This post focuses on the first step in Grasping The Situation (See p. 147 in Grasp The Situation): RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEM.  In order to recognize that you may have a potential problem, you must observe the SYMPTOMS that may predict future problems.  As you already know, a medical symptom is something that indicates a possible physical problem, such as chest pain. Applied to everyday life, a symptom is something that indicates a possible problem a person may have in his/her life.

Applying this to the story about Robert (our previous post) and his dropping out of school, the early symptom when he started school was his haste and the way he picked his major. After he dropped out of school, his failure to share with his parents what was bothering him had another obvious symptom—Robert mopping around the house.

This story did not end when he quit school, however. For a little while, Robert drifted around until he finally decided to reenroll at the same university.

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Now it is your turn to practice identifying symptoms of future problems that may lie ahead.  See if you can list the symptoms that may forecast further problems with Robert.

Just list the symptoms – DO NOT try to figure out what they mean.   Most of us want to move on to the next step of taking action because we think we know the problem, much like Robert though he knew which major was right for him without doing research.

DON’T FALL INTO THAT TRAP.

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Here is the next part of the story——-Robert told his parents that he had enrolled in a new major in “Radio and Television Production.” He decided on this because he had a friend in the major that said it is “just right” for Robert.  His parents paid his fees and in the process noticed that his bill indicated that he was only signed up for three credit hours.

Confused and concerned, they asked Robert what courses he was taking, and he simply replied, “The one I like the most is my ad writing course!”

“Is that all?” They asked.

“NO! I am taking three other one hour courses that are great”

Still uncertain, they inquire, “Are you taking any regular three hour classes?”

“Yes.”

“Good, tell us about them!”

At this point Robert started to stumble in his wording.  “I can’t remember the exact names of the courses.”

Obviously skeptical, his parents then ask, “How many days in the week are you in class?”

“Every day of the week.” With Robert’s response, the conversation ended.

Now it’s your turn! List the symptoms that might lead you to conclude there may be a problem looming in the future.  Be careful—do not be tempted to draw conclusions. The story is not over.

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What symptoms did you come up with? Using the hashtag #graspthesituation, Tweet us your list!!