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Recently a friend emailed me this joke which I quote ad verbatim:
When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem, NASA scientists spent a decade & $12 billion to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass & at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300 C.
The Russians used a pencil.
But jokes apart, I realize that there is a lesson hiding within the joke.
How many times have we faced a hitch or problem & gotten so enmeshed with solution finding that we have exhausted ourselves to get to the problem solved, procrastinated or made it into a larger-than-life issue?
Here are 2 real-life instances of turning molehills into mountains
If the boss asks about an update on a project and you have not completed an important step because other things took time or you got into a block, how many times have you created a lengthy monologue about the issue without getting to the problem needing resolution?
By which time I am sure that the boss is in an angry frame of mind and to put it mildly all hell is breaking lose.
Closer to home, how about the doctor telling you that you need more exercise for health reasons & you say you don’t have time & are already coping with work life balance issues?
Of course, there may be a problem building in the exercise in your already heavy schedule, but does it really need to be a problem?
The doctor said you needed exercise; he didn’t say to join a gym or enroll for a marathon!
Problem could be solved by parking your car a block away from your office & walking to work or climbing the stairs in the building whether at home or at work.
That is exercise. The pain in unused muscles will confirm it. So will the indicators of better legs, smaller backside & more stamina.
Been there, done that with variations in life.
Sometimes, in problem solving, the best way out is to look for the simple solution rather than engaging in theorizing, projection & getting worked up like the NASA did in the above joke.
Use the 6 Step Approach to Problem Solving
1. Write down the problem
A written statement staring us in the face makes us look at it better.
2. The why, who, where & what
Think a little more about the problem and the specifics. Get to the root or underlying issue.
3. Break it down to manageable pieces
This is what we do in time management & believe me it works for problem solving too. What seems to be a problem may actually have a small element which is creating a hitch. Sort it out, problem solution surfaces or problem disappears.
4. Brainstorming
There is nothing like a good dash of brainstorming. This does not necessarily need to be done in a group; you can do it yourself by writing down all your ideas of a solution to the problem at hand. Once on paper, look at each for merits, demerits and workability. The simple solution may be staring you right in the face shouting, see me, see me!
Of course, if there are other stakeholders involved, then solicit their inputs to get stronger, more viable & effective solutions which will work.
Remember, One Size Does Not Fit All – alterations are often required.
5. Feedback and inputs
Sometimes another person’s perspectives when given with objectivity & detachment from the outcome can help in finding the right or at least workable solution. A friend, family member & best, a Life Coach can assist.
6. Action Plan
Once you know the problem & the solution just get on with it! If the solution requires time or resources, then strategize, get the resources mobilized & know that it will take time. If the solution is simple – action it.
What if you still find it difficult to simplify?
You need to ask yourself if the problem really isn’t that simple or whether it is your mindset?
Your mindset determines the level of success you have with problem solving.
Do you tend to make mountains out of molehills and can’t see a workable solution? Most probably you have a fixed mindset.
You need to get out of the fixed mindset trap.
Whatever you do, remember, simplicity works best & if you can get to the underlying issue addressing it in a timely manner, there would be no problem at all. Just a temporary hurdle or glitch to be overcome.
Additional Resource:
Problem solving also involves goal setting and actions to succeed.
I invite you to check out my Kindle book: Goal Achievement Simplified: When Your Actions give Results below. The link is my affiliate link which means if you purchase it from here, I’ll get a few cents extra.
Written By: Vatsala Shukla
Vatsala is a dynamic professional with a human touch. She was instrumental in assisting me through a challenging phase a year ago and I still put to use the techniques she generously shared for ensuring personal well-being in the humdrum of life. I wish her the best.
In my experience, Vatsala is a very professional and dedicated coach, respecting the client’s natural pace, while at the same time seeking to maintain momentum and commitment in the coaching sessions.
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It’s such a great idea to write it down and break it down. Too often we get overwhelmed and turn molehills into mountains. Love that the Russians used a pencil. 🙂
The truth be told, Tamuria, the blog post was inspired by the NASA story and the Russians using the pencil. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great post! I love #2. Usually when I really “explore” the problem – I realize it really isn’t the initial problem that is the challenge – but something different. Then – when I jump into brainstorming mode – I’m able to “solve” the actual problem – not just one of the side effects of the problem. For example, a client and I discussed the fact that she was always late – so her solution was to set the clocks ahead 10 minutes. However, upon more discussion – we realized the actual problem was that she hadn’t figured out how long her morning routine ACTUALLY took (she thought about 30 minutes – in reality closer to 75 minutes.) No wonder she was usually running late! Once we could figure that out – the solutions were much more applicable!
Hi Lisa. You’ve nailed one of the biggest problems with problems – the fact that what we are addressing may actually be the manifestation of the real issue or the underlying problem. I’ve seen it happen a few times with my clients where a solution is not workable until a more important issue is resolved or further action taken on a completely different matter. More often than not, when that matter is taken care of, the original problem either disappears or dissipates. Thanks for dropping by Lisa and sharing your insights with my readers.