How to simply solve problems

Accept the problem. This is the one I try to do first when I run into a problem and I use it almost every time. When you accept that the problem already exists and stop resisting then you also stop putting more energy into the problem and feeding it. Now it just exists (well, more or less, you might still feel a bit down about it). And you can use the energy you previously fed the problem with the energy that probably made the problem look bigger than it was to find creative solutions to the challenge. Ask for help. You can ask people for advice on what to do and what they did in similar situations. But you can also ask for more practical help. You don't have to solve every problem on your own and sometimes it feels better to have someone by your side, even if it is just for emotional support. If you just ask you may find that people will often be willing to help you out. Avoid behaviors that make the problem worse. When you're having a problem with someone, first try talking to a person you trust; whether it's a significant other or just a friend, sometimes it's easy to do things that make the problem worse before you have the chance to make them better. Break the problem down into smaller pieces. Solving a problem can sometimes seem overwhelming and impossible. To decrease anxiety and think more clearly break the problem down. Identify the different parts it consists of. Then figure out one practical solution you can take for each of those parts. Use those solutions. They may not solve the whole problem immediately. But those solutions can get you started and might solve a few pieces of the it. Find the possible solutions. Now that you've broken everything down and analyzed the parts and people, it's time to find the potential solutions to the problem. Don't rule any out at the start. Think of this as a brainstorming session. Everything is permissible at this stage. Note the pros and cons and pick your solution. Once you have your list of solutions, consider the pros and cons of each. Be as specific as you can, as you're now examining the tradeoffs of an option. Every choice will have a price. It may be trivial, like placing a phone call, or might be more substantial--agreeing to a reduction of an owed amount to finally get paid. Know what you can live with and what you'll have to do to make the solution work. Be clear about what the problem is. Before trying to argue with someone and come to a solution for whatever the problem is that the two of you are having, make sure you understand what's really bothering them first. Sometimes people seem mad about one thing but really they're mad about something else. If you want to really fix the problem, it's a good idea to make sure you're working on the right problem first. Find the opportunity and/or lesson within the problem. I have found that there is almost always a positive side to a problem. Perhaps it alerts us of a great way to improve our business or relationships. Or teaches us how our lives perhaps aren't as bad as we thought. Finding this more positive part of the problem reduces its negative emotional impact. You may even start to see the situation as a great opportunity for you. When you are faced with a problem ask yourself: What is the good thing about this? What can I learn from this? What hidden opportunity can I find within this problem? Try to see the other perspectives. When you're fighting with someone it's easy to feel that you're right or your way of doing something is best. You're working with your own brain after all. However, people rarely argue with you just to be contrary. They're doing the best that they can with what they know and the situation might look very different from their perspective. Try seeing things from their side of the field in order to help you find a way to meet in the middle. Make sure they feel respected and in control. When people feel disrespected or cornered, they will often become more argumentative and combative, even if they would normally agree with you. If you see a personal situation developing, try taking steps to make that person feel like they have more control and that they are respected. You will find that suddenly they are much more willing to talk. Take Action And Solve Your Problem. Get busy. Get going. Develop a sense of urgency. The faster you move in the direction of your clearly defined goals, the more creative you will be. The more energy you will have. The more you will learn. And the faster you will develop your capacity to achieve even more in the future. You can solve any problem, overcome any obstacle or achieve any goal that you can set for yourself by using your wonderful creative mind and then taking action consistently and persistently until you attain your objective. Success is a mark of a creative thinker, and when you use your ability to think creatively, your success can be unlimited. I'm grateful for inspiration from www.wikihow.com, www.briantracy.com, www.positivityblog.com and www.inc.com. Thank you!