Are You Brainstorming… Or Blame-Storming?

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.

Michael A. Verdicchio