Take Your Worst Problem – And Skip It

By Barbara Bartlein

John, a small business owner, has many requests for additional products, but is unable to borrow the capital necessary for expansion.
SOLUTION: He skips the problem by pre-selling the products. With advanced orders in hand, he is able to secure bank financing.

Acme Services has difficulty recruiting quality staff even though they pay above minimum wage.
SOLUTION: They increase pay above budgeted levels and obtain top-notch customer service personnel. Profits increase as customers form a relationship with consistent staff and Acme no longer pays the high cost of turnover.

Sandy, CEO of a large retail company, finds it impossible to devote time to key strategic planning due to the barrage of daily paperwork and responsibilities.
SOLUTION: She has staff handle the paperwork for two weeks. She is surprised when she returns from planning that much of the work has “taken care of itself” without her attention. She re-evaluates what items have to cross her desk.

Nicole wants to start an exercise program but is embarrassed to go a class at the health club until she gets thinner.
SOLUTION: She buys a “forgiving” workout suit and begins the program anyway. Within three months she is proud to be going to the class and pleased with her progress.

“Take your worst problem…and skip it,” is a phrase coined by Daniel Burrus, author of TechnoTrends. It refers to confronting your personal and professional roadblocks and leaping over them rather than having them stop you from reaching your goals. Different from procrastination or avoidance, “skipping it” is based on recognition of the problem and a conscious decision to move forward anyways.

A difficult problem can lead to procrastination, for it becomes an excuse not to do anything. It presents itself as a roadblock so large that it is impossible to conquer. The longer it is in place, the more you become convinced that there are no solutions – no way to change it. Your energy erodes and your momentum stops. You can’t find your way through the problem. Consider skipping it instead by evaluating the following:

• What is the most difficult problem in your life? How is it affecting your business, relationships, or enjoyment in everyday living? How much time do you spend thinking about it? How does this problem stand in the way of you reaching your goals?
  
  
• If the problem was removed, what would you be doing different? Identify specific behaviors and results that could occur if the problem was not there. Think short term and long term. Be careful not to get stuck in thinking that there are no alternatives or solutions. You always have choices, but they may not be apparent.
  
  
• What is the worst thing that can happen if you skip it? Evaluate the risks and downside of moving forward. Compare the risks to the possible advantages of skipping the problem. Also, evaluate the outcome if you continue to do nothing. Remember, not making a decision is a decision. You have decided to keep things exactly as they are.
  
  
• Take your worst problem…and skip it. Unless there is a tremendous downside, it is advantageous to do so. Even if you do not get exactly the outcome you desire, it will get you out of the “do nothing” framework and move you toward your goals.
  
  
• Move forward and revisit the problem at a later date. The action will give you energy and your momentum will accelerate. You may be surprised how often the problem eliminates itself when you move forward.
  

Consider skipping your worst problem. Remember, “if you do what you always do, you get what you always got.” The best way to make something new happen is to do something different.

Sign up for Barbara's FREE email newsletter at www.barbbartlein.com.

Barbara Bartlein is the PeoplePro™. She helps businesses sell more goods and services by developing people. She can be reached at 888-747-9953, by email at: barb@barbbartlein.com or visit her Web site at www.ThePeoplePro.com.

Published in Networking Today, February 2002.