Simple strategies to apply to solve Life's problems
When faced with a difficult problem, it’s common to feel stuck and unsure where to begin. Sometimes, we delay making a decision for a long time. To help overcome this, PhD and writer Alice Boylen recommends following a straightforward set of steps. Here is a simple method to get started.
Start with a small task. Then, ask yourself four basic questions about the problem. Write down your answers. This prevents forgetfulness and captures any sudden ideas. It also prepares you to handle bigger issues later.
Here are the four questions to ask:
What do I already know? List the facts you are sure about.
What parts of this problem can be solved easily? Include all small tasks or simpler steps.
What parts seem the hardest? Write down everything you find difficult and specify what exactly makes it hard.
What can I do to make this easier? Jot down all ideas, even strange or difficult ones. Later, you can remove the ideas that won’t work.
Use brainstorming. Don’t criticize your ideas yet. Just write everything down, either on paper or in a file. You can analyze them after you’ve gathered everything.
Take a break and do something different. Sometimes, ideas come to you during this time. Be sure to record any new thoughts. You could use a voice recorder and later transcribe your notes with online tools.
At this stage, you may feel less anxious. You have already started working on the problem.
How to use the answers to the four questions
The first three questions help you find options for the fourth. This gives you useful material for analysis. Here’s what you can do next.
First, list all the ideas from the fourth answer. Review each one carefully. Decide if it can be done and if you have the needed resources.
Highlight the most promising ideas. Mark the best options with a green color or put them at the top of your list. If new ideas pop up during this step, write them down.
Pick the three best choices. Choose those you feel most eager to start or the simplest options first.
Add the easy tasks from question two. Complete these first to make progress quickly.
Start acting on your plan. You can begin tomorrow or even right now.
As you take small steps, your situation will change. You’ll see the first results and know if your plan works. If it’s going well, keep going. If not, make adjustments and try again.