What would YOU do if...
No matter who you are, or what your financial position, you will be constantly bombarded with problems throughout your life. This is as it should be, since we can only GROW when we LEARN, and we LEARN by solving problems. Therefore, common sense indicates that your general rate of success or failure depends upon your ability to solve problems as they present themselves. Each problem that you are not able (or willing) to resolve will result in distress. Even minor problems, if left unresolved, can accumulate and grow to magnitudes of such dimension as to cause great distress and despair.
Problem solving is a problem unto itself. Few people are actually taught how to effectively solve problems. If you have difficulty solving problems, you will be relieved to discover that problem solving is a science that follows a pre-determined formula (given below) that, when properly applied, usually results in success in solving the problem at hand. This science has, over time, been refined into an art, if you will, for increased effectiveness.
The first step in mastering your problem(s) is to develop an understanding of what constitutes a "problem", why a problem IS a problem, and how to use problems as stepping stones to growth and success. Once you have learned to master the secret of finding solutions, you will eagerly embrace - even seek out - problems to solve, for you will come to realize that this is the pathway - the very essence - of success. If you can solve your problems, or the problems of others, success is yours.
If you have ever asked yourself why certain individuals seem to have the "Golden Touch", reaping success after success while the masses struggle just to survive, the answer should be increasingly apparent. No where on Earth will you find one, simple truth that has a greater impact on success than this:
There are two sides to everything, and the "flip-side" of a problem is "opportunity". The two are inseparable traveling companions. When a problem surfaces, most people tend to view the problem as a threat and react accordingly- defensively. Success oriented people, on the other hand, realizing that opportunity is at hand, take an offensive posture and ACT, rather than REACT. For them, the problem represents a new opportunity, a valuable learning experience that will elevate their "success quotient". Instead of withdrawing, they attack! While many may view this as bravery, it is merely the logical thing to do. You see, every one of us has fears. The difference between success and failure (or bravery vs. cowardice) lies only in how we deal with those fears.
A problem arises whenever a situation occurs for which we are not adequately prepared. We either lack information, have veered off course or have allowed false or inaccurate beliefs to limit options and growth. Take for example the case of two employees up for a promotion. Both are identical except that the first employee has studied the tasks and responsibilities of the new position, and has become comfortable with the knowledge that he is prepared for it. The other has not done this. Upon hearing that they are up for the promotion, the first is not worried and knows he will be able to handle it. The second IS worried. And, if he gets the promotion, he will either have to learn or he will eventually be demoted, or fired.
As you can see, the second employee is faced with a problem. To avoid loss, he must solve that problem. The first employee does not have the problem because his foresight allowed him to solve the problem BEFORE it arose. The point is, at one time they both faced the same problem. Either can succeed by solving the problem.
A vital key in problem solving is to a) identify the problem, b) gather pertinent information, c) analyze the information available. Nothing beats an open, inquisitive mind for solving problems and achieving success. Of course, you also need to periodically evaluate your goals and directions, to make sure you are solving the RIGHT problems.
Problem solving is a science, based on a strict, unwaivering formula. As such, the results will not vary if the formula is applied.
Your objective, therefore, should be to learn and use the formula in solving problems and thereby create success for yourself.
By following these few, simple steps, you will find that problems will easily fall away, exposing the opportunities that lie within. Remember, opportunity is a treasure, and all treasures are guarded to keep out the unworthy. The guardian of opportunity is CRISIS - i.e. problems. Only those who are wise enough and strong enough to beat the crisis will be able to capture the opportunity. Nothing worthwhile comes easy!
That said, here are the steps to the problem solving formula as used by most successful people:
These are the basic steps in the formula, in proper order. But this is only one phase in creative problem solving.
Here are some suggestions that have proven themselves to be very helpful in solving problems:
Resist the temptation to take the short, usual route. Realize that a problem IS a problem because the "normal" routes haven't worked - something new is required. Therefore, solutions will generally not be found in conformity. If a problem can be solved by following the usual routes, then it wouldn't be a problem at all.
Avoid habitual thinking modes, especially negative ones like "it's never been done that way before", "the world isn't ready for that" or "you'll never be able to sell it". Such lines of thinking will prevent ingenuity and creativity (both of which are required in problem solving) and de-rail you before you even start. Do not stifle yourself with a closed mind.
Combine ideas to form new ones. An example of this was the introduction of the word processor, part typewriter and part computer. Almost any idea now in use can be successfully combined with other ideas to create an entirely new idea. Old ideas whose time has passed can often be rejuvenated by combining them with new technology (the Internet has given a whole new life to some old ideas).
One of the most effective approaches is to take ideas from nature and adapt them to a situation. Man-made fibers, Velcro, infra-red sensors, sonar, photo-voltaic cells are all derived from things that exist in nature. The idea for radar came from bats; Velcro was invented when someone noticed the bonding ability of burrs that stuck tenaciously to his woolen hunting trousers. Look to nature for solutions to problems, especially those that require mechanical application.
In your attempts to find solutions, always consider this checklist:
Of course, the above list pertains to material goods, but the principle can be carried over for other applications. For example, can you rearrange your TIME to permit a needed activity that must be added to your schedule? Can you add to your savings by changing certain spending habits? The options are endless. Can you do it at lower cost? Can you use it for a different purpose, or adapt it to serve a wider market? Can you increase its function? Can it be magnified, minimized, modified or substituted?
The final word in problem solving is a technique used by large corporations but which can be used effectively by anyone - brainstorming!
Form a group, preferably people from diverse backgrounds and education, to receive input from varying viewpoints. Have everyone come up with every and any idea possible. Write them all down, ESPECIALLY the silly and weird ones. Often, these silly, weird notions are the ones most apt to be disguising a valid, useful principle, as noted earlier. So, do not discard "crazy" ideas. As a matter of fact, to insure an abundance of crazy ideas, ask a bunch of kids to brainstorm with you. Youngsters have uncluttered, imaginative minds and see things simply and clearly. They will often be your best source of ideas. Look at the PRINCIPLE behind their ideas and take it from there. As a side benefit, you are encouraging the children to use creativity, which is essential to their own future success.
Once you have collected ideas from your brainstorming session, begin to modify, combine or otherwise make changes to increase the possibility of formulating a solution. If no solution arises, revert back to step one and find more information to include.
It is important to remove yourself from the problem via relaxation once you have added all available data and concentrated on it to the point of mental exhaustion. Your conscious mind must be tired enough to be relaxed, allowing the subconscious to get through.
Keep repeating this process until a viable solution is found. Whatever you do, do not get discouraged. Success comes from trial and error, learning from each failure. Of those who succeed, all have failed their way to success. You can do the same.
Persist, systematically, and you, too, will be rewarded with success.
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