How to Solve Problems
How do you solve problems when you feel like you've just run
out of ideas? You can start with the simple problem solving techniques
below. Try a few, and then get in the habit of using them, whether
for personal problems, or intellectual pursuits, or business.
Some Ways to Solve Problems
1. Challenge your assumptions. Are you trying to solve the
wrong problem? Do you really need a vacation, or is your job
the problem? Don't let your assumptions limit your possible solutions.
2. Break it down, and solve the parts individually. Many problems
are really a collection of smaller, easier-to-solve problems.
A writer might invent a character, write a scene, pick a title,
etc. rather than sit there with the more overwhelming thought
of "How do I write this book?"
3. Change your perspective. What would your problem look like
if you were rich, poor, or from another planet? Einstein imagined
riding on a beam of light, which lead to the theory of relativity,
so this technique has been known to work.
4. Be clear what a successful solution will look like, and
that will guide your efforts. In fact, sometimes just clarifying
the desired outcome will suggest immediate solutions.
5. Ask several people for advice. They might have good ideas,
and you'll be sure you're not overlooking the obvious. Also,
you clarify a problem by explaining it, and that may help in
itself.
6. Sleep on it. Review the problem before you go to bed, and
you may wake up with some solutions. Leave a tape recorder or
pen and paper next to the bed for those middle-of-the-night ideas.
7. Find ways to cause the problem. Too much stress? Find ways
to cause more stress. Over-promise, sleep poorly, have constant
interruptions, leave decisions unmade, and so on. Each way to
cause problems can suggest ways to solve problems: Fewer promises,
sleep more, don't allow interruptions, make decisions now, etc.
8. Write it down. Then find another way to express the problem.
Write down all solutions and ideas that come to mind. Later you
can pick the diamonds out of the dirt.
9. Try "random presentation." This is a fun way
to solve problems. Pick any object and ask what it might teach
you about your problem. A speed limit sign might suggest that
you're moving to fast in a relationship, for example. Don't be
too dismissive of the silly ideas this technique produces. They'll
sometimes trigger more useful ideas. This is also a great way
to put driving time to good use.
10. See what others have done. Problems are rarely unique
in every aspect. What have others done in similar situations?
What worked?
There are many ways to solve problems. The key is to get in
the habit of using them. Do they require a little work? Sure,
but isn't work better than worry?
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