how to solve any problem: in 10 simple steps

©2014 ANDREY SCHUKIN

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IN 10 SIMPLE

STEPS

HOW TOSOLVE

PROBLEM©2014 ANDREY SCHUKIN

ANY


1. DON’T PANIC


1. KEEP CALM 1. DON’T PANICNo, saying repeatedly “there’s not enough time to solve the problem” won’t help.

Stay calm.

After all, you got all these slides to help you out.

Whew.


2. TRUSTTHE PROCESS


9. TRUSTTHE PROCESS

2. TRUST THE PROCESSFollow the rules and you’ll be OK.

Rule 1: Don’t start coming up with solutions before you know what the problem is. Ask: am I solving the right problem?

Rule 2: Don’t start to evaluate solutions before you have several to choose from. Ask: do I have enough options to choose from?

Problems are solved by first examining the problem, then exploring the possibilities, and only then evaluating them. It may sound like common sense, but many, many of us skip a step (or two). Shame.

Are you solving the right problem?


3. PICK YOURTARGET


3. PICK YOURTARGET

3. PICK YOUR TARGETDefine ideal result.

Imagine that your problem is solved. Or that it’s just not a problem for you anymore. How would such ideal situation look like?

Even better: if you had a magic wand, what would you wish ?Are you sure? Really?Ok then. You’re the boss.


4. CHOOSETHE BOX


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

4. CHOOSE THE BOXHow far are you ready to go to look for solutions?Unless you got a gazillion years to figure out your problem, you need to limit the solution space. Let’s look at the example.

Problem: Your bike ride to the office is too bumpy.Here are some possible “boxes” where solutions may hide:

Box A. Ideas to make a seat softer Box B. Ideas to get a new city road built Box C. Ideas to change the office Box D. Ideas to get a new helicopter

Are you looking for a gel pad or a helicopter? Decide before you start coming up with ideas. Stay focused.

It’s a lot of text, I know,

but bear with me :)


5. SPY ON OTHERS


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

5. SPY ON OTHERSBorrow ideas from others. Or steal them. I won’t judge you.

Yes, we all know you are unique. But your problems aren’t. Someone, somewhere, has already solved the problem you have.

Ask yourself this: Who had a similar problem and solved it? Who has already figured out how to get to the result you want?What did they do? Can you do something similar? If you imagine you could, how would it look like?


6. RECYCLEEVERYTHING


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

6. RECYCLE EVERYTHINGUse all the stuff you already got.

Have a closer look at everything you have got already. Can you use some of this to solve the problem?For example: things and money that you’ve got,

any products/results that you’ve already created,

your skills and personal qualities, private and professional networks, old ideas, and so on.


7. EXPERIMENTMORE


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

7. EXPERIMENT MOREYou'll never know unless you try. So mess about.

I agree, new is not always better. But it’s still worth having a look at unusual solutions.

Consider new things that you never done before, things outside of your comfort zone. New solutions that seem wacky at first.

Might they help? And if yes, why not try them out?


8. KEEPLOOKING


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

8. KEEP LOOKINGDon’t settle for the first pretty idea that comes your way. I know you can do better.

We tend to fall in love with our ideas. Especially the first one. And the love is mutual. But so what? How would you know it is the best one? Tell your idea you need some time to reconsider your feelings, then go out and find some more.A bit of healthy competition doesn’t hurt. And your first one will wait for you. Pinky promise.


9. EVALUATE & COMBINEIDEAS


9. COMBINEIDEAS

9. EVALUATE & COMBINE IDEASBe fussy and cherry-pick.

Once you have a range of different options, evaluate the pros and cons for each idea. Think:

What’s great? What’s still not good enough?

Then try combining different ideas together to get rid of disadvantages but keep the good bits.


10. GO WITHYOUR GUT


4. CHOOSETHE BOX

10. GO WITH YOUR GUTIf all options seem equal, trust your intuition.

What if you have evaluated all your ideas almost to death, and still don’t know which one to pick?Then this advice is for you:

♥Listen to your heart♥ (yes, your mum was right after all).

And pick one option already, for God’s sake!


GOT THE SOLUTION?NOW GET MOVING!

Alright, so here’s the deal: once you decided what to do, take the first step towards your goal within 24 hours.

It doesn’t matter how big or small this step is; take it as soon as possible. Good luck!


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how to solve any problem: in 10 simple steps

Self Improvement