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Chapter 80 of the book Self-Help
Stuff That Works by Adam Khan:
WHEN IT COMES TO SOLVING problems, using a formal procedure works
better than letting your mind wander, so I have one for you. It
involves four steps, and you do them in order. These steps are
ancient. You could almost say this is the method to solve a problem.
Anything else is less efficient and less effective. When you look
them over you may think this is all very obvious and you can easily
see why this method will work. But the important thing is using it.
When you are confronting a problem, use this method:
| 1. Clarify the problem. Attempt to
write down what the problem is, specifically. Writing it
down is better than doing it in your head. Use a lot of
paper on this one; it’s an important process. Write
something down, then try to improve on it. Keep working
until you have a clear, simple statement of the problem.
2. List the causes. What has caused this problem?
Usually a problem has more than one cause. List them all.
3. Create possible solutions. This is where you
can use your imagination. During this stage, first come up
with all the ideas you can think of. Then kick back and
relax. Use your imagination. Let your mind ponder the
problem in its own way, as if you were daydreaming about
possible solutions. Look at it from different perspectives.
How would an old sea captain look at this problem? How would
Gandhi look at this problem? You don’t know how those
people would actually look at the problem. But you can use
your imagination and that will get you out of your habitual
point of view. Let your mind wander, but keep bringing it
back to the problem. Don’t work at it. Do it in a way that
is playful and fun. And stop every once in a while and jot
down some ideas.
4. Select your favorite solution and try it. You
have a collection of possible solutions, and reading through
them probably sparked some more ideas. Write them all down.
Then look over your ideas and choose what you think is the
finest solution among them. Now put it into action.
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YOUR SOLUTION won’t always work. No big deal if it doesn’t
— you have others to try. Take this step-by-step approach and
you’ll gain traction and equilibrium and a feeling of control —
something that really helps when you’ve got a problem to deal
with.
Problems are an important part of life, and it’s always in your
best interest to improve your ability to create good solutions.
Mastering this formal procedure will help. It may be the shortest
distance between a problem and a satisfying solution.
To solve a problem:
Define the problem, list the causes, think up
possible solutions, and pick the best one.
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Here's a way to make your work more
enjoyable.
Play the Game
One way to be promoted at work and succeed
on the job may seem entirely unrelated to your actual tasks or
purpose at work.
Vocabulary Raises
This is a simple technique to allow you to
get more done without relying on time-management or willpower.
Forbidden Fruits
Here is a way to turn your daily life into a
fulfilling, peace-inducing meditation.
Life is a Meditation
A good principle of human relations is don't
brag, but if you internalize this too thoroughly, it can
make you feel that your efforts are futile.
Taking Credit
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