Problem Solving 101 Summary

Every problem has a solution; it just takes four clear steps to discover it.

1. Break Big Problems into Manageable Components

Problems often feel insurmountable because we see them as a whole rather than dissecting them. Breaking them down reduces overwhelm and reveals a clearer starting point.

By analyzing a broad issue, like struggling with poor grades, you can pinpoint specific areas to address. For example, rather than blaming all math topics for your grades, isolating challenging ones like geometry can simplify solutions. Further narrowing this down to specific geometry problems, such as trapezoid areas, makes it easier to focus and find improvement.

This approach saves time and energy for other important activities. If you find that improving geometry is achievable without quitting soccer practice, you balance academic progress without sacrificing passion.

Examples

• Identifying that only specific geometry problems affect grades.
• Discovering that grammar rules are more challenging than essay writing in English.
• Pinpointing a particular task at work that causes stress, like writing reports.

2. Find the Root Cause by Brainstorming Concerns

Addressing any issue requires identifying its root cause. Brainstorming possible reasons and testing hypotheses can lead you to the underlying issue quickly.

For instance, if a school band's concerts have low attendance, listing possibilities, such as poor advertising or lack of interest in pop music, provides starting points. This can be followed by creating yes/no trees to systematically test hypotheses. For example, asking, "Do people know about the concert?" might reveal a lack of awareness as the real problem.

Hypothesis testing ensures that you don’t waste time fixing symptoms rather than causes. Knowing whether the root problem is awareness or music preference allows targeted action.

Examples

• A coffee shop analyzing why new products aren't selling by surveying customer preferences.
• A teacher finding out why students aren’t completing assignments by seeking feedback.
• A company determining if low sales are due to marketing or product design.

3. Generate and Evaluate Possible Solutions

Once the problem's cause is clear, generating options to solve it becomes easier. Listing possible solutions and scrutinizing their pros and cons helps in decision-making.

In the case of the band, ideas like promoting concerts on the radio or exploring classroom gigs are potential solutions. They prioritized based on which are effective and easy to implement. For maximum impact with minimal effort, they chose radio promotions, knowing it reaches most students.

In-depth consideration of options ensures impactful action. By prioritizing what's both manageable and significant, problem-solving becomes efficient.

Examples

• Selecting a social media campaign over a street flyer advertisement for better reach and cost-effectiveness.
• Choosing between streaming services for the best value based on available movies and price.
• Opting to replace staff computers with laptops for portability and better productivity.

4. Turn Big Dreams into Small, Tangible Goals

Dreams often seem beyond reach because of their scale. Breaking them into tangible, smaller goals makes them realistic and manageable.

For instance, Eric Squirrel dreamed of becoming a filmmaker but had no computer skills. His first goal was to earn $600 for a used computer. By setting a specific target within six months, he added clarity and feasibility to his endeavor. Such bite-sized goals make one-step-at-a-time progress possible.

Turning aspirations into actionable steps ensures that even ambitious dreams become achievable, transforming abstract desires into concrete results.

Examples

• A student aiming to write a novel starting with drafting one chapter per month.
• An athlete training for a marathon by focusing on running a specific distance each week.
• A freelancer saving for a trip by setting aside a small percentage of earnings monthly.

5. Bridge the Gap Between the Present and Your Goals

Achieving goals often requires filling a gap. Identifying and executing steps to close this distance is an essential skill.

Eric noticed he needed an extra $248 to afford his computer. By brainstorming ideas, such as spending less on entertainment and looking at new job opportunities, he created a logical plan to bridge this gap. Brainstorming all options ensures nothing is overlooked, while a logic tree narrows choices to actionable ones.

A clear focus on filling gaps enables effective resource management and smooth progress toward goals.

Examples

• A family budgeting to save for a vacation by cutting dining-out expenses.
• A college applicant improving a low GPA by retaking courses in weaker subjects.
• A photographer raising money for a camera by selling older equipment.

6. Test Solutions Before Full Implementation

Before acting on a solution, testing its feasibility ensures its effectiveness. This reduces risks and reveals necessary adjustments.

Eric tested his spending limits by analyzing receipts and tracked how much money he could save monthly. He explored job opportunities and researched potential DVD selling prices. Testing ideas this way gave him confidence in executing the final plan.

Effective problem-solving requires assessing whether solutions work in practice, not just on paper, to make informed decisions.

Examples

• Trying a new meal plan for two weeks before fully committing to a diet change.
• Testing water-resistant clothes during short trips before an extended voyage.
• A business trialing new software across one department before company-wide adoption.

7. Execute Your Plan and Stay Flexible

Execution determines success. Even perfect plans fail without proper action. Staying adaptable ensures progress despite unexpected challenges.

Eric committed to saving money and selling his DVDs but stayed prepared to earn through other means, like dog walking, if required. This flexibility allowed him to move forward even if plans didn’t go perfectly.

Executing plans while being open to changes creates resilience, ensuring you stay on track despite obstacles.

Examples

• Adjusting study plans on discovering new exam syllabus content.
• Finding new marketing tools if the initial platform becomes obsolete.
• Switching from running to cycling as exercise post-injury.

8. Consistent Analysis Drives Continuous Improvement

Periodic assessments during progress prevent stagnation and help optimize efforts. Tracking results ensures that efforts align with goals.

Eric regularly reviewed receipts and his plans to confirm he was saving effectively. By staying proactive, he discovered new ways, like borrowing textbooks, to cut costs further.

Reviewing your plan allows necessary recalibrations, ensuring consistent momentum toward success.

Examples

• Monitoring fitness regimen results for more effective weight loss strategies.
• Reviewing project timelines to ensure deadlines are realistic.
• Examining financial statements to control spending.

9. Be Open to Revisiting the Problem

Sometimes, issues might need to be re-examined if initial approaches don’t work. Revisiting problems with a new perspective provides additional clarity.

Eric's resolve to buy a computer didn’t falter, even when some solutions seemed ineffective. He adapted by exploring additional options instead of giving up. Revisiting issues helps uncover hidden opportunities and enables persistence.

Approaching setbacks as learning opportunities ensures continuous exploration and enduring success.

Examples

• Rewriting a business proposal after initial rejection with client feedback.
• Refining art techniques when results don’t match the intended vision.
• Updating career goals based on changing industry trends.

Takeaways

1. Break large problems into small, manageable parts to find solutions that feel achievable.
2. Evaluate all possible causes to ensure you address the actual source of the problem.
3. Always stay flexible during execution and adapt plans to overcome unexpected challenges.