Are you facing a problem that you can’t seem to solve? That you’ve tried everything, but none of them are giving you the results you want? It has come to the point where you’re emotionally drained and losing sleep. If this is you, then chances are you’re wrestling with a pig, and this is the book that will get rid of your problems – Pig Wrestling by Pete Lindsay & Mark Bawden.
What is Pig Wrestling?
In short, Pig Wrestling is when you find yourself wrestling with a problem that you can’t seem to overcome. No matter what methods you try or what changes you make, the problem won’t budge, just like a pig. The more you try to wrestle with it, the dirtier it gets and the more drained you are. If you find yourself pig wrestling, don’t worry! There’s a solution to it.
How do you stop Pig Wrestling and solve the problem?
Before you start solving the problem, keep in mind these three things.
- Take a step back (step outside the normal box of thinking)
- Reframe your thinking (no labeling)
- Think cleanly (no assumptions or bias!)
Now, you’re ready to start! The following set of questions will act as a guide to help you stop pig wrestling and clean your problem.
1. What solutions have I tried?
We say we’ve tried everything we could, but what exactly have we tried? Have our attempts to solve the problem made it worse?
2. How would I know that the "problem" is no longer a problem?
3. When is the "problem" not a problem?
We might feel like the problem is always present, but that may not be the case. Think back to an occasion when you weren’t facing the problem. When and where did it happen?
4. What is always present when the problem occurs?
Do you notice something in common that is always there when the problem occurs? What are some similarities? Is it the environment? Or the people involved? It might even be the topic discussed.
5. What's the difference between when the problem exists and when it doesn't?
Do you notice anything present when the problem occurs and is gone when the problem is solved? The difference between the two situations (with the problem and without) would usually lead you to the real problem.
After asking the set of questions, you will have one final step.
Define the problem in a more solvable way.
Sometimes we might be putting too much effort in the wrong direction. If this is the case, it’s time to redirect your energy in the right direction. Also, be careful not to overthink your problems. Half the time, what we worry about the most never happens.
