I’ve been rinsing my mouth with salt water after every meal for the past two weeks. It’s part of the healing process after a wisdom tooth extraction.
Oral surgery: the gift that keeps on giving.
During the first week, I spilled salt all over my bathroom counter. My container of salt has a perforated opening similar to a salt shaker, and sometimes the salt got stuck in the holes. When I measured half a teaspoon, I had to shake the container a bit and the salt didn’t land seamlessly on my spoon or in my glass of warm water.
Now, I consider myself a reasonably capable human being, but after that first week, I realized that the container of salt also has a “full-pour” setting — without any holes — making it easier to pour without shaking the container and spilling the salt.
There was a much easier solution than what I had been doing right in front of me; I just didn’t take advantage of it right away.
No matter how far you’ve come, there’s always more to learn
Reflecting on that experience, I felt silly that I didn’t immediately notice the “full-pour” setting — but I did eventually discover it because I was open to a better, easier way.
When you repeat the same thing over and over again and get the same results, it’s beneficial to question your actions and explore new possibilities.
There are so many situations in life and business that aren’t easy. Accomplishments take hard work, dedication, and other words you’d find on cliché motivational posters that decorate taupe-colored office walls.
But sometimes we all get the sense that there could be something better out there, something more we could be doing.
And sometimes there are even easy opportunities to discover new methods that enrich your life and business.
“Easy” does exist
It’s often said that “simple” does not equal “easy,” but there are also purely easy solutions that lead to progress.
I would say:
“Easy” is not the same as a “quick fix.” I associate a quick fix with something unsustainable — something that may seem satisfying at first but has no long-term benefit. And what I’m talking about is easy action that leads to you optimizing your circumstances.
For example, when you’re stressed out and confused, overwhelmed or directionless, it’s often difficult to think straight.
If your head is spinning while you’re on top of Mount Freakout, consider easy options that can help you move forward.
- Call a friend who will make you feel better
- Watch a movie that will make you laugh and help you calm down
- Listen and sing along to a song that helps you express your own emotions
You could ignore those easy options and stay upset. It’s your choice.
And you have similar choices to make whenever you’re ready for a change but you’re not quite sure which direction to go in or how to get started on a new path.
A two-step process for finding a new direction
Ready to set yourself in a new direction?
Here’s the two-step process:
- Choose to become open to a new option
- Don’t overcomplicate the solution — let it lead you forward
In regard to that wisdom tooth I mentioned earlier, I had been meaning to get it pulled for about 10 years. What can I say? Time goes by quickly and I kept putting it on the back burner.
But when it started causing problems I could no longer ignore, I followed that process above:
- I was open to a new option: schedule an appointment to get the tooth pulled.
- Instead of further postponing the surgery or fearing it, I let it simply be the solution to the pain in my mouth.
I decided that the way out of my discomfort was through the extraction and healing process.
What’s your next step?
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Relief within reach
There are plenty of difficult choices to make in life and business. And plenty of hard work goes into accomplishing your goals.
But don’t overlook easy choices within reach that can help turn things around. Don’t disregard the power of something easy. Let it be easy — and take advantage of it.
The solution could be right in front of you, like turning the salt container to the “full-pour” position.
Reader Comments (9)
Dwayne says
I’ve had many situations in life where I thought solutions were hard to find. You have to be bigger than your problems and stay open to all possible solutions. The answer may be easier than you first thought.
Stefanie Flaxman says
Well put, Dwayne!
Pragati Udyog says
Wow, what an awesome article. Thank you for sharing Dwayne. Your writing and the way of explanation are very good. Keep doing good work.
Pragati Udyog says
Sorry, I mentioned the wrong person in previous comment Stefanie Flaxman. 😛
Nikhil says
I’ve never gone for an easy options in my life . Because of this only i’ve learn a lot and i’m still learning because of this only. It doesn’t mean i’m doing it purposely. I love difficulties and
you’re correct accomplishments do take hard work, dedication and time.
Joe Giampaoli says
I think that we can all easily become trapped by everyday life routines and our own comfort zone. Learning to expand our comfort zone is what makes us less fearful of new life events and changes. I am a strong believer that new changes in what we do or the way we do things is what brings newer challenges and great opportunities in life. Wonderful post! Thanks for sharing Stefanie!
Richard says
I have had my wisdom teeth out too. The worst thing for me is the fact that I really dislike salt. I mean that I don’t touch it all all. I don’t eat processed food because its full of salt, hell…I wont even go into the sea or a salt water swimming pool. It drives my girlfriend crazy but I can help it. So, having to rinse my mouth out with salt water several times a day was just horrible!
Stefanie Flaxman says
Oh bummer!
Micheal A says
Been scared to move out of our immediate environment to an unknown place is what instill fear in us. Most times, our challenges are not really tougher than the solutions around us.
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