Your problem?
Is it inner or outer?

Every problem (often) has both an inner and outer aspect, which makes it two problems

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This first problem is an inner problem (an intrapersonal problem), which is best to be solved first. If the inner problem is addressed first, then the outer problem, if it still exists, is much easier to resolve.

Sometimes only one problem exists: the inner problem. Once the inner problem is resolved, then we realize no outer problem exists or ever existed.

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"Ask Dwight How" specializes in solving almost any type of inner problem. And, for some types of problems, the outer issues are also addressed. Examp[es of outer problems I address are "now to say 'no,'" and how to eat for the best health.

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Our bad habit

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Our habit, most often, is to focus right away on the outer problem, not acknowledging the inner problem and the importance of addressing it first.

Consider these examples.

• You’ve argued with your spouse. Immediately you start focusing on the upset, thinking about how your spouse should change, or maybe you should apologize. You focus on the outer problem. You’re either unaware of or you’re ignoring the inner problem, the most salient of which is that you’re blaming your spouse instead of assuming 100% responsibility for the quality of your relationship with him or her. Only after resolving this problem should you consider the issue of how to clean up the argument with your spouse.

• You’re frustrated with how long it’s taking to finish a task. You immediately start thinking about how to do it more efficiently or whether or not you can leave it for another day. You’re either unaware of or you’re ignoring the inner problem of not having set the task up so that you could enjoy the process of working on it. After you’ve solved this problem, then the efficiency issue may or may not still exist. If it’s still there, you can have fun addressing it.

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It may be only an inner problem

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Other times the problem may occur as an outer problem, but it’s only an inner problem.

You’re scared that it might be a mistake if you quit your job and look for a new one. But you’ve already checked out the costs, benefits, and risks of the different directions open to you. Once you’ve gone through the undoing fear process and the four steps of choosing courage, you notice that the path ahead is clear to you. Addressing the inner problem disappeared the outer problem.

Suffering is the hint

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For every problem, check first to see if there is an inner problem to handle. Hint: if you're suffering or upset about having the problem, then there is an inner problem. If you have only the outer problem, it will just be a fun thing to work on. Address any inner problem first. Then the outer problem, f it still exists, will be much easier to get good results on.