Many of us are familiar with the famous catchy tune in the Sound of Music where nuns sing about their exasperation with the lively, unconventional postulant Maria. From the Rogers and Hammerstein musical,“How do you solve a problem like Maria”, it’s a song whose lyrics highlight the idea of finding a solution for someone, or something, that defies easy categorization.
The core idea of the piece is, of course, the addressing of an impossible task… trying to catch a cloud or hold on to a moonbeam.
Sound familiar? Some days, although your personal circumstances might be somewhat different, you just may find your ongoing caregiving responsibilities have left you feeling like those nuns… frustrated and stuck chasing after rainbows.
In business and in the medical system there are official problem-solving styles and systems to follow but at home, daily life caregiving problems may be a struggle. If you need a few suggestions to reign in your “Maria” try this advice:
• Realize that avoidance doesn’t usually work so well in the long run
• You’ll only make progress by identifying and defining the core problem for yourself
• Try to break big things down into small ones that are tackleable
• Brainstorm possible solutions by yourself or someone you trust
• Pick the most practical one
• Make a small, clear action plan.
• Taking that first small step is the hardest—after that it just may get easier
• Review what you’ve learned and make sure your perspective is person-centred
And, take a deep breath. Once you’ve solved a problem using a method that you’re comfortable with from the above list, experts suggest your confidence and savvy will start to build and before you know it, you may just be able to say, “Look out, Maria… I’m coming for you!
Publisher/Editor
Caroline Tapp-McDougall
caroline@bcsgroup.com
Image: iStock
