Reaching a divorce settlement can be tricky. There are times when it seems there is only one possible solution - and it is an unacceptable solution for both spouses. And you get stuck. No leads. No options. No solutions.
Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming. But there might be some hope yet!
With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at the issue in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.
First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded and realize that there may be more than just one solution to the issue. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.
Here are 7 ways that creative thinking can help your Florida divorce negotiations:
Number one: maybe the reason you cannot solve the issue is that you have not taken a hard look at what the real issue is. Here, trying to understanding your underlying interest is integral solving the problem. Is it really about the timesharing schedule or is it about staying connected to your children? If you can reach the real interest behind the "problem," you have a better foundation towards solving it.
Number two: take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have about the issue. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. This is an emotional process as much as it is a legal one. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, and which assumptions need to be addressed.
Number three: try to solve the problem in steps. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the issue, and then come up with a one-sentence solution. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.
Number four: although critical thinking is helpful, you must also keep a creative thinker in the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, try to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.
Number five: it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.
Number six: remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each spouse has. Really listen to your spouse's proposal so you can consider the real interest he or she is talking about in the proposed solution. It may help you come up with additional ideas about how to meet that interest.
Number seven: be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create any invention the first time around. When countries are at war, peace talks take months, even years. These issues were not created yesterday. They've been simmering on the marital stove for months or years and will take time to solve.
So, next time you think that you and your spouse cannot negotiate a settlement, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a bit of work to figure out what the real issue is.
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