ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
06.09.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Great Relationship Problem Solving Technique

Author: Sonia Devine Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 31-10-2005 | Comments: 0 | Views: 212 | Rating:  (51) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

This is one of my all time favourite problem solving techniques, and I use it on a regular basis with clients who find it hard to get along other people. If you're going around in circles with a relationship problem, it can really help to step back and break the problem down into groups. Here's how to do it:

First, think of a small problem you are having in your life right now. Don't try to tackle anything too big just yet, just get used to using this technique and then when you get more skilled at it you can try it with some larger problems. The idea is to separate your problem into three groups.

GROUP ONE: Parts of the Problem That Come From Other People

Write down all the parts of this particular problem that are brought to it by other people. Now, I know it's tempting to lump all of the parts into this group, because it's so easy to blame others for what is not working in our lives; but try to resist this temptation! And let's face it - other people are not responsible for EVERY part of your problem. So be honest with yourself.

GROUP TWO: The Facts about Your problem

In this group, you are going to write down the facts. For example, let's say your partner won't spend enough time with you and the family. In this group, one of the facts you could write would be "We need ___ to spend more time at home".

GROUP THREE: YOU

Now you are going to list all the parts of the problem that YOU bring to it. Many of the things you write down here will be related to your reaction to the situation. For instance, do you sulk or berate your partner when he/she chooses to spend time away from home? How does this contribute to your problem? What reaction do you get? Be sure to write down any of your own personal triggers from past circumstances or relationships which may be contributing to this problem.

OK: Time to Start Culling...

When you have created the three categories for your problem, pick up the list for Group #1. (Other People). Now, screw up this piece of paper and throw it in the bin. Why? Because.....

*** You cannot change OTHER PEOPLE ***

But how great would it be if we could? We'd live blissfully in a world full of people who were just like us....or would we?? Now, I'm not saying that people will not change of their own accord. It just means that if they do change, it will be because they choose to, not because you tell them that they should. Don't waste your time and energy on those parts of the problem that you cannot control!

Okay, now do the same with the group 2 list; screw it up and throw it away! Because....

*** You cannot change the facts ***

So now, all that is left is the list you have made for group 3. Your problem has just gotten a whole lot smaller because you've thrown away 2 of the lists! Have a good look at this third list. Are there any things in the list you have made that you feel you truly cannot change? If so, remove these items from the list - you must only use your energy on the things you do have the ability to influence.

Now, looking at the remaining things on the list, are there any things that you do not want to change? This is really important! If you don't want to change something about yourself, then you will not; it's that simple! But keep this in mind; writing this list is all about taking personal responsibility for what is not working in your life. This technique will help you to focus on the parts of your problem that you CAN do something about. By now, you should have in your hot little hand a practical, do-able list that you can turn into an action plan. So the message is clear....

Find out what you can do about it and then take action!

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/great-relationship-problem-solving-technique-4014.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
Sonia Devine is a qualified professional hypnotherapist and success coach with a caring and committed approach to healing, who lives in Melbourne, Australia. You can find more of her information on ego, self image, love, relationships, phobias and much more on her website http://www.manifest-your-success.com
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Is it Lust or Love?
By: Deborah Willis | 09/09/2005 | Advice
Must never be the only factor you rely upon when choosing a mate. Many make the mistake of confusing lust and love and end up broken-hearted when the relationship doesn't last. Perhaps.

Motivation - Only YOU Can Do It!
By: Bjorn Hakans | 15/09/2005 | Home Business
People seem to have forgotten that "working at home" actually means WORKING, even if it is in the comfort of your own home. If I had a dollar for every person.

The Biggest Problem In Your Department
By: Damian Driessen | 28/06/2006 | Management
The workplace is a pressure cooker that is ready to explode. And there is one thing that is consistently the biggest problem in your department. Learn about this one thing and how to overcome.

Fropper.com Introduces Music Networking for the First Time in India!
By: Murtaza Fidahusen | 14/07/2008 | Press Releases
USP’s of Fropper Music - Networking & Discovery that eases user interaction - Music videos, groups, blogs & discussions - Widgetization of a user’s music tastes & station - Sharing of music - Fully Legal & Absolutely Free - Huge music repertoire – all major labels on board

How Online Dating Sites Work
By: Jason Roberts | 01/01/2007 | Dating
Online dating sites have become one of the most popular places where people can find friends and possibly some romance. Although it would be a bit scary for people who are logging into the system for the first time, online dating sites could be a lot of fun once you get...

5 Simple Tips On How To Attract The Opposite Sex
By: Jason Roberts | 28/02/2007 | Dating
If you want to know how to attract the opposite sex, read these five tips. The first tip on how to attract the opposite sex is to stand out in a crowd. Being the center of attention will create the illusion that you are worth getting to know. After all,...

It’s the Psf’s – not the Abc’s – That Lead to High-frequency Sex…
By: Calle Zorro | 17/07/2007 | Marriage
Men invoke PSF’s in their woman and the kind of PSF’s they invoke determines whether men enjoys high-frequency sex. Find out more about PSF’s in the female…

Online Dating Services Killed My Relationship
By: Will Irvin | 14/03/2008 | Dating
First of all, don't blame the online dating services. It's not their fault your relationship failed. I don't know why your relationship failed, but it was not strictly due to the existence of online dating services. This is precisely why online dating services have been saddled with the negative stigma that they have.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

ZabaSearch and ZabaSphere
By: Jonesy | 05-08-2008
Is it safe to use ZabaSearch or ZabaSphere?  Could they violate my privacy?

