Problem-Solving in 5 Simple Stages

Introduction

In our lives, we will constantly be faced with problems. These could be personal, familial, physical, mental, professional, environmental… You name it. Wherever you are in life and in the world, there will be a set of problems that you’re faced with every day. It could be as simple as what to put on your shopping list, or it could be as complicated as restructuring a multinational corporation that you’re the CEO of. The crucial point is this:

Every human problem has a human solution.

This is something I sincerely believe is the case, no matter what you’re facing. But you can only deal with it if you know how to deal with problems in general. The problems we face are all different, but they’re also the same.

The Essence of A Problem

They’re the same because a problem is defined as:

"a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome".

Let’s unpack this:

An obstacle in your life, causing you some degree of pain, that you have to push past both mentally and physically.

It may be an obstacle put there by a friend or foe, by yourself or society, by your mind or the minds of others. This is what makes problems different – their origin.

What makes them the same is knowing a problem when you see it, and taking a series of actions to solve it.

So how do you do that?

There’s a list of stages you need to go through to solve any problem, and it’s what the title of this article hinted at. We’ve set the scene now, so let’s dive straight in.

Stage 1 – Notice

This is the easiest stage. It’s so easy you’ll barely notice you’ve done it, but it’s the most important. Noticing that something isn’t right.

This doesn’t mean you won’t deny it, or suppress it, or try to hide from it – all of those are common reactions. But they are reactions to that uncomfortable feeling that things are not as they should be. It could be an emotion that you’re feeling. Stress, anger, anxiety, sadness… Or it could be something you've seen. Data that isn’t right. Actions that aren’t being taken. Results that aren’t expected.

Think of when you looked at a bank or credit card statement and realised you’d spent more than you thought that month. You’ll feel some surprise, followed by pressure and maybe even fear or worry. That’s what noticing means.

Stage 2 – Define

You know you’ve got a problem now, but what IS it. What has gone wrong to cause this problem to appear? Let’s carry on with our previous example. Your bank statement is too high, and you’re feeling some pressure.

How did this happen? Maybe you spent too much on food, clothes, or some other category. Maybe your utility bills have gone up. There will be a reason for the problem.

And it's the same with other problems too. Once you’ve noticed it, you need to define it so that you have a clear picture of what you’re dealing with. Turn that feeling of unease or that recognition of strife into something solid. Something you can understand.

This is where it becomes crucial not to hide, suppress, or deny the problem. If you do this, you’ll know because the negative feelings will never leave you, and will just build up instead.

Stage 3 – Analyse

Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s time to work out how you got there. What specific steps moved you into this dark place…

It might be your mindset. If you disregarded advice, or took a risk that proved too big to manage the consequences of, then you are responsible.

But it could be someone else, or a situation unfolding in your local area, in your workplace, or even globally.

The way to know this is to analyse it. Using our example again, a visit to a certain store may have tempted you with offers, or your energy supplier may have charged you more than you expected.

There’s obviously many different reasons why your statement could be too high, but you get the idea.

Then, break it down into precise details. What did you do each day of the previous month that contributed to the place you’re in now. What tariff or plan did you agree to with the companies and/or individuals that sent you bills? Is your line of work making you an income that’s enough to cover your costs, or are you spending more than what you earn? And so on.

By asking questions like these, and analysing the results, you’ll have all the information you need.

Stage 4 – Plan

Using the information you gained from reflecting on, questioning, and analysing the problem, you now need to build a plan that will knock down the imposing obstacle that’s looming over you.

This plan may include reaching out to family, friends or professional help. It may include radical changes to your spending habits, your lifestyle, and more. Or it could just be a few simple adjustments that you hadn’t thought of before.

What’s important is that you set small goals and move toward them slowly but surely. Just as you won’t finish a meal if there’s too much on your plate, you won’t solve a problem by dealing with everything at once. (Well, unless it’s a very simple problem. But even those require a plan.)

It may help to set S.M.A.R.T targets. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.

Stage 5 – Act

I’ve saved the best stage until last. Noticing is the most important, but acting is what gets you the results you seek and solves the problem. It can be tempting to spend all your time analysing, thinking, wondering… I’ve been like this a lot in the past.

But it will do nothing by itself. The most carefully constructed plans will count for nothing if you don’t fire the starting gun.

If you’re hesitant to tackle a problem, even with a plan like I discussed in the previous stage, then there’s no better thing to do than taking action. Blind action is unpredictable, which is why I recommend having a plan. Once you’ve got a plan, that’s one less excuse for not doing anything.

Action will also show you whether you got everything right in the previous stages. It’s the ultimate feedback experience. Without it, all you have is your own thoughts. And that’s not sufficient to solve a problem or you would never have to do anything except think!

Conclusion

Ok, you’ve now been introduced to the five stages of problem-solving. Now, you’ll notice in the title of this article I didn’t say “Easy Stages”, I said “Simple Stages”. It’s not difficult to understand each stage and why you need it, but it can be difficult to actually do them. That’s why I wrote this article, but if you have any questions or comments, please do put them in the comments below and I’ll answer them.

And if you’d like to know more, you can get in touch with me to see how I can help you with this in business. More specifically, you can ask me about how I can help your sales and marketing efforts with copywriting that takes these factors into account.

Is there any stage in particular that resonates with you?

And is there anything you think I’ve missed out?