Draft Solve More Problems

subset of One Question

We all face situations where things differ from what we have hoped or expected. From childhood through adulthood we will be faced with these problems that we either decide to resolve or run away from. Running away from problems is weak while facing these unexpected events, understanding them and solving them allows each of us to learn and grow.

We cannot predict in advance what problems we will come up against
Most situations or problems cannot be predicted - some can
However, we each can develop a system that will allow us to understand and solve most of the problems we come across
The method is simple: break down the problem to it's smallest parts
The approach is 1) thoroughly analyze the problem, 2) identify all the possible contributors that could have caused the situation 3) confirm or discard any contributors to the problem and finally 4) address those causes through change, removal or apology 
This approach can be used for problems with equipment, school, home, and even personal relationships
The key is after identifying the cause - corrective steps must be taken

Here are the questions you should ask yourself:

1. what is the problem (not what you think is the cause - but the PROBLEM)

2. if unresolved, does this problem go away, remain or become worse

3. what specifically does this problem cause (or could cause)

4. thinking back, when was this problem - NOT a problem

5. what has changed since the time it was not a problem

6. have you experienced anything similar in the past

7. last time, what events or actions caused that problem to happen

8. what actions were taken at that time to resolve it then

9. can any of those solutions be applied to this problem


Here is one example using these steps:

1. I hear a noise outside the bedroom window that sounds odd

2. the problem may or may not be a problem but it sounds like water leaking

3. water leaking can cost a lot of many and flood our yard and neighbors yard

4. we did not hear or know of any problem before

5. we built a woodshed in that area 3 weeks ago; I used the sprinkler system on that side recently

6. no, just that a sprinkler head was broken under a stone walkway

7. we installed a new walkway (and broke the buried sprinkler head

8. we removed the pavers, dug up the head and capped off the sprinkler I did not need any more

9. yes - we can verify where the noise is coming from and take action to fix



Let's take a relationship example following the steps above:

1. my friend and I don't visit each other or respond to text or emails

2. it affects me since I think I did or said something that upset him

3. this could lead to us not talking or staying friends

4. the problem was not a problem when we planned photo trips weekly

5. our ability to stay in touch and share common interests and ideas

6. yes, in the past when I lost contact with two other friends

7. one moved and the other had family issues he had to deal with

8. we talked and agreed we would call or email once a week

9. maybe

10. solution: talk to them, ask and