One of the greatest keys to success in life is the ability to solve problems. Problem solving is simply defined as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Life is full of problems and challenges, and our success is often determined by our ability to solve them. When we are first introduced to formal education, we are presented with problems to solve. The students who learn to solve problems the best are often those who succeed in the classroom. When we enter the workforce it is typically the same results. The workers who solve the most problems will often be those who make the most money and hold the highest positions. I want to discuss 3 problem solving strategies for success in any area of life.
What can I do?
“Every problem has a solution. You just have to be creative enough to find it.”
Travis Kalanick
The first problem solving strategy you should use is to ask yourself the question, “What can I do?” We often underestimate our own ability to solve problems simply by ignoring our own creativity. We are seemingly wired to prefer being messengers of the problem rather than solvers of them. You must begin to transform your thinking and focus on becoming the solution to the problems around you. Your success is highly dependent upon this, and you must make this a daily habit.
By asking what you can do to solve the problem, you immediately begin to take responsibility. This will unlock your creativity and allow you to really focus on ways to resolve the challenges you are facing. It is important that you learn to write down your thoughts as you are looking to find solutions. A good practice is to list all of the problems and challenges, and then think of two or three ways that you can resolve each one. You will find that there is more inside of you than you ever would have believed. Previous experiences, education, resources, and anything else you’ve gleaned from will begin to surface to help you find solutions. The next time you are faced with a problem, choose to be the solution by utilizing this problem solving strategy and watch what happens.
What can I read?
“If you define the problem correctly, you almost have the solution.”
Steve Jobs
The next problem solving strategy you should use is to ask, “What can I read?” Just about every problem in the world has been written about. When you attempt to implement the first strategy, you may find that you can’t think of a solution. It may be that you don’t have the proper information regarding the problem, so you will have to seek knowledge in that area.
Reading is one of the best kept secrets of most successful people. It is also the secret to becoming an outstanding problem solver. According to Warren Buffet, knowledge builds up like compound interest. The more knowledge you have of a particular problem, the more easily you will come up with solutions to solve it. To solve a problem, you should find a few good books or articles on the subject. You may find multiple resources that show exactly how to solve your problem, but if not, you will still benefit from the additional knowledge. Instead of giving voice to your next problem, go to the bookstore and find a solution.
Who can I ask?
“You can increase your problem-solving skills by honing your question-asking ability.”
Michael J. Gelb
The final problem solving strategy to implement is to ask yourself, “Who can I ask?” It is true that the answer will sometimes lie within us, and a good book will save us a lot of time trying to solve a problem. However, it is also true that asking someone who has solved the problem will expedite the process tremendously. If you want to be a great problem solver, you must learn to ask questions of those more experienced.
In order to get the most from asking someone who knows the answer, it is best to have already tried the first two strategies. The reason is because you will come with a few ideas or ways that you were thinking of solving it. By doing so, the person you’re asking will help you fill the gap from where you are to where you need to be. This encourages growth and critical thinking instead of dependency.
Yes, you want to know the answer to solving your problem, but you want to avoid coming back to the well every time you have one. This will also move you closer to becoming more skilled at solving problems more quickly. By looking within and searching out a few books or resources on the subject, you now position yourself to maximize your time with an experienced individual. Not to mention, they will be impressed by your willingness to seek out an answer before coming to them. The next time you need to solve a problem, try implementing these problem solving strategies for success.
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