Problem Solving Algorithm

I find myself making the same mistakes. I assume this is not only my problem, more likely an almost universal human trait. People who ask me for help almost always want help for a repetitive problem that has caused enough cumulative grief and pain to be addressed now.

Of course, we could have thought about more efficient strategies, such as solving the problem, after it occurred first. That would have been a much better timepoint and if you prefer, I will let you dwell in masochistic hindsight for another minute.

The Best Time to Address a Problem is Right After We become Aware of It and Before It Happens Again... the Next Best Time to Change It Is Now.

This should help shortcutting the frustration we derive from the "would have, should have" of thinking about problems by thinking about as repetitive failures to "fix" them. 

Now is the next best time when you learn to operate guided by your principles rather than your goals. 

Now talking about a problem repeatedly in therapy will be fine as long as it leads to 

1.) a better understanding of what the problem is and 

2.) to problem solving  by devising a strategy next

So, the basic algorithm to solve repetitive problems is:

define > strategize > implement  > monitor

Define the problem, strategy a way to solve it, implement the strategy with concrete steps and monitor implementation until you have formed a routine that helps establish different, more helpful behavior. Fine tuning of strategy, implementation and routine happens along the way, because nothing we devise will immediately fit like a glove.

Working on problems with this approach will be in particular helpful to people with ADHD or bipolar disorder. Therefore, this is relevant of several of my patients and if you're one of them, I encourage you to give it a try or bring your ideas and feedback to our next appointment to work on it collaboratively.