The One Common Denominator

Whenever you encounter a challenge or a problem, it is valuable to search for the ‘one common denominator.’ Finding the one thing that is consistent throughout will help you to determine what causes the difficulty. Once you understand the cause, it will be easier to make the changes necessary for correction. In many situations, it can be challenging to find the common denominator. However, when looking at challenges and problems in your life, the common denominator isn’t as hard to find.

When a problem or challenge is an obstacle in your life, look for the common denominator. The common denominator will be that one thing that is consistent in every situation. In your life, the common denominator is YOU! You are the one thing that is always present in every situation. This is very helpful to know. Once you understand that you are the common denominator, you can begin to figure out what you are doing to contribute to the problem or challenge. At one time I had the problem of always encountering rude salespeople. It seemed they were everywhere. Once I realized that I was the common denominator, I began to change my behavior and, amazingly enough, I now seldom encounter rude salespeople. I simply don’t attract them into my life, and if one slips in, I am able to turn the situation around, or I simply turn around and leave.

I often help my clients find the common denominator in their lives. Once they realize they are it, I coach them to change their behaviors, beliefs and attitudes. A former client was having a very difficult time with her boss. She decided to quit her job and quickly found a new position. Unfortunately, within weeks she was experiencing similar challenges with her new boss. I suggested that she look at the common denominator, and when she did, she discovered how she was contributing to the problem. After adjusting her own behavior, beliefs and attitudes, she transferred into a new position with a boss with whom she got along. She realized that she was attracting certain types of managers. Once she realized how she was contributing to the problem, she was able to make the changes necessary to attract a more positive and supportive boss.

If you are searching for the common denominator in your life, you are in luck. You are it. Now that you know you are the only consistent factor in any situation, you can begin to figure out how you are contributing to your recurring challenges and problems. This is great news because, once you realize you are at least part of the problem, you can begin to change your behavior, beliefs and attitudes that are contributing to the situation. Keep in mind that you have to conce
yourself only with you, not with anyone else. You are the only one you can change. So don’t focus outside yourself. Focus on the common denominator. You will be amazed at the difference this process will make in your life.