In an earlier post, I discussed the Einstein quote, which states, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

The American psychologist Albert Ellis is credited with coining the phrase ‘stinking thinking’ to describe the human tendency to persistently engage with thoughts that do not serve us.

Well, here’s a simple ASERA 5 question approach adapted from William Whitecloud’s work to help you embrace Einstein’s wisdom and knock you out of your current thinking approach.

The acronym ASERA is based on the Hawaiian meaning of the name Asera which means lucky. When you apply these five questions to a dilemma or issue that you are facing with your life, watch how quickly your luck trajectory will change.

If you really want to solve your problems, you need to access that part of you that is creative, adaptable, and capable of thinking outside the box. You cannot read the label on the box when you are stuck inside of it.

These 5 questions will elevate your thinking and take you outside of your current illusionary box so you can clearly read the label and, from that place make new, unstuck choices. Choices that you could never make from inside your current perceptual framework.

First, we need to ask ourselves… Where is my current thinking coming from? Am I coming from my “victim mindset” or from a headspace that’s empowered?

Are the choices I’m making based on survival, because I’m running away from something, or am I running towards joy?

Because when you create from a place of “neediness,” you can only ever create more neediness. When you are coming from a mindset of lack, you can only create more lack.

So grab your journal and set your timer for no less than 30 minutes as you contemplate your answers to the ASERA questions below..

Step 1:

A- AWARENESS – What emotional charge do I have on this issue?

Example -I am angry and frustrated that this “issue” is still continuing

Step 2:

S- STATE YOUR FEELING – What am I feeling (Base feeling)

Example – Fear uncertainty and insecurity (Note: state the feeling not the emotion, which is cognative. Go to your heart for this answer

Step 3

E- EXPOSE YOUR BEHAVIORS (reactions): How do I typically react to feeling this way?

Example – I lash out at my co-workers and my spouse. I get moody, I see the world through a negative lens, I am reactive and have a “just get it done at all costs attitude. I just push through no matter what.

Step 4 

R- RAISE YOUR THINKING – What is an elevated(higher) way to look at this issue?

Example- I see this as happening for me, not to me. I see this just as a life lesson I’ve yet to master. I see the need to treat myself with love and compassion.  I look back at times in my life where, no matter how bad it has ever gotten, I have found a way through.  I step outside and connect with nature. Rather than “push” for the answer, I let it go with an absolute knowing that, when the timing is right, it’ll show up. Until then, I choose to be in a state of joy.

Step 5

A- ACT – What can I do now to act with empowerment on my new truth.

I can go for a walk on the beach and reconnect to nature. I can go home early and take the family out for dinner.

“What you think it is…it is – What YOU THINK it is it is!”