Techniques to Better Your Problem-Solving Skills

Making decisions is something we have to do every day, whether it's deciding what to eat for lunch or how to reclaim a high-profile customer. What makes us successful in life is making those decisions and addressing adversity head-on.

Decision-making appears to be more difficult than it is. After all, how can you know if a choice will work unless you try it?

You need to work on your problem-solving abilities. Decisions become a lot easier to make when you identify the problem you need to solve and consider the various approaches you could take. You understand what's important, which is critical for saving time as you work toward a solution.

Here are six ways that you can use to tackle any problem.

Develop a step-by-step approach

Psychologists and researchers have devised a method for determining a long-term solution to any situation. This method, often known as the problem-solving cycle, begins with recognizing the issue. After all, one circumstance could have numerous concerns, and you could be focusing on the wrong one. Distinguish between the symptoms and the cause.

Form a strategy after you've defined the problem. This can vary depending on the situation and your preferences, but come up with a variety of options while keeping your resources in mind. Are the proposed solutions practical? Come up with a variety of concepts so that you have a choice.

Organize your data in the following way: What do you know about the problem – or don't know about it? You can improve your chances of a successful outcome by gathering as much information as possible.

Once you've decided on a solution, keep an eye on it. The solution you created should be measurable so that you can determine whether it is on track. If not, you may need to come up with a new plan.

Examine the final outcome. How did the solution fare in comparison to your objectives? Were you able to keep your expenses under control? If this is the case, the remedy was a success. If that doesn't work, try a different strategy the following time.

Ask solution-oriented questions

Without a doubt, asking questions is a crucial component of our everyday routine. Are you, however, asking the proper questions?

Let's pretend you're in need of additional customers. "Why can't I get more customers?" is a better question to ask than "Why can't I get more customers?" "What three things can I do differently than my competitors?" is an example of a solution-oriented inquiry. or "How would I attract 10 new clients in the next month?"

Change your mindset

You avoid a problem if you consider it to be bothersome. Who wants to cope with something that is annoying, overpowering, or appears to be impossible?

You'll be less anxious about finding a solution if you shift your perspective to see obstacles as opportunities to learn. Furthermore, your mind will be more able to break down and evaluate the situation, you will be more adaptable, and you will be better fitted to deal with future problems.

While altering your mentality to see challenges as opportunities does not happen quickly, acknowledging that issues are unavoidable is a good start. The sooner you accept this, the better you'll be able to approach any problem with a fresh perspective.

Second, stay away from unfavorable first impressions. If your car won't start in the morning, for example, your first thought might be about how much it will cost to repair it or how much time you'll be late for a meeting. Instead, concentrate on the real issue: "The car won't start."

Make a mental inventory of all the negative repercussions that could occur — the worst-case scenarios. We have a tendency to believe that a tiny setback spells doom. Thinking honestly about the problem's real-world repercussions may reveal that it isn't as awful as it appears.

Finally, concentrate on making changes.

Avoid knee-jerk reactions such as "My car won't start, so I'll have to get it fixed." Instead, think about your existing and future circumstances: "My vehicle will not start. In case this happens again, I should leave 10 minutes early to catch the train." Take a look at the following alternatives: "My vehicle will not start. This is the ideal opportunity to consider working remotely a couple of days each week" or "Perhaps I might ask Joe about starting a carpool.""

Work with your hands.

Experiential learning using our hands, such as playing with LEGOs, helps wire our brains for problem-solving at an early age, according to former Detroit Lions wide receiver and astronaut Leland Melvin.

"When we allow [kids] to develop and create something important that helps them address an issue, it gets them thinking about how they can be change-makers and scientists and engineers," Melvin adds.

Playing chess or Sudoku, or manipulating a Rubik's cube, can help adults enhance their problem-solving abilities. Playing board games with friends or family is also an option. To help us both become more strategic, I play King of Tokyo with my kid.

Ask for help

Set your ego aside and seek assistance from others. Even if you think you can solve the problem on your own, collaborating with others might help you come up with new ideas and perspectives you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

But who should you go to if you need help? Friends and family are excellent places to begin since they can offer encouragement and support. Colleagues can provide helpful feedback. You could also delegate some tasks to your team so that you can focus entirely on a specific issue. You can model your behavior after mentors, coaches, or others you like who have handled a similar problem.

Take time to reflect and celebrate

Have you ever gotten your car bogged in dirt or snow? You'll just dig yourself deeper if you keep stomping on the gas pedal. When it comes to solving a problem, the same is true.

You'll burn yourself out if you keep running full throttle. Instead, take a short walk to clear your mind. Exercising, meditating, reading a book, or calling a friend are all good options. The goal is to relax and return to the problem with a positive mindset after doing something you enjoy.

You should also set aside time to acknowledge your achievements. It's a simple technique to reaffirm your idea that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle. It also boosts your self-esteem, giving you the confidence to confront difficulties rather than avoid them.

Developing a problem-solving approach, regardless of the size of the situation at hand, does more than help you make better decisions. It will also assist you in prioritizing your time so that you can return to what is truly important.