We encounter a number of problems awaiting solutions and challenges seeking resolution in our daily life. These problems and challenges cause social change, adding colour to our dull and drab life. A problem can be any assignment that you need to complete. But remember you cannot change a problem to make it easier. A person gets confronted with a problem, when his road to achieve a specific goal is blocked. To come out of this novel situation, he needs either to eliminate or to lessen the problem.
Problem solving ability has an impact on one's success in life.It is a step by step process that need to proceed in an orderly manner. Problem solving is not an easy task,it may take several solutions but don't lose hope because problems can be made better with your hardwork and best effort.
Problem solving procedure involves a series of steps that you need to go through, when you are confronted with a problem:
- A person must be motivated to solve a problem
- A problem solving thinker needs previous experience to apply the solution of a problem
- Don't panic. Mentally prepare yourself to solve a problem.
- Define a problem and find out what is bothering you and why the situation is distressing
- Examine the situation with a positive mental attitude and approach it with confidence
- Identify the causes of problem
- Consider the available facts
- Find facts and get additional information
- Organize the relevant and sufficient information and avoid unnecessary references
- Recognize a problem and differentiate the main problem from sub-problems
- Develop your opinions and judgements
- Be patient and keep a record of your working
- Consult the problem with others and take their opinions
- Interpret the information by relating different issues according to your knowledge and experience
- Think as many alternative solutions as you can and examine each one, keeping drawbacks of each in your mind. Avoid focusing on a single solution.
- State and clarify the possible solutions and evaluate them
- Revise the solution and then implement it after selecting a perfect and suitable one
- Evaluate your problem solving process
- Look back and decide what was done
- Review your behaviour and learn lessons from the past
- Learn from your mistakes
A problem is an opportunity and a chance of getting out of rut of everyday and make the situation better. If you are encountered with a problem and need to arrive on a standard solution, then follow the very simple approach to resolve a problem i-e, problem orientation, problem definition, research, generation of alternative choices, decision making, and action and implementation of solution.
