Let me share an exercise that works.
The next time you are dealing with a problem or tough situation, and the answer is not coming to you, try this:
Get a paper and pencil. Yeah – a paper and pencil. No phone. No computer.
In big letters, write your problem on top of the page.
Underneath, write the numbers 1-10.
Now, as you look at your paper, whatever pops into your head, write it down. Whatever your brain presents next, write it down. Keep going. Do not judge. Don’t laugh at yourself. Don’t think this is stupid. Simply write down as many answers as possible, hopefully 10.
When you are done, look at your paper. Odds are the answer is staring at you.
I learned this exercise from Rev. Robert Schuller. He moved from Iowa to Southern California in 1955 with a charge to start a church. He found it, a drive in theater in the city of Garden Grove. Drive in theater? How? Why? Well, he did his own Count to 10, and as he approached the different locations on his list, the one that materialized for him was the drive in theater. This was the beginning. In 1980, he opened the beautiful Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, with glass walls and a glass ceiling. He began broadcasting his service live on television each Sunday, and soon he became the country’s leading televangelist.
Next time you are stuck, try Count to 10.
