I recently started to evaluate the way that I seek solutions to the challenges that I face. We all confront personal, professional and relationship obstacles daily. The way we face these challenges has an impact on our personal growth and happiness. While reading John Maxwell’s book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, I recently came across the concept that one can be a “single solution” oriented person or a “multiple solution” oriented person. Maxwell (2012) states that single solution people “are not putting themselves in the best situation to learn and grow. Why? Because there is always more than one solution to a problem” (p. 200).
This past weekend I had planned to take my children skiing. I try to take them at least once each season but this year the scheduling was particularly difficult. With this past Saturday selected, I was looking forward to the opportunity to watch my children enjoy improving their skills and gaining confidence on the slopes. I was also looking forward to skiing a little while they were in their lessons. Unfortunately, I was informed that I would need to work Saturday morning. On hearing the news, I scrambled to find a solution. After several phone calls, I spoke with an actual human being at the ski resort. I was informed that I could cancel the lessons but I would not be refunded the money.
I spent the next hour trying to find a solution. I had no desire to lose the money that I had already paid. In the process of trying to resolve this situation, I was so fixated on the single solution that I had in mind, that I was ignoring other options. At some point, the idea came to me to switch my children’s ski lessons to the afternoon. I called back the resort and asked if switching to afternoon classes was an option. I was informed that it was possible.
Looking back, I can identify that I was fixated on a single solution. I wanted to cancel my children’s ski lessons and get my money back. However, that was not possible. Being focused on one single solution, I had not considered other possibilities. Finding a workable solution, I could meet my professional responsibilities in the morning, while enjoying watching my children ski in the afternoon.
Do you see yourself as a naturally single solution oriented person or a multi solution oriented person? How does one move from a single solution orientation to a multiple solution orientation?
Maxell, J. (2012). The 15 invaluable laws of growth: live them and reach your potential. New York. Center Street.