Problem Solving 101 – Moving Closer

It all started with rock climbing.  My climbing partner and good friend of mine were enjoying a new climbing spot on Mount Lemmon, high above the other climbs we’d accomplished in the months prior.
 
Upon the vista, all was silent and reverent.  We were each perched about 20 feet from each other on this newly attained rock face.  Mathew then pointed to a scenic and well-known climbing area off in the distance, far across the valley from our spot.  A place I’d never been.
 
“See it?” he kept pointing. “Those are the Ravens.”  He smiled broadly.
 
“Maybe.”  I kept trying to figure out which group of rocks he could be alluding to.  There were so many.
 
“Right there.”  He pointed with more vigor this time to the exact same spot.  I gazed over the valley and all the possible rock faces.  Hmmmm.  “Not seeing it.”  I reported.  He kept pointing.
 
Then, we both looked at each other and began laughing heartily.  We mutually realized that from where I was sitting, there was no amount of pointing that could possibly be effective.
 
I scrambled down to his vantage point and voilà, the Ravens appeared clearly.  What a great perspective shift!
 
To see a new perspective, we must shift from where we are at to a new vantage point.  This is true physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually.
 
“How Laurel, does this relate to problem solving” you might be wondering?  This lesson is perhaps counter-intuitive when it comes to facing problems.  Typically, when problems surface we want to get rid of it, react to it and/or run.  Fight, flight or freeze.
 
Yet, this lesson in perspective invites us to move closer to the problem, or challenge, in question.  In other words, when things are unclear the only way to gain clarity is by getting closer to the problem, not moving away or pushing against it. 
 
The teaching is in fact inviting you to examine your relationship to addressing the challenges in life that naturally arise from being human.  What is your relationship to challenge in relationships?  In professional dynamics?  In your relationship to health?  Or, to your own personal development work?  Where are you afraid, where perhaps you need to lean-in instead of backing down? 
 
The closer we get, the better our vision. 
The better our vision, the more aligned our choices will be with our values and our vision. 
…….
 
Ready to learn the principles that drive successful outcomes?  Coach training is more than just empowering others, it is also about leveraging empowerment principles in our own lives and then turning around to help others do the same.   
 
Laurel is the lead instructor for the Certificate in Integrative Coaching.  She is a mother of 3, rock climber and mosaic artist.  Learn more about what it takes to take on private clients and be an Integrative Coach HERE.