Identifying Problem Areas
There are 7 common problem areas where many people’s thinking and behavior holds them back
from achieving their goals. You can complete this assessment when thinking about a specific goal you are
working on but are having difficulty accomplishing, and then identify which areas are getting in your way.
Alternatively, you can complete this assessment when thinking in general about what areas you primarily
struggle with. The attached assessment will help you identify the problem areas, the thoughts, emotions,
and behaviors that illustrate the problem, and point you toward sections and lections within this program
that address that specific problem area. It’s like a guide to making the most of the material in this course
to help you overcome your roadblocks and move forward toward your goals!
The 7 Common Problem Areas Are:
1. Feeling limited due to not being good at something, perceived low level of ability or
intelligence
2. Difficulty making a decision
3. Unable to get started or take action
4. Fear or resistance
5. Self-sabotage or procrastination
6. Negative self-talk and/or limiting thinking and beliefs
7. Stress, overwhelm, anxiety, obsessive thinking, or feeling out of control
Of course, there may be other problems you may be experiencing, so feel free to identify them here.
There are also many additional situations that are addressed through the material in this program. As you
work your way through the material, you will identify key activities that you find the most helpful for
your purposes. This course is meant to provide a repository of insights and tools that you pick and choose
from and apply them to the goals you set.
As you identify the areas you will be focusing on, celebrate the progress you have already made by
taking the initiative to get to this point! There is no more meaningful work than learning how to use your
mind to create your life!
Desired Goal: ____________________________________________________________________
Problem area: Thoughts that illustrate Emotions or behaviors that See course section/lecture:
the problem: illustrate the problem:
Feeling limited due Growth Mindset section
to not being good
at something,
perceived low level
of ability or
intelligence
Difficulty making Behavioral Techniques section
a decision • Overcoming indecision
Understanding Cognition section
• Cognitive distortions and
Socratic questioning
Journaling Section
• ABCD journaling process
7
Unable to get Behavioral Techniques section
started or take • Overcoming inaction
action
Fear or resistance Behavioral Techniques section
• Behavioral experimentation
• De-catastrophizing
• Fear setting
• Additional Activities section
Self-sabotage or Developing Awareness section
procrastination Journaling section
Cognitive Techniques section
• Positive Thinking and
Affirmations
• Uncovering the Lies
• Changing Beliefs
Negative self-talk Developing Awareness section
and/or limiting • Awareness of self-talk
thinking and Cognitive Techniques section
beliefs • Positive thinking and
affirmations
• Uncovering the lies
• Changing beliefs
Stress, overwhelm, Cognitive Techniques section
anxiety, obsessive • Mindfulness meditation
thinking, or feeling • Half-smile technique
out of control • Square breathing
• Visualization
• Reframing negative situations
Developing Awareness section
• Develop awareness of
emotions
• Situational vs psychological
fear
Additional Activities section
• De-catastrophizing
• Fear setting
Other
