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THERE ARE TWO APPROACHES to solving any
problem: You can try to get rid of what's bad, or you can try
to create something good. Trying to get rid of what's bad is
the most natural approach. The very fact that you've recognized
something you don't like has already put you in a negative frame
of mind. The most immediate response is to try to get rid of
the bad thing.
But the get-rid-of-it approach has drawbacks.
First of all, it isn't good for your mood, and your mood is not
a trivial factor. People in a bad mood make more mistakes, reduce
the amount of cooperation they get from others, aren't as effective
in their work, aren't as healthy or as determined or as creative,
and they tend to make poor decisions.
The "getting
rid" approach makes the whole process unpleasant. That
isn't good for your level of persistence, and some important
tasks require persistence.
The other approach to solving a problem
is to try to make a good thing happen. This puts you in a good
frame of mind, orients you to a positive future, and stimulates
your creativity.
Whenever you have a problem to solve, forget
about trying to get rid of it. Instead, focus on trying to make
a good thing happen.
Get busy making a good thing
happen.
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