How do you solve your problems? Do you know the three-step process for solving your problems?
When I served as Area Governor for Toastmasters, I taught a class on “Finding New Members!” I asked my Toastmaster’s class to raise their hands and share their stories of “why they joined Toastmasters?”
One Toastmaster told that after he completed Medical School and residency, he applied for a hospital job. He went for the interview but “His tongue was tied up! He suddenly could not answer the questions the interviewer asked him.”
“That was the day he went looking for a solution.” He found a Toastmasters Club near his home and began attending meetings. He said, “He became a master at answering Table Topics questions”; impromptu speaking timed for 1 to 2 minutes. “After several months he went for another interview and got the hospital job!”
His first step was calmly and quietly identifying his problem; overcoming his fear of speaking in front of an interviewer.
His second step was writing down clearly “all the facts” so he could think objectively how to solve his problem. He needed to learn to speak quickly, clearly, and confidently when he was asked a question by an interviewer.
His third step was focusing on finding the right organization to teach him the skills he needed to have a successful interview and win the job working at the hospital. He went on the net and read about developing one’s speaking skills at Toastmasters where you learn how to 1) prepare speeches with a mentors help and guidance and 2) train in giving impromptu speeches. This is when a Table Topics Master asks an unknown question to a Toastmaster member and gives them 1-2 minutes to answer. This gives them the opportunity to quickly think of an answer. Toastmasters have been helping their members “improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills” since 1924. Millions of people have gained confidence and overcome their fear of speaking in front of others.
He located a Toastmasters club in his neighborhood and signed up and began learning the skills to win his job.
By following this three-step process you too will be able to solve your problem just like Doctor Toastmaster.
Zig Ziglar, motivational expert, told the story of Vince Robert, a 37-year-old, Canadian taxi driver that left school in the 5th grade. He found himself waiting for hours for fares at airports, and hotels. He decided to change his life and continue his education. He purchased a “20-pound dictionary”. He was going to improve his vocabulary one word at a time. In his taxi, while waiting for his fare; he read from cover to cover, twice, learning new words improving his vocabulary every day and gaining confidence. His taxi became what Zig Ziglar calls, “Automobile University”, his learning university. Robert’s invested in the stock market did well and bought the taxi company he worked for. Because of his success, he was asked to speak to others on how he did it!
As Zig Ziglar says, “You never finish your education.” Keep learning and improving!
Mr. Robert took that “First step” calmly and quietly identifying his problem. He wanted to continue his education while waiting in his taxi for fares.
His second step was writing down clearly “all the facts”. He decided to increase his vocabulary one word at a time.
His third step was going to a bookstore and purchasing a “20 pound dictionary”. He immediately began in his taxi, learning new words, and increasing his vocabulary.
He did well investing in the stock market and bought the taxi company he worked for. Because of his success he was asked to speak to others on how he did it!
What can you do every day? Learn a new word every day, read 20 minutes a day to become an expert in your field. Read self -help, motivational books, bios. Go on the net and take a course for free from an expert. Make your car into Automobile University. While you’re waiting in traffic listen to an educational cd, pod casts, and increase your knowledge.
What are the 3 steps to solving your problems?
- Calm down. Clear your mind. Then write down the problem. Think of yourself as a detective like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
- Clearly write down in order “all the facts” so you can think objectively.
- Focus on the problem. Give yourself time to ponder, to think, about your problem to find an answer. Be observant, open minded, and a good listener.
If you’re looking for a magnificent book that will change you’re life, I suggest reading, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s, “The Power of Positive Thinking”. His Chapter 10, the “Power to Solve Personal Problems” is one of my favorite in his book. Dr. Peale says, “Pray about your problem, affirming that God will flash illumination into your mind. Believe in and seek God’s guidance.”
By following the three steps listed above you too will be able to solve your problems.
Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, John Maxwell Team Member, Certified World Class Speaking Coach, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses”. Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. She writes a monthly newsletter “Madeline’s Monthly article & Musical Tips Blog” and a monthly radio show “Madeline’s One Minute Musical Radio Show”. Her book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available on Amazon or Kindle. Contact Madeline Frank for your next speaking engagement at mfrankviola@gmail.com
