Former Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley is one of the elite female athletes who have joined forces to standardise the language around the female body, under #SayPeriod.
For Hannah, experiencing periods whilst going through puberty was seen as a ‘problem’ to ‘fix’. And the way to ‘fix’ it was to go on the pill. Sure, it put her in control so she never had to have her period when competing. Yet it also normalised the idea that it was ok not to have a period – a natural and healthy process.
Looking at other areas of life we see a similar pattern. The immediate ‘symptoms’ are addressed in an effort to find a quick fix. Pads and nappies can be seen as ‘normalising’ bladder weakness, rather than tackling the cause. A 0% balance transfer on a credit card can relieve immediate repayment worries. Yet doesn’t resolve the debt or what led to it.
The key to breaking this 'sticking plaster’ approach lies in reframing how we view the challenges. Instead of focusing solely on the symptoms, we need to shift our attention to the root causes and issues. By doing so, we can develop solutions that address the fundamental challenges, rather than just the surface-level manifestations.
A key benefit of reframing issues is the ability to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges being faced. When we delve into the root causes and concerns, we often uncover unexpected insights and perspectives. We uncover perspectives that were hidden due to a focus on the immediate worries. This fresh understanding helps us craft more targeted solutions and solutions that address the core issue - hopefully avoiding problems recurring.
In addition, by addressing the underlying causes or looking at the challenge more holistically, we can develop solutions that have a more far-reaching impact. Rather than simply addressing the immediate problem, we can create change that positively affects multiple aspects of our lives.
Going back to periods during sports competitions, the switch in kit colours that many teams have made is a solution that is accessible to all – whether you’re a pro or a grassroots player. And this solution has no negative side effects.
Given the shocking statistic that 1 in 2 teenage girls stop playing sport because of their period, a solution that is accessible to all has to be a good result.
Of course, reframing challenges is not always an easy task. It requires a willingness to step back, to examine the challenge from a different perspective, and invest the time and effort necessary to uncover the root causes and the real issues. Yet, the long-term benefits of this approach make it a worthwhile endeavor.
By shifting our focus we can break free from the cycle of perpetual problem-solving and create impactful solutions that truly transform our lives and the world around us.
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