Embrace Your Inner King Solomon

Using the Solomon Paradox for Better Business Decisions

King Solomon, the legendary biblical monarch, was renowned for his ability to offer sage wisdom and sound advice to his subjects, yet strangely he often struggled when it came to managing his own personal affairs. As a solopreneur or aspiring solopreneur, you might be chuckling and thinking, "Oh, I can relate to that!"

Just as King Solomon, you are often the master of your domain, handling multiple facets of your business with ease, yet stumbling when it comes to your personal decision-making. This is not a modern day curse unique to entrepreneurs, but a universally recognized psychological phenomenon known as the 'Solomon Paradox'.

Now you're probably asking, "What in the world is the Solomon Paradox?" Well, dear friend, fasten your seatbelt as we embark on an exciting exploration of this mind-boggling paradox and discover how you can use it to your advantage.

Imagine this scenario: a friend comes to you seeking advice on a tricky business dilemma. Almost immediately, you see the solution crystal clear. You deliver the advice like a seasoned strategist, leaving your friend impressed and grateful for your wisdom. But then, faced with a similar situation in your own business, you freeze like a deer in headlights. Sound familiar? That's the Solomon Paradox in action!

The Solomon Paradox explains why we're usually better at solving other people's problems than our own. When we consider someone else's dilemma, we're not personally involved. We’re not worried about the immediate consequences of the decision, so we can think with a cool head, allowing us to provide more balanced and long-term oriented advice.

"But I'm a solopreneur, not King Solomon!" you say. True. But the good news is, you don’t have to be a biblical king to tap into the power of the Solomon Paradox.

Here are some fun and practical ways you can use this paradox to your advantage:

1. Be Your Own 'Third Person': When faced with a tough decision, step outside yourself. Imagine you're advising a friend who's facing the same problem. What would you tell them? By using this self-distancing technique, you’re leveraging the Solomon Paradox to gain clarity and perspective.

2. Future You to the Rescue: Another way to deal with difficult decisions is to think about what 'Future You' would advise. Will the decision matter in a week, a month, a year? The future-oriented perspective can help you make decisions that are aligned with your long-term goals and mitigate the emotional clouding of the present moment.

3. Seek an Outsider's Viewpoint: Don't be afraid to seek advice from trusted mentors, peers, or business coaches. Remember, others may be able to tap into their 'Inner Solomon' when considering your problems, offering a fresh and objective perspective.

Before we wrap up, remember that as a solopreneur, you don't always have the luxury of having a team to bounce ideas off of. But by understanding and applying the Solomon Paradox, you can become better at making wise decisions and solving your own dilemmas. It's about learning to 'coach yourself.’ You can do it!

Channel your inner King Solomon, embrace the paradox, and watch as you navigate the choppy waters of entrepreneurship with newfound wisdom and confidence! So, next time you're in a bind, don't forget to ask: "What would Solomon do?"