How to Solve the Problem

Your success and happiness depends largely on how you handle difficulties. If you feel stuck when faced with a problem to solve, try defining the problem and breaking it down into smaller pieces. Consider whether you should approach the problem logically or think about how you feel about the outcome. Find creative ways to solve problems by collaborating with others and approaching problems from a different perspective.

Table of Contents

Approach the problem

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Identify the problem. Find the real problem, not just the phenomena arising from it. When identifying a problem, you should not consider external factors but should find the real problem. You can consider those problems later. Please consider and understand the problem carefully. ^{[1] X Research Source}

For example, your room is always cluttered maybe not because you are a mess. Perhaps the problem is simply that you lack containers or don’t have enough room to keep everything organized.
Try to define the problem clearly and thoroughly. If it’s a personal matter, you need to be honest with yourself when determining the root cause of the problem. If it’s a logistical issue, pinpoint exactly when and where the problem occurred.
Determine if the problem is real or you created it yourself. Does this problem really need to be solved or is it just what you want? An objective perspective will help guide the problem-solving process.

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Make important decisions first. Identify the decisions you need to make and their role in problem solving. Decision making can help you get ahead in the process. So start by knowing what to focus on, what to get done, and how to do it. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Let’s say you have a lot of problems to solve and you have to decide what to do first. One problem solved can help relieve stress or relieve pressure on another problem.
Once you’ve decided, don’t doubt yourself. Be ready to look ahead and don’t wonder what would happen if you chose otherwise.

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Simplify the problem. A problem that is too complicated can feel overwhelming and difficult to solve. If you have a lot of problems to solve, break them down into smaller pieces and deal with them one by one. If you can break a problem down into its smallest parts, this will help you understand and find a solution. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, if you need to submit multiple essays to complete a course, focus on the number of essays you need to do and work on them one at a time.
Try to combine and solve problems whenever possible. For example, if you don’t have much time to study, try listening to a recording of a lecture while walking to class or flipping through flashcards while you wait for dinner.

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Write down what you know and don’t know. Familiarize yourself with the knowledge and information you already know, then determine what you need. Get all the information you can and organize it properly. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

For example, if you are preparing for an important test, identify what you already know and what you need to learn. Review everything you already know and start learning more from notebooks, textbooks, or other helpful resources.

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Anticipate results. Make a Plan B (or more) so you don’t get locked into a solution. Once you’ve found possible solutions, think about how each of them would work out. Anticipate the outcome and its effect on you and those around you. Visualize the best and worst scenarios in your imagination. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Pay attention to how you feel in those scenarios.

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Allocate resources. Your resources may include time, money, effort, mobility, etc. If problem-solving is a top priority, you may need to mobilize additional resources to deal with it. physical. Think about the resources available to you that you can focus on solving the problem. ^{[6] X Research Source}

For example, if you have a project that needs to be completed quickly, you may have to skip cooking dinner or going to the gym to make time for that project.
Cut back on unimportant tasks when needed. For example, maybe you should order food for home delivery so that you don’t waste time shopping and spend that time on other tasks.

Use creative approaches

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Think of different solutions. Think of different ways to solve the problem. If you know that there is more than one way to solve a problem, you will find that you have many options. Once you’ve thought of several alternatives, determine which options seem reasonable and which should be left out. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

When you need to make an important decision, write down alternatives. This will help you not to miss the proposed options and can cross out the unreasonable options.
Let’s say you are hungry and need something to eat. Consider whether you should cook something or buy fast food, order food at home, or go to a restaurant.

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Try different approaches to a problem. If it is a simple matter then analytical and logical skills will be most helpful. In other cases, you may need to let your emotions guide you. Problems to be solved often require a combination of thinking and emotional skills, and even intuition, to arrive at a solution. Don’t be afraid to use the solutions above, but be flexible and improvise and see what works best. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Some problems have different solutions, such as getting a job in another province that pays well but is far from home. Consider a reasonable solution, but also take into account your thoughts and feelings and the impact the decision will have on your loved one.

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Seek advice from others. If your problem is not very urgent, you can ask for advice from others. Maybe you know someone who faced a similar problem and they can share their experience with you. You may or may not follow their advice, but it is also helpful to consult different perspectives.

For example, if you’re looking to buy a home and are undecided, talk to other homeowners to see what they think and what they regret buying.

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Monitor progress. If you are working towards a goal, you should keep an eye on how things are going. If the work is progressing and is moving in the right direction, move on. If you find that your handling is not very good, you need to find other ways. Maybe you have to come up with some new strategies to better solve the problem. ^{[9] X Research Source}

For example, if you’re dealing with a financial problem, consider how your efforts are impacting your income and expenses. If family budgeting works, go for it. If using only cash gives you a headache, try another way.
Keep a journal of your progress, successes, and challenges. You can look to it to stay motivated when you’re feeling down.

Control emotions in the face of difficulties

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Emotions calm . Anxiety or nervousness about the possible scenario will make it difficult for you to make decisions and solve problems. If fear impairs your ability to solve problems, take time to calm down, take a deep breath, and relax before addressing the problem. ^{[10] X Harvard Medical Schop Trusted Source Go to Source}

You can also go for a walk or journal. The goal here is to reduce fear and increase a sense of security.
The first step is often the scariest. Try doing one small thing first. For example, if you’re trying to be more active, start with a daily walk.

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Find potential problems. An obvious problem may include several underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you’ve been dealing with an issue similar to the one you’re having but it keeps happening, find out if there’s an underlying cause. Maybe you’ll get to the root of the problem. ^{[11] X Research Source}

For example, if you are overwhelmed by a long to-do list, maybe the problem is not with the list, but the problem is that you can’t say no to the things you can’t do.
When you’re stressed, angry, or overwhelmed, you can experience burnout. Make a list of the things that make you stressed or frustrated and cut those things out later. If you start to feel overwhelmed again, it could be a sign that you need to cut back on work.

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Visit a therapist. If you find yourself always having trouble making decisions or doubting yourself after you’ve dealt with an issue, perhaps you should talk to a mental health professional. Maybe your low self-esteem makes you doubt yourself or feel like a failure. A therapist can help you gain insight from which to evaluate yourself in a more positive and realistic way.

Find a therapist by calling your local health facility or health insurance company. You can also ask your doctor or a friend for a referral.

Advice

If you start to feel overwhelmed or frustrated, practice breathing exercises. Don’t forget that every problem has a solution, but sometimes you get bogged down and can’t see anything but that problem.
Don’t run away from the problem. Sooner or later, it will come back and it will be harder to deal with. Common sense will help you reduce the stress level of the problem.

Steps

Approach the problem

Use creative approaches

Control emotions in the face of difficulties

Advice

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