Proactive people recognize that there are patterns in life that come
in sets and cycles. We would all be wise to learn and use them. Here are three
examples:
- Our week is a cycle that comes in a pattern of seven days and nights. Each
day is meant to benefit us, but not each in the same way. For instance, one day
is meant for rest. Successful people use it to rejuvenate and recharge.
- Sailors and surfers know that waves come in sets. Certain waves can be used
to greater advantage.
- Most games have sets. These patterns make the game fair, and their differences
can be used to create a winning strategy.
The most important pattern to recognize—the one that will give
you the greatest chance for success—is the pattern of recognizing and solving
problems. Once you learn this pattern, you can turn problems into opportunities.
Pattern of Three
I believe that the secret to solving any problem lies in the pattern
of three. The pattern is easy remember with the words—Get Ready, Get Set,
and Go!
Get ready. Define the problem and your
ideal future. A problem well defined is half solved. Knowing where you are and
where you want to go will get you ready for a solution. State the problem as best
you can in relation to its root cause. Research as much of the problem as possible
and explore your motivation to solve it. State your objectives as clearly as possible.
The more clearly you can define what it is that you want, the easier it will be
to find the right solution and take action on it.
Get set. Explore all alternatives and choose
the best. Create a list of as many alternatives as possible, without judgment
as to the merit of each. Evaluate each alternative as to what would happen if
you used it as the solution. And select the one that most closely fulfills the
objectives you defined.
And go! Create an action plan that gets
better with time. Yes, go! It does you no good to have a solution if you don’t
know how to effectively implement it. Take action to mitigate dire situations.
Then choose a subset of the problem to test the solution as you develop your implementation
plan. When you feel confident with your plan, deploy the solution as quickly and
thoroughly as possible. Evaluate the results to ensure they match up with your
stated objectives and ideal future, and make adjustments as necessary.
If you will learn these problem-solving patterns, success, happiness,
and abundance will be your destiny. PE
