The letters in C.O.P.E. stand for Challenge, Options, Plan, and Evaluation – an effective method for solving personal problems.

 “WE CANNOT SOLVE PROBLEMS AT THE SAME LEVEL AT
WHICH WE CREATED THEM.” ~Albert Einstein
Problems are created when there is a mismatch between what you have and what
you want. Problem solving is what we do to reduce the gap between these two
factors. However, some problems can seem overwhelming or particularly difficult,
challenging your problem-solving skills. Using a step-by-step process in these
situations can enhance your ability to identify effective solutions.
The C.O.P.E. process that is presented in this Idea Sheet is just one way to
approach solving problems. Use what works for you. Also, keep in mind that while
you can solve many problems by yourself, there will be occasions when you need
assistance. Don’t hesitate to seek out this assistance. The Academic Resource
Center is an excellent place to obtain information about the many campus and
community resources available to you.
LOCUS OF CONTROL: GETTING A HANDLE ON CAUSES OF PROBLEMS
Before using the C.O.P.E. process, it is important for you to be aware of how you define the sources of your problems. Your
ability to solve problems, and thus your confidence and trust in the solutions you develop is affected by your locus of control.
Locus of control refers to whom or to what you attribute your ability to manage your life.
Answer the following questions to help you assess your locus of control:
Yes No 1. I can get a good grade in any course no matter how good or bad the instructor
is, because it depends on me doing the work.
Yes No 2. If the teacher isn’t a good speaker or doesn’t keep me interested, I probably
won’t do well in the class.
Yes No 3. I believe that I have the power to control what happens to me.
Yes No 4. I believe that I have very little control over what happens to me.
Yes No 5. When I make a mistake, it’s usually my fault.
Yes No 6. When I make a mistake, it’s usually because someone didn’t make clear to
me what I was supposed to do.
If you checked mostly even-numbered statements, then you may tend to use an external locus of control. If you checked
mostly odd-numbered statements, then you may tend to use an internal locus of control.
EXTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
An external locus of control results in an individual believing that it is up to someone else to solve a problem. Common
behaviors caused by an external locus of control would include blaming, excessive anger or resentment, withdrawal (“I can’t
do/handle this”), or denial of a problem.
It is true that there are many problems caused by factors outside of your control, such as:
• The computer system “crashes” in Financial Aid, thus holding up your aid check;
• Your roommates hold a party, making too much noise for you to study;
• You are not able to register for a class because it is full or unavailable.
Academic Resource Center - TSC 305 - (435) 797-1128 - www.usu.edu/arc
C
Approaching these types of problems with an external locus of control can seriously limit your ability to solve them.
Examples of an external locus of control approach:
INTERNAL LOCUS OF CONTROL
An internal locus of control results in an individual believing that he/she can find effective solutions to a problem, even if it is
caused by factors outside of his/her control. Common behaviors caused by an internal locus of control would include
expressing frustration or anger appropriately to find a solution or talking with others for ideas about how to cope.
An internal locus of control allows you to be an effective problem solver, because it focuses on your role in the problem,
including your attitudes and self-talk. Because these are things you have control over, you are able to expand your options and
choices for solutions.
C.O.P.E.
The letters in C.O.P.E. stand for Challenge, Options, Plan, and Evaluation – an effective method for solving personal problems.
Challenge yourself to clearly identify your problem, its causes, and the results that you want. This is the most
important step. If you do not state the problem clearly and honestly, you will be misguided in finding solutions that
will help you get what you want.
“That stupid Financial Aid! They never have their act together. They messed up my check, and now
there’s no way I can go to school this semester.”
“I’m sick and tired of my roommates being so inconsiderate. Tomorrow, I’m going to invite a bunch of
people over and give them a taste of their own medicine.”
“Thanks to this stupid university, I can’t get the classes I need to graduate. Now I’m going to have to
graduate a semester later.”
I am really upset about the computer system crashing in Financial Aid. Seems like they should be able to
avoid things like that. But, I’ll meet with my Financial Aid Counselor to figure out where I can get
emergency funds until my check arrives.
You guys, I am really upset by what happened last night when you had a party while I was trying to study.
I would like to sit down tonight and talk about it, so we can come up with new rules about party and study
time.
I can’t believe that class isn’t going to be offered this semester. I am going to meet with my advisor to
see what other alternatives I have so that I can still graduate on time. I also have some ideas about
waiving the class. I can talk with the department head if my advisor isn’t able to help me.
Read the following problem statements. The first statement is too general. The second is more specific and clearly states the
problem, its causes, and the desired results.
Example:
1. My problem is that even though I study a lot, I still make poor grades on tests.
2. My problem is that even though I study three hours a day for MATH 1050, I still make poor grades on tests because I
get nervous, my mind goes blank, and I am easily distracted by what other students are doing. I want to overcome
my test anxiety and make a course grade of a “B”.
Exercise
Answer the following questions to prepare you for writing out a clear statement of your problem:
• How do I contribute to my problem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
• What parts of my problem can I control?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
• What parts of my problems can I not control?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
• In order to get my desired results, what do I need to change?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
• What can I change?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
O
Option 1:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills, abilities, and resources I will need:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advantages: Disadvantages:
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Create a list of options for solving your problem. Don’t judge your options at this point, just try to generate as many
as possible. For each option, there are two columns: advantages and disadvantages. Your assessment of
advantages and disadvantages will guide you in determining the option(s) that will help you get the results you want.
Remember to focus on solutions over which you have control.
Example: Options for improving poor grades:
- increase study time - attend time management workshop - take PSY 1730 - attend Supplemental Instruction (SI) or tutoring
- use a study partner. After identifying options, list the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
As you are identifying your options, ask yourself: “Do I need any special skills, abilities, or resources to use this option as a
solution?” The answer can affect how you assess advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Statement of my problem:
• What is it about the present situation that is different from what I want?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
• What causes this situation?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
• What results do I want?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
• Put it all together and write a clear statement about your problem that includes a definition, the causes, and the specific
results you want:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Option 2:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills, abilities, and resources I will need:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advantages: Disadvantages:
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Option 3:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills, abilities, and resources I will need:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advantages: Disadvantages:
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Option 4:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Skills, abilities, and resources I will need:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Advantages: Disadvantages:
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
P
E
Make an action plan to implement your chosen solution(s) within a reasonable time period.
Ask yourself these questions:
What do I need to do to make my solution work? When do I need to do it?
Evaluate the progress you have made in solving your problem:
Action step: _____________________________________________________ Date:______________________
Action step: _____________________________________________________ Date:______________________
Action step: ______________________________________ _______________ Date: _____________________
Action step: _____________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
How has my problem or situation changed or improved?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
What about my action plan is helping me get the results I want?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
What about my action plan is keeping me form getting the results I want?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Have I given my action plan sufficient time to work?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Do I need to revise my action?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Do I need to review C.O.P.E. and redefine my problem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!