Y do people fall in love
By: quint-quint | 04-08-2008
why do people fall in love

Never enough
By: Diane | 04-08-2008
i make love to my boyfriend of 4 years at least 6 times a week and he still thinks its not enough. i feel im not satisfing him.one time out of 10 i might say no for some reason or aanother andit turns into a major fight. and because of this i am begining to resent sex and feel forced either do it or fight for 3 hours .any advice?

We have an Individual Revocable Living Trust for ...
By: Hari | 04-08-2008
We have an Individual Revocable Living Trust for each of us, myself and one for my wife. How do I change into one Joint Living Trust?

Libra and leo female friendship?
By: FlirtyLibra | 04-08-2008
can a female leo and female libra mend friendship. Me and a friend haven't been best friends in a year. I  miss her. We both were immature at the time that we stopped talking and said hurting things towards each other. Is it possible that we can become friends again despite our egotistical zodiac signs.

Infidelity
By: coolbreeze | 04-08-2008
How do I know for sure my spouse is cheating on me?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Self Help Articles

Go for African American Speakers
By: Kassia Macy | 05/09/2008
The results of a survey on the most popular phobias concluded that most of the people are not that afraid of death or of accidents, but they are afraid of speaking in front an audience. Besides, the survey’s statistics say that African American speakers are the best in this area. Black speakers are not afraid to express their opinions in public. They are always fit and when they enter a room, everybody can feel their energy.

Beat Your Travel Alarm Clocks to the Draw!
By: Bradlley Mckoy | 04/09/2008
You have many of those infernal inventions man created to absolutely wreak havoc on your age-old biological patterns and decades-old psychological stability. And no, this is not the institution of marriage. These are travel alarm clocks - the types that scream like hellish banshees, explode like nuclear bombs, and buzz...

Top 3 Ways to Stay Connected to the Outdoor
By: Don Jacobson | 04/09/2008
Love the great outdoors? If you're the type who would rather be hiking up a mountain or rafting down a river that controlling the remote, you know exactly what I mean. I'm always amazed when someone tells me their ideal vacation requires a hotel room with 100 channels on the...

How to Read Body Language: Interpreting Body Language Signs for Better Communication
By: Michael Lee | 04/09/2008
Reading and interpreting body language can help you break down barriers of communication. It gives you an idea on the best way to approach someone and provides an insight into another person’s thoughts or future actions.

Take This First Step to Overcoming Shyness and Gaining Poise!
By: Dr. O. Akin-Ogundeji | 03/09/2008
Understanding the real meaning of poise is your first step towards gaining poise! Do you really know what poise is? What do you think are three of the characteristics of a well-poised person? Believe it, not many people understand what poise is. There are many misconceptions about what poise is. Such misconceptions have hampered many shy people. Don’t let this happen to you! Understanding what poise is, is an important step to overcoming shyness or gaining poise.

How to Detect Deception: Reliable Tools to Detect Deception and Lies
By: Michael Lee | 02/09/2008
Professional liars have trained themselves to tell lies with a straight face; and they can do it with ease after long hours of practice. Relying on nonverbal cues alone can lead to misinterpretation.

The Asteroid Goddesses
By: Maya White | 01/09/2008
Astrology has been used as a navigation tool throughout the ages by royalty, clergy, politicians, celebrities, and people just like you and me. The mysteries of planetary influences and archetypes provide us with a blueprint for existence. Conscious understanding of these mysteries gives you control and mastery of your own life.

The Power of Prayer 3
By: Steve Morgan | 01/09/2008
I wish to share what happened after the near death experience so you can strengthen your own faith.

More from Sonia Devine

What are your beliefs about money and wealth?
By: Sonia Devine | 30/10/2005 | Self Help
Are your beliefs holding you back from having the life of your dreams? Your thoughts could be keeping you in the poor-house.

What is the Universal Subconscious?
By: Sonia Devine | 29/10/2005 | Sports and Fitness
What is the Universal Subconscious and how can tapping into this great power help you? Read more here:

The secret to reaching your ideal weight
By: Sonia Devine | 28/10/2005 | Weight Loss
If you already know the stuff you should be doing to gain control of your weight, you might be getting frustrated if it isn't working. Learn how to enlist the power of your mind in the battle of the bulge!

5 tips for great self-esteem
By: Sonia Devine | 27/10/2005 | Motivational
Follow these great self-esteem tips for unstoppable confidence and charisma.

How To Focus On The Positive Qualities Of Your Relationship
By: Sonia Devine | 21/10/2005 | Self Help
If you are distressed by your relationships, then you need to change the way in which you react to the behaviour of others. Learn how to do it here:

How Gratitude Can Be Your Partner in Life
By: Sonia Devine | 21/10/2005 | Motivational
Are you constantly struggling with life? If so, you might be focusing on all the wrong things. Practising daily gratitude will help you to turn your life around.

Learning To Recognize Your Ego
By: Sonia Devine | 21/10/2005 | Motivational
We all have an ego - but should we listen to it all the time? Learn how learning to recognize your ego can help you to improve your life.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below