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Step 1: Figure
out the Problem 
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Step
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Example
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- Think about what the problem actually is. Try and look
at the situation from all angles or points of view. Think
about how you want things to change, and whether this is
a reasonable goal. Often, we might think of problems in
broad terms, and it is better to try and simplify the problem
in order to come up with better solutions.
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- Initial thought about problem; "I feel overwhelmed."
- The problem simplified: "I'm involved in too many
things. I need to reduce the demands on my time."
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Step 2: Brainstorm
Solutions 
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Step
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Example
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- Try and "brainstorm" solutions, coming up with
as many ideas about how to solve a problem as possible.
Bounce your ideas off of other people, and get feedback.
Don’t throw out things right away that you don’t
think will work, or seem farfetched. Later on, these ideas
might not seem as bad as you first thought.
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- Organize my time better.
- Stop some of the things I’m involved with, or limit
the time I’m involved.
- Ask someone else to take over some of the things that
I do.
- Hire someone to do my chores at home.
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Step 3: Choose
a Solution 
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Step
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Example
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- Apply the different situations you come up with to the
problem, and anticipate how things might go (good and bad)
with each one. Chose the solution you think will produce
the best outcome with the fewest problems.
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- Organize my time better — I’m already pretty
organized, so it will be hard to do better.
- Stop some of the things I’m involved with, or limit
the time I’m involved — I know a few things I
can stop or limit.
- Ask someone else to take over some of the things that
I do — Well, my wife is the only one who could, and
she’s also too busy.
- Hire someone to do my chores at home- That might be pretty
expensive.
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Step 4: Plan the
Approach 
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Step
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Example
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- Then think about how to apply the solution to the problem.
What might be the best time, or the best way? It is also
helpful to anticipate what problems might come up with a
certain approach, and have "backup" plans ready
so that you can use them if need to.
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- I can ask Joe to help me coach my son’s soccer team,
which would help. I don’t need to bowl twice a week,
just once. My bowling partners might be upset, but maybe
I can find out if someone else wants to take my place.
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Step 5: Solve
the Problem 
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Step
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Example
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- Put your plan into action. If the problem involves another
person, try and be a good listener. Offer to try and work
with the other person towards resolving the conflict. When
approaching a person about a problem, try to avoid using
statements that are accusing ("you" statements).
Instead, approach them from the standpoint of how you feel
("I" statements). When appropriate, try and express
appreciation when the other person is willing to work things
out and reach a solution to a problem.
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- Hey Joe-I’m pretty strapped for time, so I was wondering
if you could help me run soccer practice. I would appreciate
it. Maybe we can alternate running practice so that it is
easier on both of us.
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Step 6: Evaluate
How the Plan Worked 
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Step
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Example
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- Think about how well your solution worked. Did it solve
the problem, or create new ones? If the solution did not
work out as planned, go back to step 1.
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- Coaching soccer and bowling less has reduced the demands
on my time and have made me feel less overwhelmed, but I
miss bowling with my friends. Maybe I need to rethink what
I should give up.
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Review and Revise
- Develop your own monitoring/rating system for the outcome.
Did it work like a perfect "10" or a 5?
- Always note what went well with the plan and what you feel good
about having accomplished. Even if it wasn’t perfect, you
probably made some positive changes in your behavior that will
help next time.
- Evaluate the differences between your expected outcomes and
the way it actually turned out.
- Use this information to help you plan for similar problems the
next time. Forewarned is forearmed.
- Problem solving is an ongoing process, not a one-shot deal.
Big life problems probably won’t get solved the first time
you use these steps. But with repeated attempts, you can make
changes each time that lead you closer to where you’d like
to be.
- It is a good idea to have a specified time and place to keep
track of your progress on a particular problem and to plan what
you will do about it in the future (Remember the "Goal Setting"
module). A weekly planning meeting is a great place to do this.
Now let’s put problem-solving into action!
Use the homework sheet to help you through these steps.
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