Are You Brainstorming... Or Blame-Storming?
Author: Michael A. Verdicchio

The inspiration for this article came from a TV commercial
I saw recently. The premise was a group of people from one
phone company discussing the success of their competitor.
When asked if anyone had any suggestions, someone said,
"Let's have a "blame-storming" session. Irene, I blame
you!"

Have you ever had a brainstorming session? That's a term
we use when a person, or several people really focus in on
something and endeavor to come up with solutions.
Brainstorming sessions can be very profitable.

I've been in brainstorming sessions in a group setting, as
well as with just one other person. My wife and I have
regular brainstorming sessions about different issues. And
of course, I have brainstormed with myself on plenty of
occasions.

Brainstorming is good because you take the time to stay
focused on one particular issue, looking for possible
solutions, or different perspective and direction. Many
times, just because you are mentally locked in, you think
about things that you maybe hadn't considered before.

But on the other hand there are people who aren't really
looking for solutions. Instead of brainstorming, they are
"blame-storming." Instead of looking for positive
possibilities to improve their situation, they are engaged
in thinking about who is to blame for their circumstances.

Now it's really quite interesting when a brainstormer meets
up with a "blame-stormer." When offered advice on how
things might be improved, the "blame-stormer" comes right
back with a list of who is responsible for their
circumstances. It seems as though "blame-stormers" would
rather have a "pity party" instead of finding solutions for
their present condition in life.

First of all, it is good to remember that there are things
in life that are outside of your control. I don't control
the stock market, and neither do you. I don't control the
housing market, and neither do you. I don't decide
interest rates, and neither do you.

When it comes to things that are outside of our control it
is a terrible waste of time to try and figure out who is to
blame. It's not only a waste of time, but it effects no
change. It doesn't improve your situation in the least.

At the end of the day, "blame-stormers" are still
discouraged and have accomplished nothing. They find
themselves in the same place they were when the day
started. They have no added hope for the future.

On the other hand, at the end of a day, a brainstormer has
new hope for the future. They have considered other
possibilities. They are encouraged and on their way to
finding real solutions.

It really is a great way to live. Instead of complaining
and looking for whom to blame, look for solutions. Instead
of thinking like a victim, decide to be a winner. Consider
possibilities. Think outside of the box.

This is especially good advice for someone who has lost
their job. Finding yourself in that situation can easily
tempt you to blame, blame and blame some more. But what
good does that do? What does that accomplish? How does
that aid you in finding new employment?

And, here's a helpful tip for the next time you decide to
brainstorm: pray. Ask God to help you. Ask Him to help
you think of new ideas. Ask Him to guide you. The Bible
says if you lack wisdom then ask God for it.

Life really is all about choices. You can choose to be a
"blame-stormer" or you can choose to be a brainstormer.
It's pretty obvious which course is the better path to take.


About the Author:

Michael A. Verdicchio offers a FREE 71 page eBook,
entitled, "Keys To Enriching Your Life Now!"at
http://www.ConfidenceAndJoy.com He also offers a FREE
series of articles on success at
http://www.ReducingStressAtWork.com
Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and
broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous projects and
productions including Mike's Pep Talks!