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Many entrepreneurs immediately concentrate on the issues at hand, which makes it more difficult to come up with solutions because you’re not looking at the whole picture. This occurs as a result of the brain’s wiring to identify dangers and focus on the issue, cutting off access to solutions while the nervous system is in a fight-or-flight response.
The breakthrough approach to problem resolution occurs when you shift from a survival mindset to a “solution modality.” When your neurological system shifts from a fight-or-flight response to a state of psychological safety, your brain is free to come up with innovative answers.
What role does your nervous system play in your success?
Your nervous system has an enormous impact on how you see and handle problems. During a fight-or-flight response, your brain concentrates on dangers, which hinders your ability to think clearly. It’s easier to get trapped in the issue in this survival mode rather than using an efficient approach that reveals original answers.
How fight or flight keeps you stuck
The fight-or-flight reaction is an evolutionary mechanism that keeps us safe from physical harm. Regretfully, in contemporary leadership, this reaction may keep you stuck in a mindset where you just notice the issue and are unable to think of a workaround. So, even after working on a problem for days, the solution is still elusive. Stress causes your nervous system to focus on the problem or immediate threat rather than the long-term solution.
The power of psychological safety
Imagine finding the solution while unwinding — perhaps taking a stroll or having a playful moment — after days of frustration. What was different? Your neurological system entered a psychologically safe state, allowing your mind to use the previously unattainable problem-solving technique. According to the polyvagal theory, this shift — known as social engagement — allows for creativity and open-minded thinking, where solutions come easily. The secret to unlocking solutions is entering this state.
Related: Why You Should Care About Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Problem-solving method: How to shift your nervous system into “solution modality”
Effective leadership requires the ability to control your nervous system and maintain a solution-focused approach. The following three problem-solving techniques will assist you in transitioning from a fight-or-flight response to a composed, productive state:
1. Deep, slow breathing
Breathing deeply and slowly through the nose, combined with a longer exhale through the mouth, is one of the easiest ways to relax your nervous system. Your heart rate will drop as you breathe diaphragmatically, alerting your brain that you are safe. By activating the ventral vagal pathways, this breathing technique helps you transition from a stressed-out state to one in which you can solve problems more effectively. Calming your body and mind allows you to access previously blocked creative solutions.
2. Scheduling your day into 30-minute blocks
Breaking up your day into 30-minute blocks is another very powerful way to solve problems. By dividing your time into manageable chunks, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and less stressed, which can cause your body to go into fight-or-flight mode. Your nervous system can rest in between blocks, and each block can concentrate on a certain task. In addition to keeping you grounded, this methodical technique helps avoid mental clutter, which might obscure solutions.
3. Dance to uplifting songs
One enjoyable and efficient method of resetting your nervous system is through physical activity, particularly dancing. Dancing puts you in a calmer, solution-focused mentality by releasing the tension brought on by stress and fight-or-flight responses. One of the easiest ways to solve problems is to change your energy and mood, which makes it easier to think clearly. Your brain frequently follows your body when it moves, which makes it easier for you to find answers.
It’s critical to understand that various people respond differently to different approaches to problem-solving. Some people may benefit more from dancing or setting apart time blocks, while others may find that deep breathing works wonders. Finding what helps you transition from a fight-or-flight reaction to a level of psychological safety requires experimentation. This solution modality allows your mind to freely explore innovative solutions while your nervous system is at ease. You can discover the techniques that reliably assist you in achieving this state by being your own scientist.
The power of being in “solution modality”
Your mind is preoccupied with the current issues when you’re in survival mode. Your mind is set up to recognize dangers while you’re under stress, so all you perceive are hurdles. Your mind, however, naturally switches from problem-focused to opportunity-focused thinking when you enter the solution modality. You can unleash the creativity and clarity required for efficient problem-solving when you’re in this state. The ability to control their nervous system enables great leaders to confidently lead their teams through difficulties and move smoothly into solution modalities.
Related: Do Your Employees Feel Safe? Here’s How to Create a Psychologically Safe Workplace
Conclusion
Effective leadership is more than just strategy and tactics. It calls for a high degree of emotional control and self-awareness. Leaders with nervous system management skills are more robust, flexible and able to solve problems under pressure. Being able to change from a reactive to a proactive, solution-focused mentality makes you an entrepreneur who actively develops solutions rather than only responding to issues.
