How to Resolve Problems in a Healthy Way, Part 1

“A big part of living a balanced and fulfilled life lies in our ability to avoid and minimize conflict. When conflict does arise, our ability to resolve it quickly and amicably has a big impact on our stress and happiness. For some people, avoiding and resolving conflict comes with relative ease. For many others, conflict seems to be ever lurking around the corner, and we live in a perpetual state of unresolved conflicts. The result is a constant level of stress and wounds that don’t ever fully heal.

Below are action steps you can take when looking to solve problems in a healthy way.

• Resolve to solve the problem, not to win. Problems and how they are handled have short-term and long-term consequences. Be aware of both. Consider a strategy, not a battle plan.
• Face the problem. Plan a specific time for a conversation to identify the areas of concern and be prepared to offer options for solutions. Some problems won’t go away on their own. Those left unattended can balloon out of control and are harder to address later.
• Be open to unique solutions. Usually, when I perceive a problem, I have an initial idea of how to solve it. Sometimes, though, once I hear different opinions, I change my mind about how to deal with the problem. I may have a good solution, but I may not have the best solution.
• Be clear on your boundaries. Know your limits. Know what behaviors you are not willing to accept from others, or from yourself.
• Forgive yourself and others. When the boundaries are breached, repair them with forgiveness.

Unresolved conflict can drain the mind and body of energy. Life is better lived when problems are resolved, and working in a positive way to find a resolution not only means good outcomes but a more positive journey to achieve them.”

Read the whole article at Psychology Today

#Conflict #Forgiveness #Boundaries #Coping

💬 What coping strategy do you find helpful?

Did you like this topic? Then you might also enjoy reading the post “How to Resolve Problems in a Healthy Way, Part 2”