Move On To The Next Problem

Move on to the next problem. This is the Freitas Family Motto. I can’t recall when this was officially instituted, but it is easily an every other day occurrence to hear one of us coaching the other to move along to the next problem because we know that there will always be one.

I recently had a series of issues come up, one right after the other that left me feeling frustrated and like the world was conspiring against me. From massive plane delays, to my glasses breaking, to my dress ripping, frustration was engulfing me. I’d love to be able to say that I was easily able to put everything in perspective and recognize that I was lucky to have such small problems, but alas, I found myself hosting a pity party.

Instead, it was a reminder from a non-Freitas (thanks, Joe) that made me stop and realize that it is best to move on to the next problem rather than dwelling on these issues. What good does feeling sorry for yourself do when you could instead be solving the problem or at least putting it out of your mind until it can be dealt with?

Another aspect of this motto that is not explicitly stated is that problems that can be solved by time and money generally aren’t that big of a deal. After all, despite air delays I knew that with time I would make it home eventually. With breaking glasses and torn dresses, super glue and needle and thread can solve it. It’s the big problems, like health and relationships that we should dedicate our thoughts and energy to.

This idea of not allowing what will end up being small problems in the long run impact your daily life is certainly not new. There is a quote from Violet from Downton Abbey (I love and miss this show so much. In fact, I shared some other Downton wisdom in this post) that also illustrates this mindset:

My dear, all life is a series of problems which we must try and solve, first one and then the next and the next, 

until at last we die.

Although more morbid than the Freitas Family Motto, how true it is! As long as we have issues arising, at least we know we are alive.

Here are some questions to ask yourself the next time you feel overwhelmed and frustrated when life is handing you lemons:

• Is there something I can actively do to address this?
• Will it matter in the next 10 minutes? 10 months? 10 years?
• How can I put this situation into perspective? 
• Does it need to ruin my day?
• Who can I ask for help? 
• What would a trusted advisor tell me to do?

By asking yourself these questions you can see how important it is to simply move on to the next problem without allowing what you are currently facing to take control over you.

How do you deal with issues when they arise? Are you prone to dwelling or good about moving on?