Life is never going to be a bed of roses for many of us. We are going to face problems almost every day of our lives. We just have to accept the fact that is part of the price we must pay for being alive.

Problems are good. Only when we are faced with problems, we learn. It gives us maturity and helps us to grow. Solving problems gives us confidence in ourselves. Think of all the great men you read about, they had taken upon a problem and solve it. Abraham Lincoln dealt with slavery; Mahatma Gandhi tackled his country’s colonization. Thomas Alva Edison made him name solving hundreds of problems for the betterment of mankind.

We cannot run away from problems but we can always learn to deal with it. Here are five simple steps on how to solve problems effectively.

1.Write down exactly what the problem is. You must define your problem. What is it? Charles Kettering once said, ‘A problem well stated is a problem half solved. ” So, this is the first and foremost step in solving a problem. Write it down in a piece of paper. Don’t keep it only head. Writing down the problem on paper serves the purpose of clarity and frees up your mind.

2.Write down the causes of the problem. Be objective and impartial. Get your facts, be exact and clear. Do not prejudge anything at this stage. If you need to analyze and gather data before you do this, by all means go ahead. It is important that you write down all the causes before moving to the next stage.

3.Write down every possible solution. There are two stages to this. First, just write down whatever you think can be the solution. Look at the causes and just fire away. Don’t edit. After you have written down all the possible solutions, do the filtering. You might also want to refer to others who you know had gone through the same experience. This is an important stage of solving the problem and it is a good idea not to rush this.

4.Analyze the pro and cons. This is another stage where your impartiality is important. We all have the tendency to get attached to an idea, especially our own, and reason with ourselves that it is the best. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t. It is important that you do not rush this stage. If you have the time and in no particular hurry, you can sleep on it. Let the ideas you have incubate and things will always be clearer after awhile.

5.Put your solutions into effect. This is the final stage of solving a problem Taking action. You must attack the problem with the solutions you have with vigor and energy. Be relentless in your pursuit. Be bold. William James, the famous American psychologist and philosopher of the late 19th century and early 20th century once said,” When once a decision is reached and execution is the order of the day, dismiss absolutely all responsibility and care (anxiety) about the outcome”.

Do not feel intimidated when you are faced with problems. Remember that great men are great because they solved problems.

Author Bio: A.Majid was inspired to write this article after reading A Touch of Greatness, the greatest self help book ever written. You can get more useful tips at A Touch of Greatness

Category: Self Help
Keywords: problems, problem, solve