How to Effectively Problem Solve

Like others, procrastination eats at me every second when in doubt of which step to take forward.

Life is full of decisions we need to make everyday, whether it's something like "What should I have for breakfast today", or "Should I take this route to the store", you go through many many possibilities and choices in your mind.

Though, what if today you didn't have anything in the fridge for breakfast, "What should I do now?". What if today, the usual route to the store had an accident and the road was blocked, "What route should I take now?" It's these unusual situations that take us by surprise, disturbs our usual routine, and causes a problem that needs a solution - now.

It seems easy, no food, maybe go down to the nearest McDonald's, or cafe. Road block on this road, take the smaller streets, or go to another store. It's these simple decisions that make the difference of skipping breakfast completely, and not being able to the store to get more food for breakfast. You have a want or a desire, "I want breakfast". You have problems or road blocks, "There's no food. There's an accident near the store". You have a desired outcome, "I am full."

However, what if you're faced with a problem that was a lot more complex than breakfast (although, breakfast I quite important!) Sometime like, "I lost my job, how am I going to make money now?" or "I want job satisfaction, but I don't know how to get there."

Using the following 6 steps, you could be on the road to help yourself solve some of the problems you have. I've used an example as a way to demonstrate the process.


Six Steps to Effectively Problem Solve:

"I want to make money, but don't know what to do?"

Step 1. Identify the problem.

What's making you unhappy, what is on your mind? Be honest with yourself, no one has to read what you write, but just let it all out, even if it hurts.

- I don't like that I don't have a job.
- I don't like that I don't make any money.
- I don't like that I can't buy christmas gifts for people that I love.
- I don't like that I stay up late at night and wake up late in the day.


Step 2. Write down exactly what you want.

- Work from home.
- Flexible hours.
- Work 3 - 4 hours a day and earn $50 - $100 an hour.
- Be able to not have to think about money.
- Go shopping and buy lovely things.


Step 3. Identify your tools/skills.

What do you have to offer? What skills do you have?

- I communicate well - verbally and written.
- I am healthy.
- I am organised.
- I have a driver's license and a car.


Step 4. Research.

Research the sort of qualities you have on any search enging, or books. What is on offer out there? Is this a niche or is there already many people out there and courses available that can help you reach your goal?

- searched [job night shifts]
- searched [job communicate well]
- searched [job $50 - $100 an hour]
- searched [make money shopping]


Step 5. Review and keep an open mind.

Look at the sort of keywords that 'pop' out to you. Are there jobs or possiblities that you would like to look in further? Do you need to do further study? Are there qualifications you need first?

Jobs that I can look into further = stocking supermarkets, security, service station clerks, writer, call centre, life coaches, trading, accountants, buyers, image consultant . . .

Sometimes it works as a mind map, taking you from one thing to another. Only follow what interests you. If it makes you feel uneasy, or you're not interested, hit the "back" button on your toolbar and go back. The more you research, the more you read, the more this world seems like there's lot of opportunities out there and many that are suitable for you.

Do Be Careful! There are many fake sites and scams out there, so please be sure you can trust the site before you proceed and give any personal or financial information.


Step 6. Plan and take ACTION.

What are your actions from now on? Will you go back to school to study? Will you call up companies? Are you going to write that business plan?

From identifying what the problem was, to being honest about what you want and what are the resources or tools that you already have, to researching and allowing yourself to just take in the information and read what is given to you - you have already unlocked many opportunites that you can take and unlocked that powerful energy within you to inspire you to take action.

NOW, all you need to do is plan. Plan your course of action. What are you going to do now? How are you going to do it? Written in any form that you're comfortable with, a plan will help you to understand which steps to take to reach your goal, but most importantly which step to take forward.