There is a Dad Joke that goes like this -
"Son, do you know why, when you see geese flying that one side of the V is longer than the other side?"
"No, Dad, why is one side longer than the other side?"
"Because, son, there are more geese on the longer side."
As far as Bad Dad Jokes go, that is pretty good. And a lot of adults fall into the same trap when you ask them the same question. Obviously, it's a set-up line but it is also a reality check when it comes to problem solving and decision making.
When we see a problem, we can too easily go so deep into the problem that we loose sight of a solution, right before our eyes.
In some of my previous messages, I have been describing how truly understanding your core values can vastly improve your decision making. Another way to improve your decision making is to look at problems from different perspectives. Simply speaking, look at it head on, then from the right, from the left, and from behind.
Target fixation is an attentional phenomenon observed in humans in which an individual becomes so focused on an observed object (be it a target or hazard) that they inadvertently increase their risk of colliding with the object.
Target fixation occurs in problem solving as well. When we concentrate so much on the problem that we hurtle toward the problem and don't get a good resolution.
This occurs in motorcycle riding. Target fixation makes us focus on the pothole or the curb or other obstacle. The solution that is taught is to look around the problem. Your motorcycle will follow your eyes. When you look to the clear road next to the hole, that is where you will drive.
Try that with your next problem. Look around to see if there is some clear road to help guide you to a better solution.
To download a copy of my Core Values Checklist, click here.
If you are interested in not getting run over, just schedule, A FREE 60 MINUTE SESSION. We will work together to discover how you can strengthen your foundation and be innovative at the same time.
To schedule a time, visit https://www.frankspevak.com/FS-connect