You can’t solve problems in the wrong state of mind. Deal with yourself before you deal with the problem. If you are angry, hurt, bitter, or frustrated at your problems, it can easily cloud your judgment. Don’t react to problems…act on problems. Understand that the more emotionally invested you are into a challenge, the harder it becomes to solve it. You have to deal with your response to the problem before you can deal with the problem itself. You have to stay cool and be alert. Make sure you are preemptively keeping yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially healthy. The more you do to keep yourself sharp, the greater the margin you have before you lose yourself.

Follow my Triple R Plan for when problems occur.

Retreat 

The first thing we must do when problems occur is to step back and retreat. Make sure you are in the right mind before you engage challenges. Step back and slow down before you or someone else makes a knee-jerk reaction. You can’t deal with challenges when you’re caught up in the middle of them. 

By simply stepping back from the situation, you will be amazed at the clarity it can bring. Get away somewhere that you can collect your thoughts. Better to act thoughtfully than to act recklessly. Don’t be afraid to take a break and remove yourself from the situation.

Refuel

Before dealing with problems, you are going to need the energy to break through. Don’t try to engage problems when you are at your lowest. Refuel your emotional tank so that you have enough gas to make it through the solving process. When our energy is low, our mind is limited. It’s jarred out of focus. 

Never face a challenge without being prepared for it as well as you can. For every challenge you meet, you should have an equal refueling opportunity. Pour into yourself first so you can pour out your best to others. Face problems on a full tank. This is why it is vital to start each day with something that will fill your tank.

Resume 

Only when you are focused should you reengage with your challenges. When you have properly energized yourself, you can then be ready to tackle a challenge. The healthier you are, the faster you can resume where you left off. It’s incredible how our physiological wellbeing can affect our ability to problem-solve. 

Don’t return prematurely if it is in your control. Jumping back into a problem without being prepared for it can cause things to unravel even faster. Resume when you have resolved your focus and energy. Approaching a problem correctly can mean the difference between creating more problems or creating better solutions. Resume when you’re ready.