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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Problems still confound the motivational experts

by Rick Baker
On Apr 26, 2011
I recently listened to a well-known and respected motivational speaker.
 
I was surprised to hear him say we must not use the word ‘Problem’.
 
He advised, instead of saying ‘Problem’ we should say ‘Challenge’.
 
For at least 2 good reasons, I think this is bad advice:
  1. The word ‘Problem’ is not the problem with problems. The problem with problems is the reaction we have when they visit us. Motivational speakers, including the one I just listened to, know this. They make it clear we must adjust our reaction to problems…which many of them prefer to call – challenges. And, they give advice on how we can adjust our reactions. Regardless, many of them say the use of the word ‘Problem’ is a part of the problem with problems. If their thinking is accurate and the use of the word ‘Problem’ contributes to the problem of problems then…soon…after we all are accustomed to using the word ‘Challenge’ in place of the ‘P-word’…soon…the word ‘Challenge’ will become part of the challenge of challenges. We will have gone through a full word circle to get to the same place we are now.
     
    At the risk of flogging a dead horse: the word ‘Problem’ has evolved from the Greek word ‘problema’… "a problem, a question"…literally "a thing put forward". So, a word that started as a thing put forward has become such a problem of a word we need to change it to challenge. If we do this then sooner or later we will also end up having to change the word challenge… some new word.
     
  2. I do not believe we can trick the subconscious mind into believing those things called Problems somehow are eased by changing their names to Challenges. Maybe, they would be eased over generations…but, that wouldn’t solve this matter because #1 [above] would happen at a similar pace.
Conclusions:
  1. We will always have Problems. And, we will always have a word for them…that word might as well be ‘Problems’. At least, we are used to that word.
     
  2. We will always do better if we learn how to adjust our reaction to Problems. That takes time and thought and effort. Tools help.
     
    That’s why we created the P=2S+O© tool.
     
    For every Problem you can come up with at least 2 Solutions and, from time to time, you will uncover Opportunities.
     
    A link to P=2S+O.
Footnote:
 
“Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.” Albert Einstein

Tags:

Change: Creating Positive Change | Hero Worship | Solutions & Opportunities

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Sales Tweet #202

by Rick Baker
On Apr 26, 2011
Sales Tweet #202 The Boss to Ernest Seller: I know you are nobody's fool, but maybe someone will adopt you one day.
 
The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet
Yes - The Boss is quite a character. Here's an example. When he is on a crowded elevator he makes a production of opening his briefcase just a crack and saying, "Got enough air in there?"

Tags:

Ernest Seller | Thought Tweets

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