We Are the Solution

I don’t spend a lot of time on social media. Too often, it seems as if it’s used to validate our beliefs about current events instead of looking to solve problems which affect us. I prefer conversation. Invariably, I learn something new or see something differently. It may not change my beliefs, but it can move me towards solving a problem.

As humans, we can set an intention and take action to make that intention a reality. Graced with capabilities such as critical thinking, creative sourcing, community involvement, we can do more than hope for a solution. 

We can make solutions happen.

If you spend any time on the water, you are aware of the power that a small rudder has to navigate a boat – from setting direction to course correction. This image resonates with me because we don’t necessarily have to do something “larger than life” to make progress towards a solution. Setting an intention and identifying small steps which move us forward will lead us towards the actions needed to make change happen.

I intentionally used “us” in the last sentence because I believe sustainable change requires community action. Rising above our egos and focusing on needs versus wants moves us towards solutions which benefit our communities.

When you bring together a diverse group to work towards a solution, you enable creative sourcing which may bring new ideas to the forefront. New ideas are needed because, as we used to say at work, the people who created the problem can’t solve it. 

To advance towards solutions, let’s stop taking sides and instead:

• Have hard discussions about the root causes of problems.
• Be open to listening to other perspectives.
• Use imagination and curiosity to build sustainable solutions.
• Work together in service of our communities.

We are the solution. Let’s roll up our sleeves and start solving instead of hoping.

This Week’s Challenge: Identify a problem you wish to solve. Think about who you might engage to join you in creating a solution. Reach out to them and share your intention. Ask for their help to identify actions which will start the process towards a solution. And remember Winston Churchill’s words: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”