options.
- Examine these possibilities and determine the effectiveness of possible solutions before making moves.
- Make decisions and select the best solution(s), even if it’s a short-term one.
- Plan your next steps, you’ve made your decision, now put it in action.
Creative problem-solving skills are needed most often in times of change, such as the government shutdown. Rash decisions can result in life-long effects; therefore caution is required. Effective change management skills (another set of skills), coupled with creative problem-solving skills can help to lessen the stress that comes with the curves that life brings, which most times are unexpected.
No one willing welcomes adverse challenges and obstacles; however, those who are proactive, realistic, who take measures to ACCEPT AND ADAPT, are generally those most likely to OVERCOME.
Most important of all, be mindful of your self-care. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. “No,” is a complete statement. During this period you may need to use this response more now than ever. Know your limits.
These are just a few tips to consider when faced with challenging circumstances and solutions are in need.
What other things do you engage in or rely on to help when faced with unexpected life changes?
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