#1

In the past, I struggled with being productive and organized every day, which caused me to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. But with perseverance and advice from a mentor, I discovered how to cultivate a solution-oriented attitude and take responsibility for my actions instead of blaming others.

Let me take you back to 2020... I was unexpectedly isolated in an unfamiliar city, feeling alone and depressed. During a phone call with one of my mentors, Lindsay, I shared that I struggled with negative thoughts and felt like a victim. Her idea sounded laughable (and borderline insensitive) in response to my woes. Still, at Lindsay's suggestion, I hung the words “I AM solution-seeking” on my wall and told myself I would succeed each day.

My mentor's words of wisdom sparked a change that still ripples today.

Not too long after this encounter, my low self-image at the time landed me in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship riddled with constant arguments, domestic violence, and many tough decisions. I was walking on eggshells daily with almost nothing left to my name. I decided to create my own affirmations to change the direction of my life, taking on that solution-seeking mentality that had been brewing within me since 2020. In December 2021, I experienced a violent altercation within my home that could have been fatal if it had escalated further. Following that incident, in just a few months, I obtained my driver's license and paid cash for my car.. two things I'd once felt so powerless to acquire: the thrill of having such agency over my life provided a significant confidence boost, allowing me to tap into passions I never knew I had. From then on, I kept building on that foundation.

Today, I own and operate two businesses and assist with managing multiple brands. Just this year alone, I have been able to help create numerous ground-breaking results for many clients and collaborators affiliated with I AFFIRM MYSELF ACADEMY. I have also expanded my personal brand and seen over 1.5 million views on one of my TikToks. This journey started with a simple choice: implementing a powerful recommendation to add daily affirmations to my life. The possibilities and joy I now experience have grown so much more since then, but none of this would have ever started without that first small step in the right direction.

I'm now only a testament to the power of the mind and how you can survive even in the most desperate times by believing in yourself. I've since come to understand that our words can carry very heavy weight (Proverbs 18:21). So, use the power of the tongue wisely and allow yourself the freedom to evolve in a positive direction.

How do I step into being solution-seeking daily? Here are 3 simple ways: 

SOLUTION-SEEKING STRATEGIES

1. Control the Controllable: Becoming a solution-seeker begins with controlling only what you can. It means leaving the past in the past and looking forward to creating your desired future with actions you can take today or RIGHT NOW. It starts with having a long-term mindset. If it doesn't matter in 5 years, spend no more than 5 minutes dwelling on it. Focus on changing what you can change instead of what you can't.

2. Think Outside the Box: The most exciting solutions are often found when we explore perspectives we haven't previously considered. There is a balance between using traditional approaches and tapping into your creativity. Find an experienced mentor with results that can help you navigate those waters, and feel free to brainstorm unorthodox strategies with them. They will be able to tell you what might and might not work based on their own experience. 

3. Be Bold in Seeking Guidance & Do Your Research: Nobody has to do it alone. Doing credible research is essential, and so is finding an accountability partner, someone to check in with who can also provide encouragement and advice along the way. Your solution-seeking process can become even more refined with an additional, unbiased angle. Research any existing solutions and strategies. Draw upon experiences, observations, and conversations for potential ideas that could become actionable items for furthering your objectives. 

In conclusion, cultivating a solution-seeking mentality is about tapping into the creativity and resourcefulness within. You have the power and agency to make shifts that lead you toward positive progress and outcomes. Developing your mental toughness and a proactive operating system can help open you up to alternative ways of solving your problems, even the ones that may seem impossible. Be a part of the solution by becoming a solution seeker every day.

Want to learn more solutions for cultivating a productive mindset? Book a discovery call with me or someone on my team today, or email hello@iamacademy.info to learn how to take the first step in transforming your life.

Songs that got me through survival mode:

I ain't done (BEAM version) - Andy Mineo

Stay - Alesia Cara

Anthem - Superchick

Social SZN - Social Club Misfits

The Path Album - Akira the Don & Jocko Willink

Graves into Gardens - Elevation Worship

5.3.23