Solving problems can be really stressful if we let it be.  We sometimes spend more time focusing on the problem than the solution..

Often when you have a problem people tell you to write out a list of pros and cons. This can be good but sometimes despite going through a million and one different scenarios you just still don’t know the answer, so then what?  In Coaching it can be very easy to get ‘stuck in the problem’ with a client, so it’s really important for the Coach to ask questions around the problem.  Coaches help Clients to focus on solutions, rather than dwell on the problem.  The same applies when working through the problem solving process on your own, dwelling on the problem isn’t going to help you move forward.

There are loads of different strategies and techniques out there to make it easier.

I find my 5 W approach works well for me .. What, When, Who, Wild, What If Approach

1. WHAT is it specifically that’s happening?  Be really clear about the problem, break it down from every angle possible.  It might be that by breaking it down some parts are easy to solve, leaving just a few areas to work on
2. WHEN – When did the issue/problem start?  What triggered it?  When has it happened before?  How did you deal with it then? What was the outcome?  What have you done about it so far?
3. WHO – Who can help you work it through?  Don’t just try and solve it on your own, bring in help.  Whether it’s your family, friends, a colleague, Coach or an internet search.  It’s more than likely that someone has dealt with a similar problem before
4. Go WILD - Play – Write down solutions that seem completely crazy, that’s how fabulous ideas are often created. How could it be approached? Brainstorm.  Sit and think through as many options as possible, what are you missing?
5. WHAT IF – What if you weren’t scared?  What if someone else could help?  What if money wasn’t an issue?  The ‘What If’ question helps you to move from an impossible situation to one that might be possible.  Yes, it can be stretch if you’re not in the right zone, but suspend the impossible for a moment and see if a ‘What If’ question helps open up some more ideas.

Finally change your attitude.  All problems can be seen as opportunities to grow and develop. Try and view them as challenges to overcome rather than the end of the world.

For me when I’m really stuck I have Coaching with my Coach.  She helps me to get clarity and formulate an action plan enabling me to move forward.  I am an ‘in my head’ kind of person and I often find that while my friends/family have great ideas they’re not solutions that I’ve come up with so they don’t always work for me.  In fact I would go as far to say that when I take people’s advice pretty much every time the outcome hasn’t been what I wanted. That’s not to say their advice isn’t good, but advice is just information for you to pick and choose.  It’s easy to get into the trap that now you’ve asked for advice you feel you have to take it.  You don’t!  It can be a useful way to help you formulate your ideas but ultimately you need to make the right decision for you, for your life.

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If you missed my Be My Guest post the other day with Louise Thornton PR then you can read more on it in my previous post.  Missed last week’s post on Gratitude visit here.

Have a great weekend!