problem solving

Simple Problem Solving: The Solution Within the Problem

Posted on April 3, 2011 by David DiGiovanni | CATEGORIES: self improvement

Sometimes I have a problem I just can’t seem to solve. Like the other day when I left my car at a friends house and had no way to get to my appointment across town. I tried calling friends for a ride, but no one was picking up. Just when I was about to cancel the appointment, I remembered I left my car at a different friend’s house, the one who lives 2 blocks away!

I love telling this story because it reinforces the idea that the solution is always contained within the problem. If had taken a second to write down my problem, it would have gone something like this:

“I need to get to an appointment and my car is at a friend’s house.”

The solution to the problem starts right where the problem left off:

“My car is at a friend’s house, a friend that lives 2 blocks away.”

This particular situation is one of the more obvious examples of how you can find the solution contained within the problem, but I have had success applying this concept to more complex problems as well. This led me to break down the concept into a process that can be repeated over and over again.

Here is my 3-step process to find the solution hidden within any problem:

1. Define the problem.

If possible, write down everything you believe about the problem. What is holding you back? Who is involved? What aspects of problem are out of your control? How does the problem make you feel?

2. Step back, take a moment.

Take the problem you have written down and set it to the side (or turn your back to your computer screen). Close your eyes and just breathe for a moment. Focus on your breath. If you begin to think about the problem, catch yourself and re-focus on your breath. This is a mini-meditation exercise that help you solve your problem in step 3. After about 5 minutes (the longer the better), slowly open your eyes and pull out your problem.

3. Read the problem again, look for clues, and solve!

After you come out of the meditation, read what you wrote down and look for clues that will help you solve the problem.

Here is what you should be looking for:

  • False Assumptions – Are any of the “facts” not entirely true? Are you making an assumption that could be wrong?
  • Limiting Beliefs – Are your beliefs about yourself or someone involved preventing you from finding a solution?
  • Fears – Sometimes we know what the solution is, but we are afraid to take the necessary steps.

Try to pick out the false assumptions, limiting beliefs, and fears contained in your original problem statement. Spend time questioning your false assumptions, limiting beliefs, and fears. This will help you look at your problem from a new perspective, which is critical to finding a solution.

If you follow the steps and still cannot find a solution then simply repeat steps 2 and 3. If you have time, take a little longer on step 2 to completely clear and refresh your mind. With enough determination, you will uncover the solution to your problem.

Last Resort

If you cannot find a solution on your own, then it is time to talk to someone. A trusted friend or family member is ideal, but really anyone willing to listen will help.

The goal here is to bounce your problem off someone. If they are a good listener, they will make you feel better about your problem. If they are a good friend that knows you well, they will probably be able to point out a few things you are overlooking.

At my blog, LetGoAndFlow.com, I will listen and respond to anyone that e-mails with a problem. Visit my I’m Here to Help page and we’ll get your problem figured out.

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David DiGiovanni is the author of LetGoAndFlow.com. On his blog, David shares his experiences as he creates success and happiness by learning to “let go and flow”. You can also follow @DavidDiGiovanni on Twitter.

  • http://www.Mazzastick.com Justin | Mazzastick

    These steps sound very beneficial to me. Sometimes it’s easy to begin stressing about a problem and the first thing that we do is stop or slow down our breathing.

    Once our breathing has become impaired we begin to make irrational thoughts and assessments. Then we can’t even solve a simple problem.

  • http://www.peppervirtualassistant.com/ Marco Paulo

    This is a wonderful post. We really have to be rational in solving problems. Oftentimes we are overwhelmed with the situations that we are in that we couldn’t think well. We tend to rush into making decisions that could lead in to more problems. I agree that we should pause for a moment and try to understand the situation and try to look for clues or solutions to our problems.

  • http://developyourlife.net aheil

    very nice post i think this will help solve problems

  • http://upgrade-complete.com Sean

    Great post David,

    Sometimes we get so caught up when we’re presented with a problem, that it freezes our ability to think and find a solution to the problem. The emotions and fear begin to kick in, which destroys your ability to focus and think.

    The mini meditation is great, helps you to relax, focus, and remain calm.

