What The Hurricanes in Florida Taught Me About the Four "Rs" of Problem Solving

The Hurricanes we've recently had in Florida prevented me from updating my blog in a while. Numerous power outages, scuttling to safety, living without electricity, a computer, an air conditioner has been very trying on us in Florida and the Caribbean in the last month. So, along with Charlie, Francis, and Ivan, we've all found ourselves having an entirely new set of problems to solve. This reminds me of one of my favorite lists I learned long ago -- "The Four Rs of Problem Solving."

I've had to apply this numerous times in the last month, as I work out dealing with this new set of problems. So here they are. Remember, they don't just apply to hurricane problems, but all problems in our lives and communication.

The Four Rs of Problem Solving

1. Reframe
2. Reconsider
3. Reposition
4. Reaffirm does this work? Let's take Hurricane Francis as an example. I found myself stressed as I had to board up my house, and prepare to be locked in for four days (possibly without ele It wasn't going to be comfortable. I kept thinking about all the things I was going to be without. To reframe the problem, I looked at it from another perspective. "This will give me a chance to enjoy candlelight! I have plenty of time for napping! I can read that book I bought last spring! As I reframe and think about the things I will be gaining instead of losing, the problem looks different. Then I reconsider the problem. "Well, that's not so bad. I can keep in touch with people far away, as they are all calling to see how I am! I can have time to rest and get caught up!" Then I reposition my view of the problem. The stress starts to melt. "This hurricane business might actually be kind of nice! And finally, when the wind starts to hit outside and I start to feel stress again, I just reaffirm my position.

You can use the Four Rs for any problem. Try it! By just going through these simple steps, you can find you are able to make problems manageable, and even solve problems if you look at them in a different light.