When Your Solution Becomes Part of the Problem

I was recently reminded of a time in college when I kept getting headaches. I rarely get them, and the solution for me is always to get some sleep.

So I thought, ok, headache… I’ll take a nap. The headache didn’t go away.

I tried napping again and again throughout the week. It never helped. At that point not only did I have a headache, but I was also cranky, groggy, and frustrated.

“I’m doing what I’m supposed to do to take care of myself,” I thought. “Why won’t my headache go away?”

It eventually came to light that my headaches were being caused by eyestrain from looking at computer screens. I got a pair of glasses that I now wear when I’m working at a computer, and voila!, no more headaches.

Have you ever tried solving a metaphorical headache problem with a nap, when what you really needed were glasses?

Here are two key signs that your go-to solution has actually become part of the problem.
1) The problem is not getting any better.
2) You begin sliding into a funk.

When you notice these signs stop trying to apply the solution that has worked for you in the past and start experimenting with new solutions. You too will be saying “Voila!” in no time.