Problems vs. Solutions - Insights to Utilizing Your Brain

Over the last couple of months, I've tried to read as much as I could on how the brain works and how to utilize some of the most current understanding of this amazing organ.  I want to take some of those ideas (none of which are mine) and share it with you.

I don't think it is necessary to dive into the deep details of the of the brain's functioning.  I want to skip the heavy theory (as interesting and valuable as it is), and instead, dilute it down to some essential skills that you can apply or help others in your leadership or coaching roles.

In this particular entry I want to focus on the ubiquitous problem-solution balance that each of us faces on a daily basis, both in our private and professional lives.

As much as we would like to think that we can multi-task, we are simply kidding ourselves.  Basically, the brain can only focus on one thing at a time.  This means, when we believe we are multi-tasking what is simply happening is that our attention shifts from one task to the next.

When it comes to the problem/solution relationship, you are either focusing on the problem or you are focusing on the solution.  You can not focus on both.

Now if we just step back and let the brain take over, it will automatically shift to default mode, which is to focus on the problem.  Why is this?  The brain is always searching and moving toward certainty. Certainty, in the case of the problem/solution relationship, is the problem. We generally know what the problem is, and subsequently, we are able to picture it. We are certain about what the problem is all about.

This is not the case when we are dealing with trying to find a possible solution to a problem.  There could be several solutions to a problem, and we are not always able to picture what that solution could look like.  This inability to have a crystal-clear picture of the solution lies in the realm of uncertainty.  This means we need to consciously focus our attention on the solution otherwise the brain will automatically move to default mode - toward certainty of knowing the problem.

There is a definite difference in brain chemistry depending on if our attention is problem-focused or if it is solution-focused. If it is the former, than our brains release a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. If it is the latter, than our brains release another type of neurotransmitter called dopamine.
 
For simplicity's sake, norepinephrine's major role is to make us feel alert and to focus our attention.  It is commonly linked to away emotions such as uncertainty, anxiety and different levels of threat.  When we perceive our situation as threatening, whether mild or elevated, our mind focuses solely on that threat.  The brain blocks out all other incoming information and devotes all it's limited resources on dealing with the immediate threat.  It tends to restrict thinking and finding possible insights.

Dopamine, on the other hand, is the neurotransmitter of desire.  That is, whenever our curiosity or interest is peaked, the reason is the release of dopamine.  It is the key-ingredient that is needed in order for us to learn.  It is linked to toward emotions such as creativity, engagement, motivation, curiosity and interest.  When we have a release of dopamine it tends to fuel more thinking and encourages the brain to fill in gaps in our knowledge, which leads to different levels of insight.

Let's move back to the problem/solution relationship.  So depending on what you focus on, it will determine what neurotransmitter is released.  By being more solution-focused this attentions shifts the brain to release more dopamine, which in turn increases the likelihood of us moving us through our dilemma.

A simple ways to be more solution-focused is to ask yourself questions that encourage your mind to seek answers and insight.