Fuss or Fix

The coffee maker gurgled, then sputtered, producing only a lukewarm, murky dribble. Sarah sighed, staring at the half-empty pot. It was definitely "that kind of Monday," and anger instantly flared within her.

So, what should she do? Sarah could scream, cry, and complain in frustration. Or, she could grab the toolbox, decipher the manual, and try to fix the ancient machine herself. Complaining feels easier than tackling a seemingly complex problem. Letting off steam with a quick vent of frustration is tempting. Yet, the thought of another day of weak coffee, combined with the satisfaction of a problem truly solved, often pushes us from complaining to fixing. Hopefully, Sarah will give a decisive nod and reach for that screwdriver.

When things go wrong, we all have a choice: we can fuss and complain, try to forget the problem (ignore it or pretend it isn't there), or we can fix the problem. These are the only three options when facing a conflict or issue.

As you think about your life, what's your natural way of dealing with problems?

The temptation is often to fuss or forget. However, these two approaches are destructive; they never solve the issue and usually make it worse. The more proactive and constructive way to face a problem or conflict is with a fix-it mentality. This holds true for your marriage and family relationships, your work life, and even in your organization.

You and I have a clear choice: we can either fuss or forget, or fix the problem. It's one or the other. You simply can't fuss and fix it at the same time.

Each day presents us with various issues, some big, most small. My hope, prayer, and encouragement for you is to resist the urge to complain and bellyache. Instead, roll up your sleeves, lace up your boots, and reach for that screwdriver. Be a fixer rather than a complainer.

What issue are you currently facing that you need to shift from complaining to solving?

Here are four ways we can courageously face and fix a problem:

Acknowledge and Accept the Problem: The first step to courageously fixing a problem is to honestly admit it exists, rather than denying, ignoring, or minimizing it. This requires a level of self-awareness, humility, and grit to confront uncomfortable truths, whether it's a personal failing, a dysfunctional team dynamic, or a technical glitch. Acceptance allows you to move past emotional resistance and into a solution-oriented mindset.

Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

The same is true for problem-solving; to conceal the problem or ignore the issue will ultimately prevent a person from advancing or prospering.  

Break Down the Problem and Prioritize: A large, overwhelming problem can feel insurmountable. Courage or grit involves breaking it down into smaller, manageable components. Think about it like the common proverb: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 

Identify the core issues and prioritize which aspects need immediate attention and which can be tackled later. This strategic approach makes the problem less daunting and allows for focused effort, building momentum as each smaller piece is addressed. Remember too much, too fast is just that too much and too fast; be strategic and take one step at a time. As 1 Corinthians 14:40 states, "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” This goes with problem-solving, being strategic and methodical rather than chaotic. 

Seek Diverse Perspectives and Solutions (and be open to them): It takes courage to admit you might not have all the answers. Actively seeking input from others – colleagues, mentors, experts, or even just a fresh pair of eyes – can provide valuable insights and alternative solutions you hadn't considered. This involves being open to feedback, even if it's critical, and being willing to adjust your approach based on new information. 

I know receiving critical feedback is hard and can be discouraging. I also know it is instinctive to immediately dismiss that feedback. Let me challenge you as you consider critical feedback: 

Consider the source. Where is the critic coming from? Is it someone you trust? 

Is the critique true? Critical feedback is hard to hear and sometimes it is framed improperly, but sometimes needed truths hurt. 

Eat the fish and spit out the bones. Oftentimes the critical feedback has both good and needed parts, as well as parts that aren’t helpful. My friend, take and apply the helpful and discard the unhelpful parts. 

Take Decisive Action and Learn from Setbacks: Once a plan is formed, courage means taking the leap and acting decisively, even when there's uncertainty or risk. Don't let fear of failure paralyze you. As John Maxwell says in Developing the Leader Within You 2.0, “Without failure there is no achievement.” The important thing is to take action.

Additionally, it’s also crucial to courageously learn from any setbacks or failures that occur. Instead of being discouraged, view them as opportunities for refinement and growth, adjust your strategy, and try again until the problem is resolved.