Solve most problems using four basic steps

        When you have a problem, applying a simple solution may seem counter-intuitive, but it is more efficient than looking for a different way to solve it. Intuition is a good guide until you follow an irresistible tangent. Questing for a new fix might be an intentional or subconscious strategy to avoid the issue. You can tumble down a rabbit hole containing undesirable options. AI can provide convincing but undetectably incomplete instructions. Or you can get so distracted looking for better or more exciting techniques you lose sight of fixing the problem altogether. Even worse, you might scroll social media to seek advice. Regardless, a disorganized repair attempt will fail. Consider using the following four evergreen problem-solving steps and strategies to save time, reduce frustration, and enhance your odds of success.

1) Identify the problem.

The problem can have multiple layers or sources, including you. Make notes.

If you know what to do:

Do the task. Don’t overthink the situation or procrastinate.

If you don’t know a solution:

The problem is not unique; you are not alone, and someone has figured it out before.

Read the manual, ask for help, or pay for a fix.

2) Divide and conquer.

Get organized, make checklists, highlight critical points, and use a process of elimination.

Compartmentalize and break issues into manageable pieces and smaller parts.

The pieces can be ideas, things, skills, and people.

To fix a leak, plug the hole, redirect the leak, or tame wasteful behavior.

The lost goods can be liquids, solids, emotions, time, or money.

3) Use the right tool.

Remember that patience is the first tool to use.

Use perspective. Is it worth repairing, or are you clinging to an unrealistic desire?

Only improvise if a poor fit or temporary outcome is acceptable.

4) Measure twice and cut once.

Consider your contributions to the problem and remove them from the fix.

Prepare a work environment appropriate for the repair.

Visualize what you want the outcome to be.

        It is hard to believe that unrelated situations have so much in common, but these steps work for most with little to no modification. Problems can be tangible, digital, social, or mental. The same methods apply to organic, mechanical, and spiritual situations. I also use these techniques to plan goals. Specialized analysis or nuance may be required, but these strategies are a good starting point. Be wary of oversimplifying with Occam’s Razor, but don’t use Hickam's Dictum to justify complexity. Regardless of the advice followed, you must accept responsibility for the outcome, especially if you do nothing. If the first attempt isn’t a success, try again to rule out operator error or to adjust precision. Sometimes, your patience needs repair. Take a break, get fresh air, or a good nap. But if there is no fix, it is time to let the issue go and add the lessons learned to its memory.

 

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