Are you facing a problem that seems impossible to solve? Is there any skill that can help you solve difficult problems?
Encountering problems is a part of being human and every day we face several problems which can include being late for work, being stuck in traffic or having an argument with a loved one. Most of the time we are able to solve these problems successfully and move on with our lives. However, sometimes we may be faced with a problem that may seem to have no solution and may be causing us a lot of distress.
So what do we do when we are confronted with a difficult problem? Here are some steps that you can take:
- Identify the problem; the first step in the process is to recognize what the problem is and what its causes are. This step is important because often, when we are feeling stressed, our thought process is distorted and we may not be able to pinpoint the real problem clearly.
- Analyze the problem; in this step it may be helpful to understand what aspects of the problem are in your control and which ones are not. By focusing on aspects that are in your control, and accepting those that are not, you can come closer to dealing with the problem.
- Brainstorm solutions; this can be done by listing all the possible solutions that come to your mind. After identification, shortlist the most effective solutions. It is ideal to come up with 2-3 potential solutions.
- Analyze solutions; after shortlisting the solutions, you can start listing down the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Solutions that have the most advantages and least disadvantages are often the best approach. It may even be helpful to discuss your ideas with someone you trust to get another perspective. You can also combine different solutions to arrive at the best one.
- Implement solution; after you have selected the best possible solution, develop a plan to implement it. This may involve thinking about people to work with, setting a timeline and defining what it means to be successful.
Following this method can help you solve even the most difficult of problems. If the problem isn’t solved, then you may have to go back to see if you have identified the problem correctly, selected the most appropriate solution and restart the process again.