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Typically, when a piece of technology is acting up, the reason isn’t very clear at first. At that point, you will have to go through a step-by-step process to find the source of the problem. Once you find the problem, you’re 90% of the way to fixing it.
Most troubleshooting works by process of elimination: By eliminating what is definitely not the problem, you can home in on what must be the problem. Typically, you start by eliminating large areas of possibility, and go from large to small.
Say, for example, that you can’t view webpages. They won’t even load. This could be just about anything. Typically, the best way to test that is to “ping” websites from the command line of your computer. Used properly, this will tell you if the problem is in one of three areas: the hardware (maybe you aren’t connected after all), the networking functions of your computer, or the browser. From there, you keep testing until finally, you find the source of the problem.
How troubleshooting can help.
The same thing can be done in your life. If you are stumped because despite your best efforts you find yourself off-balance, or just plain in a bad mental space, it might be time to troubleshoot the issue.
This might not fix the problem in-and-of itself, but if you have taken ownership of yourself and your life, you will be extremely well positioned to resolve the matter.
How it’s done.
Start off by looking at the situation. Open up your awareness so you see everything you can. From here, start looking at various aspects.
Say, for example, that you blew up at a loved relative (contrary to your nature). Does the fact that it’s a holiday (at the time) make any difference to how you feel? No? Eliminated. For the rest of this process, you can ignore the fact that it’s a holiday. How about the time of day? Hmmm… Nope. Time isn’t a factor. Time is eliminated. Whatever it is isn’t time-sensitive, at least not in that fashion. Do you have unpleasant feelings for the relative themselves? No. How about the other people there? Mild annoyance in some cases perhaps, but that doesn’t matter here. Eliminated. No hard feelings were intended. Is the relative doing something that annoys you? Hm. A spike of emotion. . . concern. Is the fact that they are moving away from the family the problem? No? Is it where they’re going? Ah ha! The fact that there is a lot of violent crime in the neighborhood has you worried about the wellbeing of your relative, and the pressure of that caused you to lash out at them.
Of course, this is just one relatively simple scenario. The technique can be used for just about any situation where you aren’t sure what’s tripping you up. As you get more experienced and as you get to know yourself better, the process becomes easier, then semi-automatic, then practically fully automatic.
Note: When you get hit with a huge spike of emotion, it can be difficult to bring yourself back from the edge. Living by Design has an excellent article with some hints on how to cool down.
If you would like to read more about how to clear out mental garbage to be more effective, please subscribe to the RSS feed.
***The November 2007 Challenge***
This is the badge for my two goals. There are two “points”: One for each piece of the challenge. (Living up to the “Blogging Promise” at right and maintaining a good, consistent meditation practice each and every day.) The challenge began 11-9-2007 and ends 12-9-2007. Comments, suggestions, and feedback welcome!
