When you are faced with a problem, how do you go about solving it? Do you let it overwhelm you, or do you flex your problem-solving muscles and figure out the best solution?

Begin With A Positive Approach When a problem arises, it’s easy to enter panic mode or envision worst-case scenarios. Before you let your mind go there, take a step back and address every problem as simply another situation. It is a challenge that, with the right approach, you can handle. Part of that approach is thinking positively and creatively about the situation.

 Define The Problem What exactly is the challenge you are facing? What about this particular situation is causing you stress and anxiety? You must clearly define the problem to resolve it. Not only should you clarify what the problem is, but you should also see what caused the problem.

Address The Situation From Different Directions Geniuses solve issues with out-of-the-box thinking. You need to see the problem from every angle before you begin offering solutions.You should think: Are there other problems that are affecting this obstacle? If so, you need to address it first.

Brainstorm Solutions To The Problem Part of addressing the situation from different directions is to come up with not just one but several solutions. There are likely to be multiple solutions to any single problem. The first conclusion that comes to mind may not be the best one, but the more you focus, the more solutions you will find. That’s why brainstorming all possible resolutions is an essential step to problem-solving.

Find The Best Solution To Solve Your Challenge Now, not all possible solutions you outlined will be a good fit. You should be able to narrow down each method and see which is the most effective for your issue. Do this by comparing each of the results with the one you believe to be the most ideal. 

Prepare For The Worst Before you jump at the chance to solve your problem with the best-fit solution, consider the repercussions of the solution. Now is the time to jump to worst-case scenarios–What will happen if the solution fails? Knowing the answer to this will allow you to prepare if it doesn’t resolve your dilemma.

It’s unnecessary to feel overwhelmed and confused when a problem arises. Stress and unhappiness come from how you respond to those situations. When you enhance your problem-solving skills, you will experience determination when the next difficult situation arises.

While you may not know how to resolve most issues right away, you will know the problem-solving steps to take to uncover the best response: Define the problem, determine the cause, discover the best solution, take action, and analyze the outcome.