Have you ever had a conversation that felt like flipping a switch, where the other person suddenly lit up with hope and possibility? It’s magic when that happens, isn’t it? I’ve experienced it too, and it taught me something life-changing. When we pause, really listen, and guide the conversation with care, we empower people to find their own answers—and their own strength. We don’t need to rush in with solutions or fix everything. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is the space to dream, reflect, and grow.

For me, the GPS Conversation Navigation System has been my compass in creating these kinds of moments. More than a framework, it’s a mindset shift—a way to prioritize someone else’s aspirations over my own instinct to fix things for them. GPS helps us turn conversations into pathways to connection and change. I created this system to help me become more solution-focused in my conversations.

What is GPS Conversation Navigation?

At its heart, GPS Conversation Navigation is about fostering meaningful, solution-focused conversations. It stands for Gather, Plan, Start, and it’s as practical as it is powerful. Here’s how it works:

1. Gather Information

This is where intentional listening comes in. You ask open-ended questions like, “What’s on your mind?” or “What’s the challenge for you?” The key is to focus on their story, not your solutions. Notice the exceptions—the times when things go right—because those are openings for growth.

2. Plan Their Preferred Future

Once you’ve unraveled the present, guide them toward the future they hope for. Ask things like, “What would you do instead?” or “What’s the best version of you in this situation?” These questions spark imagination and start to paint a picture of a brighter, achievable future.

3. Start and Start Again

Here’s where the momentum begins. Encourage action by asking, “What’s one step you can take?” Celebrate even small successes and remind them progress doesn’t have to be perfect. They can start again anytime.

This framework isn’t about doing the heavy lifting for someone else—it’s about walking alongside them as they uncover their potential.

A Story of Hope and Progress

Not long ago, I had a conversation with a student that perfectly captured the power of GPS. This student, someone I’d known for years, had faced many academic challenges but had made real progress through hard work and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

When he sat across from me, his mood seemed light, his words casual. “Things are pretty good,” he said. But instead of staying at the surface, I decided to lean into GPS. “What’s on your mind?” I asked.

He hesitated, then finally admitted something unexpected. “I’ve been wondering if I still need all the extra help I’m getting.”

This was huge. For years, extra help had been a crutch and sometimes a sore spot for him. Now, he was reconsidering it—not as a step backward, but as a step forward. “What do you hope will happen instead?” I asked.

“I want to be in class more,” he said. “I want to keep up with everyone else.”

What a shift that was! This student, who once resisted the classroom, was now seeing it as a place he wanted to be. From there, we began to reflect on his progress—how far he’d come since he couldn’t even imagine wanting to be part of it. That realization was pivotal. It wasn’t about what I told him; it was about what he discovered through this conversation.

By the end, he had an action plan he created himself. He decided to share his progress with his mom and teachers, to start advocating for reduced help, and to eventually push toward total independence. The transformation was undeniable. He left the room more confident, motivated, and hopeful.

And me? I left inspired.

The Power of Listening and Hope

That conversation was a reminder of something profound—when we step back and truly listen, we create space for others to uncover their own strength. Hope doesn’t grow when someone is overloaded with advice or solutions. It blooms when they feel seen and supported.

If I had jumped into solving—listing reasons he still needed help or offering strategies—he might have nodded politely. But that spark of hope? It never would have appeared. Listening gave him room to explore his potential and believe in his ability to reach his goals.

This is the beauty of solution-focused conversations. They aren’t about you knowing the answers; they’re about empowering others to find the answers already within them. The GPS system lets you guide these moments without taking control, giving them the confidence to envision and take that next step.

When we listen intentionally, we ignite something powerful. We help someone shift from thinking about what’s wrong to imagining what’s possible. We foster hope—not just in them, but in ourselves too.

Hope is Contagious

That student learned to see himself in a new light, but the real magic is how hope ripples out. When someone starts to believe in their ability to overcome challenges, it inspires everyone around them. And as the listener, you feel that too. You walk away encouraged by their strength, reminded of how resilient people can be when given the space to shine.

Solution-focused conversations are a gift that keeps giving. They don’t just change someone else’s story; they lift us up too. When we commit to asking better questions and listening with intention, we uncover untapped resilience, creativity, and capacity in those around us—and in ourselves.

Your Invitation to Start Solution-Focused Conversations

Here’s the incredible part—you don’t need a formal setting to use GPS. These conversations can happen anywhere. With your kids, as they dream about their futures. With a friend, when they feel stuck. Even with yourself, when you’re thinking through challenges you face.

The GPS system is a practical, flexible way to help anyone explore their potential, plan for the future, and take those all-important first steps. If you want to learn more, I’d love for you to check out Episode 227 of The Focused Mindset Podcast. It’s packed with tools, stories, and tips to help you bring this simple but powerful system to life.

But most importantly, start small. Commit to listening more and solving less. Help others imagine what could be, and celebrate their courage to begin. When hope enters the conversation, everything changes—for them and for you.

Until next time, live solution-focused!