Build A Solution Based Mindset That Lasts

What Is A Solution Based Mindset?

A solution based mindset is the ability to focus on what you can do, instead of getting stuck in what’s gone wrong. It means you’re looking for ways forward and not just reasons things are difficult. You still recognise the problem, but you don’t stay there.

You’re asking questions like:

• “What’s one small step I could take today?”

• “What has helped before?”

• “What support or strategy could shift this?”

It’s not about blind positivity or ignoring challenges. It’s about owning your response and creating movement, no matter how small. People with a solution based mindset tend to bounce back quicker, feel more in control and get unstuck faster. This is because their focus is on progress.

Why Is This Mindset So Powerful?

We all face situations that feel out of our hands – parenting struggles, workplace pressure, personal goals that feel just out of reach. The difference between staying stuck and moving forward often comes down to mindset.

A solution based mindset doesn’t pretend the problem isn’t there. It simply refuses to let the problem dictate the outcome.

This mindset is especially powerful for:

• Adults working through self-doubt, procrastination or motivation dips

• Parents who feel overwhelmed by their child’s behaviour or emotional needs

• Professionals navigating leadership or change in their workplace

And the best bit? You don’t need to be naturally “positive” to build it. It’s something you can train – just like a muscle.

What Are The 5 Steps To Being Solution Minded?

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but how do I actually do it?” – you’re not alone. Here are five practical steps you can use today to become more solution-minded:

1. Pause And Step Back

Before reacting, take a breath. Step back and name what’s really going on. Is it frustration, fear, overwhelm? When you get honest about the emotion, you create space to respond differently.

Solution-focused people pause before spiralling.

2. Reframe The Situation

Instead of thinking “Why does this always happen to me?”, ask “What can I learn from this?” or “What’s one part of this I can influence?” Reframing moves you from blame to action.

3. Break It Down

Big problems feel unfixable when we try to tackle them all at once. Break them into bite-sized actions. Even asking, “What’s my next best step?” can be a game changer.

4. Look For Exceptions

Ask yourself, “When has this worked better before?” or “What went well last week?” We often overlook the small wins – but they hold the clues for progress.

5. Take Quick, Imperfect Action

Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Take a small step. Action creates clarity. Even a tiny shift can start a domino effect in your mindset, confidence and motivation.

What Is Solution-Focused Thinking?

Solution-focused thinking is an approach that puts your energy into what’s working, not what’s broken. It comes from a therapeutic model called “Solution-Focused Brief Therapy” – but the principles apply far beyond therapy.

This type of thinking helps you:

• Identify what’s already helping (even a little)

• Focus on the future outcome you want

• Build confidence by using your existing strengths

It’s different from just “positive thinking.” It’s grounded in reality, but aims at movement. You acknowledge the difficulty and choose to build momentum anyway.

For example:

• Instead of “My teenager won’t listen”, try “When was the last time they did engage – and what was different?”

• Instead of “I’m terrible at handling stress”, ask “What helped me cope last time things felt heavy?”

This subtle shift builds your resilience and stops you from spiralling.

What Are The Qualities Of A Solution-Oriented Person?

If you’ve ever met someone who seems calm under pressure or always finds a way forward, you’re looking at someone who’s developed key solution-oriented traits.

Here are the main ones:

1. Curiosity

They ask better questions. Not “Why me?”, but “What can I do?” or “Who could help me figure this out?”

2. Flexibility

They’re open to change. If Plan A fails, they’re already thinking about Plan B – not stuck in self-blame.

3. Self-Awareness

They know their triggers, their tendencies and their strengths – and use that knowledge to make better choices.

4. Optimism (With A Practical Edge)

They believe things can improve and take action to make it happen. It’s hope, plus effort.

5. Action-Focus

They don’t need to feel “ready” before they start. They understand that clarity comes from doing, not just thinking.

These qualities can be developed over time. They’re not about personality – they’re about practice.

Building A Solution Based Mindset In Everyday Life

You don’t need a big crisis to use this mindset. It can help with:

• A morning routine that keeps going off track

• Overwhelming workloads

• A tricky conversation with a partner

• A child’s sudden resistance to school

• Low confidence around a personal goal

Start by noticing your internal dialogue. Are you looking for what’s wrong, or what’s possible? Are you waiting for perfect conditions, or taking small steps anyway?

If you’re a parent, this mindset is also something you can model and teach. Talk aloud about the choices you’re making when things go wrong. Let your child hear you problem-solve.

“This morning was rough. But instead of stressing all day, I’m going to reset and start again now.”

These little moments add up. They build mindset muscle – for you, and for the people around you.

Final Thoughts: Mindset Is The First Step To Change

A solution based mindset won’t remove every challenge from your life – but it will change how you face them. It helps you feel more empowered, more proactive and more capable, especially when things feel uncertain.

This mindset puts you back in the driving seat.

You stop waiting for permission or for life to feel easier. You start acting, even when things aren’t perfect.

And that’s where growth happens.

Ready To Build This Mindset In Your Own Life?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or just tired of overthinking every decision, I can help.

My one-to-one and group coaching sessions are built around helping you:

• Shift your mindset in real-time

• Build confidence and clarity

• Move forward with practical steps – fast

Book a coaching session and let’s start building your solution based mindset together. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.