Knowing how to solve a problem is essential for living well. Whoever you are and whatever you do, obstacles never fail. However, the way you deal with these challenges is often a determining factor in the success you will have in your life. Here are some suggestions to find a solution to the various problems that arise daily.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: A general look
Step 1. There are many ways to solve a problem; they depend on the situation, your experience, your knowledge, your attitude and the nature of the problem itself
- Regarding the situation, you may have a long-term problem that takes some time to resolve, such as a legal dispute or a personal matter. Your situation may be urgent but not too serious, such as solving a problem at work or helping your child get better grades. Or you may find yourself facing an extreme situation; for example, your single-engine plane ran out of fuel and you need an immediate solution.
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Your experience comes into play to solve the situations listed above.
- If you are a lawyer or have already had legal problems, you surely know the best approach to solving these kinds of issues.
- If you are an educator or have an older child, you already know how to solve school difficulties.
- If you have a serious and urgent problem, you will rely on your instincts. As a pilot, you will surely have been trained for emergencies.
- 1. Define the problem.
- 2. Develop a plan.
- 3. Implement the plan.
- 4. Evaluate the results.
- Until you have an acceptable answer, you will repeat the process from step 2 to step 4. Let's take an example.
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Does the engine run when you try to start the car? If it does, then the battery isn't the problem, and you've eliminated the greater possibility. If it doesn't turn, it is a technical problem. For the purposes of this example, let's pretend that this is the problem.
We know this is an electrical problem
- Albert Einstein said, "You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it." When we identify a problem, we often feel some emotional weight. This reaction is normal but it is essential not to be overwhelmed by anger or put ourselves on the defensive, especially if it is a problem to be solved in a collaborative way. Give yourself time to calm the initial emotions and to be able to evaluate and decide how to proceed productively. Try to keep calm and logical when approaching a problem; thus, it will be easier to find the solution.
- Keep in mind the role others play. Teamwork is often vital and bringing tension to this type of situation only cloud the clarity and logic, two elements necessary to solve the problem.
- Polya's book “How to solve math problems. Logic and heuristics in the mathematical method”could give you a new perspective on problem solving.
- Attitude is the key. The more problems you solve, the more experience you will have. You can apply the same solution in different areas. In short, do not be discouraged by a problem: consider it as a learning opportunity.
- If you feel frustrated, just breathe. Every problem has a solution but, sometimes, we are unable to see anything other than what worries us.
- If you think you can't find a solution, stop thinking about the things you can't do and start thinking about what you can do. Even a small and apparently insignificant action can lead you to a better intuition.
- Be brave.
- Of course, common sense is key to solving any kind of problem. Don't take any chances unless it's unavoidable.
- Do not run away from your problems: sooner or later they will return, and they will be even bigger. Common sense also helps you to scale the problem.
Method 2 of 5: How to arrive at a solution
Step 1. Use logic
To solve a problem, you can use the so-called elimination process:
Step 2. Define the problem
Your car does not start, you are alone and the mechanics are a mystery to you. Also, the car is brand new and you don't know what the problem could be. As if that weren't enough, you'll be late for work. The issues to be addressed are various but the problem is only one: the car does not start.
During the problem definition phase, do not consider the secondary aspects: focus only on the problem; think about everything else afterwards
Step 3. Try to have a plan
This is an important step in solving any problem and will allow you to find a solution as quickly as possible. In our case, the plan is clear, although not easy, since we are dealing with the operation of a car. We should break the problem down into easy-to-solve pieces until we find the real cause.
Step 4. Implement the plan
We will start with big and obvious yes / no questions. Eliminating the possibilities allows us to actually get closer to the problem.
Step 5. Evaluate the results
What did you understand from the first test? Did the engine run a couple of times and then stop? Did it just make a clicking sound? If so, then the battery is likely dead. However, when we turned the key, the lights and radio went on.
Now that we know the battery is working, let's rule it out and start over with the second step
Step 6. Develop the next plan
If you know anything about mechanics, you could open the engine compartment to see if everything is okay. Since we have decided for this example that we know nothing about engines, we should consult the manual.
Step 7. Implement the plan
Now that we know that the problem is not the battery, we look in the manual for a possible solution.
You might read something like: "For safety reasons, push the brake pedal to start the car."
Step 8. Evaluate the results in light of this discovery
Have you tried this before? Then that's not the problem. However, again for the purposes of our example, let's pretend you didn't.
Step 9. Develop the next plan
It's getting easier, isn't it? Try starting the car by pushing the brake pedal.
Step 10. Implement the plan
Step 11. Evaluate the results
It worked? Problem solved!
If it didn't work, you could call a mechanic. However, thanks to your attempts, you will surely have been able to understand what was wrong, saving time and money
Method 3 of 5: Brainstorming
Step 1. Talk to someone
If the problem does not require an immediate solution, contact someone with the skills and experience. Let's take an example: you want to start your own business but you don't know where to start.
Step 2. Get together with these people
Step 3. Define the problem
You want to start a company but you don't know how
Step 4. Develop a plan
Brainstorm with your team.
In this case, it is a business plan, which will provide you with the concrete steps to take and which will allow you to define your business and objectives, examine the competition, evaluate the market and have a clear routine to follow
Step 5. Implement the plan
Build the business plan: it will take a while and the process will test your limits, but it will also allow you to determine the path to success.
Step 6. Evaluate the results
After creating the business plan, reunite with the team, with whom you will discuss your findings. Brainstorm again, keeping ideas that are useful and discarding those that are not needed.
Step 7. Repeat these steps until you are ready
Method 4 of 5: Research
Step 1. There are many approaches to problem solving
Perhaps one of the most effective is research. Reading the manual to understand what is wrong with our machine or contacting a lawyer to solve a legal problem in our company are just examples that confirm its usefulness.
Method 5 of 5: Diligence
Step 1. In conclusion, perhaps the best approach is to include all the approaches you know and most importantly, do not give up until the problem is solved
There is a solution for every problem, even if it can be difficult to accept.
