Tips for Problem Solving and Finding Solutions to Problems

“When in danger, or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.”

If this has been your usual response to problems, it’s time to regroup, re-evaluate and learn some new tips and techniques to help you through the problem solving process.

1. Define the problem. This may seem overly simplistic, but think about it. What you think is the problem may be in reality nothing more than a symptom. You may need to dig down to the real nitty-gritty, the source of the trouble. After all, you want to identify and cure the true problem, not slap a band-aid on the surface and pretend it’s been solved.

2. Look at the problem from all angles; find all the elements of the problem you want to solve. You must know that problem backwards and forwards. Without all the information, you can’t find a solution. Understanding all aspects of the problem is essential to finding the key to solving it. Instead of panicking that you’ll never figure things out, take a deep breath, clear your mind and calmly picture the problem. It’s been said that the seeds of solution are contained within every problem. You just have to find them.

3 Try to bring the problem down to its simplest terms. Resolve the core problem and you will likely solve several layers of conflict right there. It’s very easy to be overwhelmed by a complex problem and very easy to avoid the situation because it does feel like more than you can handle. Denial of the overall problem will not present a solution. A problem ignored becomes larger and more difficult to deal with as time passes. Facing the problem head-on reduces the size and scope of it, making it easier to handle

4 Confidence in your ability to solve your problems is also key here. If you go into the situation feeling like you can’t possibly find the answer; it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever you think you can or cannot do, you’re right. Build your self-esteem by focusing on what you can do, following the steps to resolution and accomplishing your goal.