Are you eating problems for breakfast?

Most people think of problems as something bad, as some terrible interruption in their lives which they wish they did not have to endure. In truth, problems in and of themselves are not necessarily bad. It is interesting to note the actual Greek root of the word "problem," namely, probalein means to throw, to drive, or to thrust forward. Problems are the very means by which God changes us, transforms us, and drives us forward. Without problems, there would be no growth. (Eating Problems for Breakfast: A Simple, Creative Approach to Solving Any Problem, Tim Hansel, page 17) [out of print, used copies available]

Prior to his death in 2009, Tim Hansel wrote numerous books like Holy Sweat, When I Relax I Feel Guilty, What Kids Need Most in a Dad, and You Gotta Keep Dancin'. In 1973, he also founded Summit Expedition now Summit Adventure believing that "The wilderness is still the finest place to train servant leaders because it is a non-neutral learning environment which demands change, and fosters community, trust, and interdependence. The wilderness encourages wholeness, reminds us of what is true and real and affords us an opportunity like no other to encounter God as He is without distraction." (Holy Sweat)

In Eating Problems for Breakfast (1988), Tim shares a simple, creative approach to solving any problem. These 10 guidelines are an important part of his problem solving process. 

• Challenge Assumptions | "Gentlemen, we're surrounded by insurmountable opportunities." (Pogo)
• Keep a Broad Perspective |"There is a great deal of unmapped country within us." (George Eliot)
• Don't Get "Hooked" | "A hysteric is a person who has discovered the secret of perpetual emotion. Emotions should be servants, not masters - or at least not tyrants." (Rodger H. Benson)
• Simple Is Better | "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." (Hans Hoffman)
• Look for the Second Right Answer | "Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one we have." (Emile Chartier)
• Ask Dumb Questions | "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." (Voltaire)
• Unlock Your Creativity | "The Lord gave you two ends, one for sitting and one for thinking. Your success depends upon which you use. Heads you win; tails you lose." (Anonymous)
• Scratch Where It Itches | "A good problem statement often includes: 1) what is known, 2) what is unknown, and 3) what is sought." (Edward Hodnett)
• Make It Fun | "If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor." (Jennifer Jones)
• Hang In There! | "I know of nothing more important than perseverance. Genius - that power which dazzles mortal eyes, is oft but perseverance in disguise." (Henry Austin)