Your Blueprint to Overcoming Obstacles

We all go through tough times—sometimes it’s something small, like forgetting your homework. Other times, it’s something big, like that crushing anxiety before a huge test.

I won’t lie…

Problems can really mess with our heads. They can make us feel trapped, upset, and worried about things that aren’t even real yet.

We get lost in a storm of bad thoughts—about the future, the past, the present.

“What a mistake.”

“What a failure.”

“What have I even done with my life?”

“Now, I’m broke…”

But hey, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Let’s break it down and learn some simple, fun ways to tackle any problem that comes our way.

Finding Out What’s Wrong: Breaking Down the Problem

Find Out What’s Stopping You

First, figure out what’s making it hard for you to solve the problem. Are you worried about making a mistake? Do you feel overwhelmed?

Example: If you’re afraid to start a school project because you think it won’t be perfect, that’s the problem. Knowing this helps you fix it.

 Break the Problem into Smaller Pieces

Take the big problem and split it into smaller, easier parts. This way, it’s not so overwhelming!

Example: If your problem is a big project, break it into steps like planning, working on it, and checking your work.

Making the Problem Worse to Find a Solution

 Think About How Bad It Could Get

Imagine what might happen if you don’t solve the problem. This can help you see why it’s important to fix it.

Example: If you don’t start your project, you might miss the deadline and feel stressed. Thinking about this can help you get motivated to start working on it.

Focus on What You Can Control

Look at what parts of the problem you can change. Spend your energy on those parts.

Example: You can control how much effort you put into your project, but you can’t control what others think of it. Focus on doing your best.

Let Go of What You Can’t Control

Sometimes, there are things you just can’t change. Don’t waste time worrying about those things.

Example: If you can’t control the weather on your presentation day, just focus on preparing your project.

Using Fun Ideas to Solve Problems

Talk About Your Solution

Share your plan with others. Sometimes, talking about it can help you figure out the best way to solve the problem.

Example: Tell your friends about your project plan. They might have great ideas to help you.

Tell Your Problem-Solving Story

Make solving your problem into a fun story. Imagine you’re a hero on a mission to fix the problem!

Example: Think of your project as a quest where you’re a brave explorer overcoming obstacles and reaching your goal.

Keep Getting Better

Learn from Your Success

After you solve a problem, think about what worked and what didn’t. This helps you get better at solving problems in the future.

Example: After finishing your project, review what you did well and what you can do differently next time.

Keep Trying and Improving

Remember, solving problems is like practicing. The more you do it, the better you get!

Example: Every time you solve a problem, you get a little better at it. Keep practicing and learning from each experience.

Conclusion: Turning Problems into Successes

When you follow these steps and use fun ideas, you can solve problems more easily. Remember, every problem is a chance to learn and grow.

So next time you face a challenge, use these tips to tackle it like a pro.

Remember: As Duke Ellington said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” 

Use this to help you solve problems and become even better at handling them!

If you have any questions, send me a quick message about your thoughts.

Thanks again, for being here.

Peace.