Are You Problem-Focused? How Shifting Your Mindset Can Transform Your Life

Hey everyone!

I definitely used to have a problem focused mindset. I believed that by focusing on a problem I was protecting myself, I was stopping myself from getting hurt whether that was socially, emotionally or even physically. Looking back I understand that I lived in a fear mindset. so much so that I even had it tattooed on my body " what if I fall? oh, but my darling, what if you fly?” I was always worried about the what ifs. It wasn't until I realized that this mindset was really holding me back that I started to explore a personal shift. I started to move from a glass half empty mindset to a glass half full mindset. Now, I hold neither of those mindsets. If I needed to describe myself now I would say I have a "who drank my drink? And then fill it back up” mindset. LOL!

You can learn a lot about a person by understanding their mindset.

Let’s dive deeper into the unattractive trait of being problem-focused and how it impacts our lives. When we’re in this mindset, it’s like seeing the world through a "glass half empty" lens—always focusing on what’s wrong, missing, or lacking. This mindset doesn’t just affect how others see us; it lowers our own frequency, drains our energy, and can lead to physical, emotional, and mental health issues.

What Does a Problem-Focused Person Look Like?

If you find yourself stuck in problem mode, it might show up like this:

Complaining: Always finding something wrong, whether it’s the weather, traffic, or other people’s actions. There’s a constant narrative of how life is happening to you.
Blame and Victimhood: You might blame others for your struggles or feel like life is unfair. “Why does this always happen to me?” becomes a frequent thought.
Pessimism: You expect the worst outcomes, seeing obstacles as roadblocks instead of challenges to overcome. “What’s the point in trying?” echoes in your mind.
Inaction: Feeling overwhelmed by problems leads to analysis paralysis, leaving you stuck and frustrated. It’s hard to move forward when all you see are reasons you can’t.
Negative Self-Talk: You might catch yourself thinking, "I’m not good enough," or "I always mess things up." This inner dialogue feeds the problem-focused cycle and keeps you from seeing possibilities. (Mine was always. “But what if I fall / fail”)

Opportunity for Self-Awareness

If any of this resonates, it’s time for some gentle self-reflection. Ask yourself:

Do I spend more time talking about what’s wrong than what’s right?
Do I focus on problems and obstacles instead of looking for solutions?
Am I waiting for things outside of me to change before I feel better?

Realizing you’re in this mindset is the first step to shifting out of it.

Glass Half Empty vs. Glass Half Full

People with a "glass half empty" mentality live in scarcity. They tend to focus on what they don’t have or what could go wrong. They believe life is happening to them and feel powerless to change their circumstances. This negativity not only drags their energy down but also impacts their relationships—people tend to pull away because that energy is heavy and difficult to be around.

On the other hand, a "glass half full" person is solution-focused. Even when life throws challenges their way, they look for opportunities to learn or grow. They ask, “What can I do to make this better?” instead of getting stuck in, “Why is this happening to me?” NOTE: This mindset doesn’t ignore problems; it just chooses not to be defined by them.

How to Shift Into a Solution-Focused Mindset

Let’s talk about how you can start to shift from problem-focused to solution-focused:

Reframe the Problem – When a challenge arises, instead of thinking, “This is terrible,” ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can do to improve this?” Reframing opens up space for creative solutions. For example, if a project at work feels overwhelming, instead of saying “I’ll never get this done,” ask, “What small step can I take today to move this forward?” Even better if it can be done ‘now’.
Practice Gratitude – A solution-focused person recognizes what is working. Start a daily practice of listing things you’re grateful for. This trains your brain to see the "glass half full" and shifts your frequency to one that attracts positive outcomes. If you're frustrated about your job, for instance, shift your focus to what you're learning, or the skills you’ve developed. Gratitude rewires the brain. NOTE: This is not about ignoring issues, but shifting your perspective.
Take Small Actions – Sometimes, being overwhelmed by a problem keeps us stuck. Break it down into smaller steps and take action, no matter how small. This reminds your brain that you are capable of creating change, which in turn creates momentum. For example, if you’re feeling stuck in a relationship, one small action could be initiating an honest conversation instead of replaying the same argument in your head. If you are a verbal processor, talking out options with a mentor, coach, or accountability partner can be a huge help in creating a shift.

Benefits of Being Solution-Focused

When you adopt a solution-focused approach, you’ll notice a major shift in your life:

Higher Energy: Instead of feeling drained by problems, you’ll feel energized by solutions. Your mindset shifts from scarcity to possibility, and this creates vitality in your body and mind.
Better Relationships: People are drawn to those who are solution-oriented because that energy is contagious. You’ll find that your relationships become more harmonious because you’re no longer getting stuck in cycles of blame or negativity.
Increased Resilience: Life will still throw challenges your way, but you’ll be more equipped to handle them with grace. You’ll bounce back faster, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Empowerment: Being solution-focused means you recognize your power to create change in any situation. This is true sovereignty—taking responsibility for your life and choosing to respond rather than react.

When you make this shift, the world around you begins to shift, too. You stop being a victim of your circumstances and start becoming a co-creator of your reality.

Remember, the glass isn’t just half full; it’s yours to refill. The more you focus on solutions, the more you empower yourself and others to heal and thrive.

I see the light in you. And it is brilliant.

Brightest of blessings,

Dawn xo

The Awakening Light

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Dawn Elgin