You have a “situation”, if needs to be resolved but you just can’t get your head around it. You’re stuck. Try these steps to help solve your problem.

1. What is the problem?

Write down exactly what the problem is. Concrete facts that clearly define the problem.

2. Causes of the problem.

Again write them all down. Sometimes knowing what caused the situation helps you get to the root and thus to a solution.

3. Possible solutions

There are a few ways to come up with solutions. You could make a list of every possible solution, from the impossible to the insane. ie: Need money: Win lotto, rob bank, get another job, budget, borrow… Brainstorm with friends or family. People are great resources for solutions. Research the problem. Go to the library or search on the internet. It’s doubtful that you are the first person to ever experience the problem so there is likely a solution out there for you.

4. Narrow list to the best solution

Some solutions will be easy to eliminate, robbing bank is not the best solution for being short on cash. Depending on winning the lotto neither.  Narrow done the list to solutions that have a chance of working. Number the remaining solutions according to how likely they are to work. Choose the best one.

5. Plan of Action

Write out the steps you will need to take to implement the solution.  Be specific. If you’ve decided you need to get a 2nd job to solve your money problem, list the steps you will take to acquire the job, what you will do with the money once you are paid, how you will prevent yourself from spending it frivolously.

6. Implement the plan

This one is easy, take the steps that you’ve written out in step 5 and put them into action.

7. Evaluate

You’ve put the plan in motion now you have to evaluate whether the plan is accomplishing your goal. With the money shortage example, you may find that 2nd job is costing you more in traveling or babysitting than you are making or you might find that the problem is solved.

8. Start over again.

If you’ve found that the solution you’ve chosen isn’t working start the whole process over again. Define the problem, its causes and solutions again. Maybe you missed something the first time, maybe your situation has changed and you need a new solution.

These are some pretty basic steps to problem solving. Write everything down. It is easier to think something through when you can see it. You are less likely to forget the bits and pieces of the problem and solution if they are written. You will also have it in writing to be able to go back over should your solution fail or should you encounter a similar situation at a later date.

[photo source: Flickr]