$550 Condo for Lease w/Lease to Buy Option!

$550 Condo for Lease w/Lease to Buy Option (Marysville Michigan) (map)

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Date: 2011-03-04, 1:02PM EST
Reply to: hous-tktuh-2246883209@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

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Lovely 2 BDR 1 BA freshly painted and carpeted (+ new appliances) first floor condo on a lovely and quiet Marysville Street. Just a few minutes from highway 94, Meijer and a ton of other retail businesses like Chase Bank, CVS, Dollar Tree, Hungry Howies, Arby's, Tim Horton's, Burger King, Taco Bell and many many diners. Also on the Blue Water Bus line! This condo rents for $550.00 per month plus a one months deposit. This condo can be purchased on a lease to buy option ~ please inquire as to how we can make this lovely condo your new home!
Ask for me! Lisa Ekanger
Keller Williams Realty
586-421-1642

Michigan at Busha (google map) (yahoo map)

• Location: Marysville Michigan
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!

The average American family is being squeezed from every angle.

How much does the Average American Make? Breaking Down the U.S. Household Income Numbers.

• Posted by mybudget360 in economy, frugal, housing, income
• 88 Comment

How much does the typical American family make?  This question is probably one of the most central in figuring out how we can go about fixing our current economic malaise.  After all, we don’t hear many people saying in today’s world that they have too much money.

The median household income in the United States is $46,326.  Here in California people have a hard time understanding that yes, 50 percent of our population live on $46,000 or less a year.  Even today, all the elixirs and remedies being thrown around fail to focus on income and the big brother of income, solid employment.  Dual earner households have a higher median income at $67,348.
To highlight the massive discrepancy I’ve put together a chart showing the household income distribution:

As you can see from the above chart, only 17.8% of all U.S. households make more than $118,200 a year.  Only 2.67% make more than $200,000.  The fact that only 34% make more than $65,000 is astounding given how expensive other cost of living items have gotten over the past decade.  That is why the middle class is feeling squeezed from all different sides.
When I put together a budget for a family making $100,000 I received a bit of feedback on both sides.  Even though I realized very few people had household incomes in the 6 figure range looking very closely at the data, I can understand why people took issue with a budget that was at that level.  I also put together a budget from someone living in California making $46,000 a year and received feedback as well.  I think when it comes to income, you can never have too much.
What is even more fascinating, is how even amongst the super wealthy income is not distributed evenly.  There are approximately 146,000 (0.1%) households with incomes exceeding $1,500,000 a year.  Even at that, the top 0.01% of households had incomes of $5,500,000 and accounted for 11,000 households.  The 400 highest tax payers in the nation brought in a stunning $87,000,000 a year.  Now that is wealth.
For us mere mortals, it is important again to focus on that chart.  $46,000 does not go a long way.  In a recent Census report there are 110,000,000 households in the United States.  What this data tells us is that 55,000,000 households are living on $46,000 or less a year.  Let us assume this is a married couple with 1 child.  Let us run the numbers:

I ran the numbers for a state with no state income taxes, Texas.  A family at this level is only bringing in $3,215 a month.  The national median home price peaked around $200,000.  So let us assume this family purchased the median home:
5% down payment:         $10,000
Mortgage 30-year fixed (6.5%):   $1,200
Taxes and Insurance:     $333
PITI:  $1,533
Right off the bat, this family is spending 47% of their net pay on a median priced home.  We didn’t even account for any pre-tax retirement account investing.  Given the recent stock market performance and the loss of $50 trillion in global wealth, maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea.  The bottom line is the average American family is being squeezed from every angle.   What we need is a focus on jobs and our economy, not bailing out banks.  That defeats the entire purpose.  The average American family is struggling getting by and when they hear about these billion dollar handouts, they can’t help but to feel left out.
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Lisa Ekanger Your Hometown Realtor!