My approach to problem-solving involves cultivating an empty mind. In this space I listen, and allow myself to have complete faith that I will be guided in direction of resolution. I let go of my ideas about how something should be resolved.

Finding spiritual solutions to my life's problems always involves generosity and gratefulness. For me, this means giving my life to my soul purpose and being grateful for opportunity to do so. I believe that I get back from world what I put out to world, not only physically but also in terms of my thoughts. So, I recommend spiritual practices that involve being generous and grateful with thoughts as well as actions.

Nurturing a sense of connectedness to everyone and everything invites spiritual solutions. When I see myself as connected I am not looking for occasions to be offended or to judge. I don't see anyone as my enemy or an obstacle. This is how I relinquish negative self-talk and connect to solutions that are available to me. In moments of despair I try to affirm, "I see nothing, I hear nothing, I know nothing that is separate from me."

Finally I choose cheerfulness as a gauge of my level of spiritual consciousness at any given moment. The more cheerful, happy, contented, and satisfied I am feeling, more aware I am of my connection to spirit. So, does all this mean I'm suggesting that you always give money to people who ask for it? No. But I am suggesting that next time you see someone asking for money, look at that situation as being between you and your spiritual consciousness - between you and God. Consult your soul and if you feel that you don't want to give, don't. But rather than letting anger or judgment rule moment, offer that person a silent blessing from part of you that is a part of him. This is consulting your soul.

By Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, affectionately called the "father of motivation" by his fans, is one of the most widely known and respected people in the field of self-empowerment.

Choice of companions. You can blame and resent others when they repeatedly hurt or disappoint you. You can feel sorry for yourself. Or you can recognize your responsibility for choosing with whom you spend time... and make different choices.

Actions in response to feelings and emotions. When you're angry, you have urge to lash out. When you're hurt, you may feel like sulking. When you're impatient, you may want to drive too fast. But you don't have to act on every feeling or urge. When you accept responsibility for actions you take, you act more thoughtfully... less impulsively... and with better results.

Happiness. If you believe your happiness is primarily in your own hands, you give yourself enormous power. You don't wait for events or other people to make you happy. If something is wrong, your response is not, "Someone's got to do something!" but "What can I do?"

One's own life and well being. In taking responsibility for your life, you will recognize other people's rights to do same. Other people do not exist as means to your ends, any more than you live in service to their goals. People may choose to help me another -- voluntarily. Life is usually more pleasant when they do so. But no one is born with a right to other people's assets or energy -- despite attitude of entitlement that is so prevalent today.

Learning self-responsibility. You can become more responsible by asking yourself two powerful questions several times a day...

What possibilities for action exist?

What can I do? Instead of just saying, "I want...," try asking yourself, "What am I willing to do to get what I want?" To become more aware of whether you are acting responsibly, ask yourself, If I wanted to be fully self-responsible right now, what would I be doing?

Try this exercise: Every morning for one week, write six to 10 endings to each of following sentences...

If I operate a little more self-responsibly today, I will...

If I am 5% more self-responsible in my relationships, I will...

If I accept responsibility for my choices and decisions, I will... Don't worry about what you should say. Just write first words that come to mind. Over weekend, reread week's sentences. Then write six to 10 endings for this sentence...

If any of what I wrote this week is true, it might be helpful if I... Done consistently, this exercise helps to shift your mental focus. Changes are often quick -- and dramatic.