Finding Clarity in Complexity: Small Steps to Big Solutions
by Andrea Woodard, LMHCHave you ever felt overwhelmed by a problem? No matter how big or small, the way we view a problem often depends on how it affects us personally. Sometimes, a problem feels so big, it seems impossible to solve. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. While there are numerous approaches to problem-solving, this blog will focus on two concepts introduced by Michael White and Carl Jung: “deconstructing the problem” and “do the next best step.”
Deconstructing a Problem:
Deconstructing a problem (Ackerman, 2024) involves breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. For example, becoming lost in a forest can be frightening and overwhelming. The forest may seem endless. But, if you focus on individual elements such as trees, grass, and bushes, the forest becomes clearer. Perhaps the trees, grass, and bushes are arranged in a way that signifies being close to a river and a way out. Each element represents an essential part of a whole. Breaking down a problem into smaller and more manageable parts allows you to gain clarity, confidence, and feel more capable of addressing it.
The Next Right Step:
Once the problem has been deconstructed, the next step is deciding on the most appropriate course of action otherwise known as “the next right step” (Freeman, 2019). This requires leveraging the information at your disposal and considering various outcomes. It is essential to understand that the next right step is not always static. As you obtain new information, you develop a deeper understanding of the situation. As a result, flexibility and adaptability are key in navigating the next steps.
Consider this analogy: You can conceptualize the location of your grocery store from your living room. Although you cannot see the grocery store from your living room, you can see the front door. The next logical step is to move toward it. Once you reach the door, you may then see your car, prompting the next logical action—retrieving your keys and heading to the car. While driving, you face an unforeseen obstacle, highway construction causing traffic. You can drive at a slow pace or take an alternate route. This requires you to consider various outcomes and adjust your plan.
Before encountering this obstacle, you could not have predicted it. But, once faced with it, your decision-making process adapts accordingly. This illustrates the dynamic nature of “the next right step". It is important to practice radical acceptance because things will not always go as planned.
Deviations from the plan do not mean failure. Planning and embracing obstacles help you manage stress by adapting and adjusting using acceptance and compassion rather than seeing setbacks as failures.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unable to navigate stress in your life, engaging in therapy at Behavioral Health Partners may help. Behavioral Health Partners is brought to you by Well-U, offering eligible individuals mental health services for stress, anxiety, and depression. To schedule an intake appointment, give us a call at (585) 276-6900.
References:
Ackerman, Courtney. E. (2018). Narrative therapy: what it is and how it works. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/narrative-therapy/
Freeman, E. P. (2019). The next right thing: A simple, soulful practice for making life decisions. Revell.
Jim Riggs | 5/1/2025
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