    Thanks! :D

  • Brian

    Thanks for all the great articles you provide on this blog. It’s a great way to begin your day.

  • http://letgoandflow.com David DiGiovanni

    @Sean – Thanks Sean! I didn’t go into the reasons why we make problems harder than they have to be, but you put it perfectly. I think the reason the method I described works is because it gets you to take a step back and realize that the emotions and fears are clouding your judgment.

    The mini meditation is a great way to take a step back, but a daily meditation practice will cultivate this skill so you can use it in all aspects of your life.

  • jesinalbuquerque

    A similar situation: I had a haircut scheduled. Car was in the shop, not done when they promised. I considered a variety of solutions — canceling the hard-to-get appointment and waiting perhaps weeks; taking an expensive taxi; learning to use the city bus system. Then on a hunch I mapquested the location. It was barely over a mile from my house … and it was a beautiful day. Not a huge problem in the scheme of things, but it did shift my perspective on problem-solving.

  • http://letgoandflow.com David

    @Jes That’s a good story. It’s like you wanted to make the problem so much harder than it was for whatever reason, but something inside you told you there was an easier way.

    Most people can’t hear this voice or hunch inside them. Meditation will make a huge difference in quieting down the mind so the part of ourselves that wants to make our lives easier can be heard.

  • http://hanofharmony.com The Vizier

    Hi David,

    Problem solving is an important life skill to have. The fact is, we spend a large part of our lives dealing with various problems. But not all of us know how to manage problems effectively.

    I love your 3 step process to solving problems. Defining the problem seems like common sense, but it is rarely common practice. When we try to do it all in our heads, we are bound to overlook certain crucial details that holds the solution to our problems.

    Being aware of false assumptions, limiting beliefs and fears is also crucial to solving problems. When we eliminate these shackles from our thinking, we free our minds to find the solution we need.

    If all the conventional methods for problems solving fail, if no one can offer you the answer you need, then you might need to bring your intuition into the picture as well. Logic can only do so much. But if we blend logic and intuition, we open even more possibilities for ourselves. You might even want to consider divination by seeking the help of a skilled diviner to give you the insights you need to your situation. When we open our minds to the impossible, we will find the solution.

    Thank you for sharing this lovely article! :)

    Irving the Vizier

  • http://www.how-to-stop-procrastinating.org/ Marelisa

    It’s very true that sometimes we can’t find a solution to a problem because of the assumptions that we’re making, our belief system, our fear, or the way in which we’ve defined the problem. This post tells us that a lot of the time the problem is not “out there”, but in our minds. Great reminder!

  • http://blog.self-improvement-saga.com Nea | Self Improvement Saga

    This is very interesting. I tried thinking of the solution in a case where the friend lived 50 miles away. My solution: Call the friend. If that doesn’t work…try him on every social network, call his parents, wife, job, etc.. If that doesn’t work, forget about the car & the friend– call other friends, ask the neighbors, catch a bus or call a cab.

    I can see how this technique works in many cases. I’m sure I’ll have a chance to try it out soon.

  • http://letgoandflow.com David

    @Vizier Good point, nothing can replace consultation of your intuition, heart, or soul.

    @Marelisa Thanks for the comment! The solution is always within, we just have to raise our level of awareness to access it.

  • http://www.emotiv.com/ eeg of brain

    Thanks for writing this. I really feel as though I know so much more about this than I did before. Your blog really brought some things to light that I never would have thought about before reading it. You should continue this, I’m sure most people would agree you’ve got a gift. Thanks for sharing…

  • Gopal Jat

     help solve problems

  • hamad

    Its Just Easy man <33333333333333333 

    • aira jhane que ladia

      musta na kayo mga nag co-comment can i ask a question 
      what your answer? ____________________________________________  
      sa baba 

      pwede pa like ng http://www.facebook.com/preciousanne.billones/posts/461945537189489?notif_t=like salamat sa pag like tnx… :) )

  • Greg Z Fainberg

    Check out http://www.infodesign.co.za

    for a FREE copy of my book titled “How to Solve (Just About) Any Problem: Timeless Practices for Solving Problems Better.

    Enjoy!