Thinking differently - Finding the path to any solution (Part 1)

I have a tendency to get bored quickly with any particular conversation or project if I am not being engaged. This statement is true for most people. My down fall usually comes when a topic is highly irrelevant and/or lacks particular depth at the level where my contribution is valued most. My brain literally shuts down.

For myself I have learned over the years that my brain needs to be challenged frequently. Simply put, it needs stimulation.

Stimulation for me is best when I am faced with significant problems of importance where the path to the solution is completely unchartered. These challenges could be my personal relationships, my day-to-day work or a completely random experience, and all can be addressed with the same mentality.

I have noticed in each of those areas that when not faced with a challenge, I sometimes create one. Now you may think this is a huge negative and if it not properly managed it can be. It actually is a benefit for me. If I am in a meeting that is running a smooth course, I sometimes openly question the course it is headed in.

This usually happens as I grade the dialogue and progress inline to see if we are collectively capable of producing better results. I do not disrupt things just to be disruptive! You have to find the positive approach.

The level of intensity on how a particular challenge is approached is determined by the relevancy and the varying degree of difficulty. In my case the intensity is often referred to passion.

Passion is one of my key fundamental tools when focusing on challenges. In order for it to be in place I have to be able to wrap myself in the entire experience and the relevancy to my level of contribution has to be high. If I can achieve all of this, then I am very committed to the task at hand.

Passion means placing your emotions on the table. It is a controversial approach because it can sometimes over power the logic in place that keeps you focused. If you do not have control over your emotions, then there is no controlling the challenge, so be very careful.

While passion can be the hardest to control it is also the most valuable tool to possess. It is often used in relationships and less frequently in the workplace. When applied to one’s work it can become extremely rewarding and pushes people to constantly raise the bar for everyone around them and for themselves.

more later…

rob.