"I figured out your problem...."

That was a sentence I text a very good friend today, and it was fun to do so. We’re connected on several levels: business, friendship and family, so putting critical thought to his “problem” is actually a labor of love. But then it got me thinking - there’s a blog post in that 5 word declaration!!

Let’s explore: so we’re all working with our hair on fire, nonstop, go-go-go right?? There’s never enough time in our work day, and, oh by the way, the one constant is that we all have PROBLEMS (the optimist in me would say we all have CHALLENGES but that is another post, another day:)). These problems tend to pile up (and imagine the shape and form they come in!) and it can be an impediment to our personal progress. So, doesn’t it stand to reason that we would all be THRILLED to read a text like that? “Wow, somebody took the time to actually HELP ME as opposed to worrying about their own stuff.” We both know the answer – of course it feels good.

Now here’s the point in this post where you are expecting me to deliver the magic, the silver bullet that puts an expert problem solver on a platter for you. Let’s flip the script – if you REALLY want that, here’s what I challenge you to do: DO IT FOR SOMEONE ELSE. Not an original thought, but I’m willing to bet you dollars to doughnuts that when you do this, you’ll receive it in return. And if by chance you don’t, what’s the worst case scenario? You’ve lightened someone else’s load, you’ve truly performed a selfless act that has lasting impact. Can I sign you up for that??