It was a hot summer afternoon, and Clara, a 32-year-old woman, sat in the park, completely paralyzed by a problem that, in that moment, seemed insurmountable. She had recently lost her job, had financial obligations piling up, and, despite being highly competent, felt incapable of finding a solution. “I have no idea what to do,” she thought repeatedly, as the weight of anxiety tightened her chest. Yet, something unexpected happened in that very park.
Nearby, a child was playing with a dog, trying to grab a toy — a rubber bone the dog held tightly in its mouth while running around. The dog was fast and agile, but the boy didn’t give up. He adjusted his approach with each attempt: running after the dog, retreating, circling around, thinking, and trying again. Clara watched closely. There was no sign of defeat in the boy, only curiosity about how to get the rubber bone from the dog’s mouth. In that moment, something clicked inside her.
“What if I approached my problem with that same lightheartedness?”. That simple question changed everything. The burden of worry she had been carrying on her shoulders instantly lifted. She immediately felt lighter, and with that, great ideas and possible solutions began to flow into her mind.
Now, I ask you: what problem or challenge have you felt incapable of solving?
Milton Erickson, a master of hypnotherapy, held a fundamental belief: we all have within us the resources necessary to overcome life’s challenges. The difficulty lies in the fact that, in moments of crisis, we forget this. We get trapped in automatic thought patterns that obscure what is already within our reach.
One of the most fascinating concepts Erickson employed was the “pattern interrupt”. Imagine being stuck in a cycle — repetitive thoughts, unproductive habits, or automatic emotional reactions. Erickson understood that to break this cycle, you need to introduce something that disrupts the existing dynamic. Sometimes, this came in the form of an unexpected story, a peculiar question, or even the strategic use of silence.
But the core of his interventions was simple: create space for something new to emerge.
Erickson believed that the quality of the questions we ask ourselves directly shapes our ability to find solutions. When we ask, “Why is this happening to me?” we create a loop of self-pity. But by asking, “What is this trying to teach me?” or “How can I approach this differently?” we open up new mental pathways.
Try this now: Think of a current problem. Ask yourself: “What small action could I take today, just to explore possibilities?” Curiosity disrupts patterns and creates movement.
One of Erickson’s most practical techniques was guiding patients to recall moments when they felt strong, capable, or resilient. He would lead them to “revisit” these moments, reliving the sensory and emotional details, and connect them to the present.
How to apply this: Close your eyes and think of a time when you overcame something difficult. Relive that memory: what did you feel? What internal resources did you use? Now, ask yourself: “How can those same resources help me now?” This exercise reactivates confidence that is often lying dormant.
Erickson was a master of metaphors. He understood that stories and images speak directly to the unconscious mind, helping people access solutions that logic alone cannot uncover.
Practical exercise: Think of your current challenge as a metaphor. Is it like climbing a mountain? Crossing a river? Now imagine: what strategies or skills would be needed to move forward? This approach translates complexity into actionable steps.
Erickson emphasized the power of small steps. He often helped patients start with what seemed trivial but had a significant impact. For instance, for someone who felt disorganized, he might suggest starting by tidying just one drawer, which often created a domino effect.
Practice this: Choose one small action related to what you’re facing. It could be sending an email, taking a short walk to clear your mind, or simply jotting down three ideas to address the situation. Even small progress creates momentum and breaks inertia.
What makes Milton Erickson’s approach so powerful is its humanity. He didn’t offer magical or complex solutions. Instead, he reminded us that many answers are hidden in the places we overlook: in memories, small actions, and our ability to shift focus.
Connecting with your inner resources isn’t a grand event. It’s a continuous process of exploring, testing, adjusting, and growing. It’s about making space for something new to emerge and allowing yourself to make mistakes along the way — just like the boy in the park.
So, what can you do right now, at this moment? Perhaps it’s as simple as asking a different question or recalling a long-forgotten victory. The first step is already within your reach.
If this content resonated with you, keep exploring. Sometimes, it’s in a moment of pause amidst the chaos that we discover the most precious resources. After all, the strength is already there — we just need to learn to access it in creative and human ways.
