Problem solving

Problem solving is a skill that must be mastered in order to be success in life; the skill is needed for professional and personal development and in all areas of life.  It's a skill that we need in order to survive life and to reach our goals.  It's easy to say "let's solve the problem" but the difficult part is can we do it under pressure and  under the circumstance where we least expect the problem.  For the past two years, I ran into problems in my personal and professional life and failing to use the systemic approach to the problem results in frustrations and regrets.  The good news is I learned from my past and I am able to think more clearly when problems arise.

Here is a systemic approach on how to handle problems:

Steps 1: Identify the problem.  We have to observe and collect the facts rather than letting our emotions take over.  As humans, we have the tendency to overreact when problems arise; this will not solve anything and we will be unable to see the problems clearly.  Accept and be aware of how you react to problems; it is perfectly typical to be scared and shaky a bit but do not let that feeling clouds your mind.

Step 2: Come up with possible solutions.  There is no one right answer to one problem.  You have to be able to come up with solutions.  Some solutions will work and some will not.

Step 3: Evaluate your actions.  You have to know what works and what does not work.

I was taught to follow these steps in school but it can also apply to real life problems, whether they are personal or professional problems.  The brain is malleable  and you can teach it how to deal with problems.  The faster you apply the problem solving skill the better you will be off in life.