We are all faced with problems each day, but how do we address those problems? Have you figured out what kind of problem solver or decision maker you are? Continue reading for a few helpful strategies that might help the calm your problem-solving woes.
A concept that may seem somewhat counter intuitive may yield the best results. Taking a step back from the problem at hand can provide new insight, a fresh perspective, or a solution. A study 2010 by Strick et. al. showed that those who took a brief, unrelated break before solving a problem were more effective in solving the problem at hand. This break is called the “Incubation Period” and has been a topic of problem-solving research for decades. So next time you are faced with a problem that you just cannot grasp, take 10-30 minutes, and fold your laundry, go for a walk, take your mind off the problem at hand. If 10-30 minutes does not elicit the desired result, you may have to “sleep on it” and approach it in the morning. When you return to the problem at hand, you may be surprised at the newfound clarity.
Another helpful strategy in problem solving is to enlist the help of others. Asking a trusted friend or colleague could provide just the right new insight to help you solve your problem. The addition of an outside perspective can be invaluable in decision making. However, make sure to contact someone whose opinion and insight you truly value. If you do not have access to another person, reframe the problem yourself. Place a friend, colleague or family member into your predicament and think “what advice would I give them?”. Approaching the problem from a new angle can help new solutions appear.
If all else fails, you can use a good-ole-fashioned pro/con list, with a new spin. Professor Richard Lumb calls it a Solutions Chart, and breaks problem solving down into three steps.
1. Clearly define the problem at hand. Use as much detail as you can in this section.
2. Brainstorm potential solutions. No solution is too wild or outside the ox to be included in this stage.
3. Reach out to someone. Make a list of anyone who you would trust to assist you in making this decision. Maybe even include some people who you know have a variety of views and beliefs on the topic.
If you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you. You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help. Are you a creative problem solver? Take this test to find out! https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/career/creative-problem-solving-test
References:
LaBier, D. (2014, September 17). There’s a Better Way to Solve Your Problems. Retrieved from
Morin, A. (2018, March 13). The Simple But Effective Way to Solve Problems Better. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201803/the-simple-
effective-way-solve-problems-better
Strick, M., Dijksterhuis, A., & van Baaren, R. B. (2010). Unconscious-Thought Effects Take Place Off-Line, Not On-Line.
Psychological Science, 21(4), 484–488. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610363555
