Solving a Problem

by B. Dear

If you are like me, you are short on time with a lot to do. To quickly deal with daily tasks, here are some simple strategies for working through problems.

Work Smart, Not Hard. You can have a ton of heart and still not achieve your objectives. Sometimes, working hard is not enough. You will have to use your head as well. Ask yourself, “What is the easiest way to do this?” Is there a creative approach you can apply that will make this a lot easier?

Get Organized. Chart out the problem or problems that you are working on, and the factors involved with solving the problem. Make some preliminary notes about how you might solve the problem to get started.

Plan. Once you have thought about the problem you can start to brainstorm possible solutions to it. Write down all ideas no matter how bad. These bad ideas may develop into good ideas after you’ve thought about them a bit.

Put it in a Book. Putting your notes in a book will allow you to take them with you. You can mull over them throughout your day, and write down ideas as they hit you. A book is a great place to store your information and makes the information available to apply to future decisions. Having the book with you all day also allows you to make adjustments to your approach and easily record them.

Keep a Schedule. Once you know what you want to do, chart out a timeline to work on the problem. Set milestones so that you can tell if you are behind or ahead of schedule.

Keep a Task Checklist. Make a list of the tasks that you need to carry out, and check them off as they are completed.

Bring the Problem/Problems to Closure. Steadily manage the problem to your desired result by accomplishing and checking off tasks until they are all complete.