Do you ever need to find some good ideas, or come up with a
solution for a persistent problem? Learn some simple problem
solving techniques, and start applying them. Choose a few of
the methods below, and get in the habit of using them in
your personal life and your business.

Problem Solving Techniques

1. Clarify what a successful solution is, and that will
guide your efforts. In fact, sometimes just clarifying the
desired outcome will suggest immediate solutions.

2. Get opinions and/or advice from several people. They
might have good ideas, and you'll be sure you're not
overlooking the obvious. Also, you clarify a problem when
you explain it, and that may help in itself.

3. Challenge assumptions. Are you trying to solve the wrong
problem? Do you really need a vacation, or is your job the
problem? Don't let your assumptions limit your possible
solutions.

4. Break it into parts, and solve the parts individually.
Many problems are really a collection of smaller,
easier-to-solve problems.

5. Change perspectives. What would the problem look like if
you were rich, poor, or from another planet. Einstein
imagined riding on a beam of light, which lead to his theory
of relativity, so this technique has been known to work.

6. Solve the problems while you sleep. Leave a tape
recorder or pen and paper next to the bed for those
middle-of-the-night ideas.

7. Write it down, and then find another way to express the
problem. Write down all solutions and ideas that come to
mind. Later you can pick the diamonds out of the dirt.

8. Try "random presentation." This is a fun one. Randomly
pick an object and ask what it might teach you about your
problem. A speed limit sign might suggest that you're
growing your company too fast, for example. Don't be too
dismissive of all the silly ideas this technique creates, as
they'll sometimes trigger more useful ideas. This is also
great for putting driving time to good use.

9. Look at what others have done. Problems aren't usually
unique in every aspect. What have others done in similar
situations?

10. Look at ways to cause the problem. Too much stress?
Find ways to cause more stress. Over-promise, sleep poorly,
be constantly interrupted, leave many decisions unmade, and
so on. Each way to cause stress can suggest solutions: Fewer
promises, sleep more, don't allow interruptions, make
decisions now, etc.

The Key To Solving Problems

Some of these problem solving techniques will work for you.
The key is to get in the habit of using them. Do they
require a little work? Sure, but isn't work better than
worry?


About the Author
Steve Gillman writes on many self help topics including
boosting brainpower, losing weight, meditation, habits of
mind, creative problem solving, learning gratitude,
generating luck and anything related to self improvement.
You'll find more at http://www.SelfImprovementNow.com