The Art of Problem Solving: 10 Effective Ways to Cope With Problems
In this article, we talk about 10 effective ways to cope with problems. With the coaching techniques we share with you at each step, you will get closer to the solutions and you will be able to make yourself more resistant to problems.
We all face many problems, big and small, throughout life. Sometimes things go well and we manage to find solutions to our problems. Sometimes we cannot find a solution and get used to living with them.
These days, you may be trying to get rid of carelessness, perhaps indifference, or a nuisance you fell into when you had no faults. It does not matter! You may be at the very beginning of a problem or at some stage of solving it. Maybe you are looking for solutions to the problems of the organization you work for right now. If you can somehow stop blaming the past, the circumstances, or yourself, you will already realize that everything is starting to work out.
No problem in life is permanent. As I always say, all troubles come and go. If it does not pass, know that it is not a problem. Sometimes we fall into the misconception that the negative things we experience will last forever. The longer the problem lasts, the more this thought will grip us. That’s why we need to focus on solutions and action as soon as possible. However, when we manage to lift our heads and look a little further, we can easily realize the days when everything will be left behind. Just try looking a little further right now.
First, there must be some strong thoughts to keep in mind when dealing with a problem. We can summarize these principles, which will shed light on us protecting our power, as follows:
(1) More broadly, problems are the only tools that strengthen and develop us. The things we learn while coping with problems make us stronger throughout life. (2) No problem is unsolvable, it is people who remain unsolved. As Atatürk said, there are no hopeless situations, there are hopeless people. (3) Any solution we find should cause a few problems in the future as possible, or at least not cause greater distress than the problem itself. (4) The solution to a problem you are dealing with must be under our control.
First of all, one or more of the ways that we will talk about here will definitely benefit you in solving the problem you are currently experiencing. It may not eliminate all your problems, but you can be sure that it will bring you a little closer to the solution. As long as you listen carefully to what I tell you in this video, try to put it into practice.
Now, I want you to think about a problem you’re having. Maybe you’ve been living with it for years, maybe you’re looking for solutions to a problem that happened to you a few days ago. By trying to evaluate all the steps I will explain in the context of this problem, you can put this information into practice now.
1. MAKE A CLEAR DECISION
Showing a willingness to solve a problem is more important than anything else. Do you really want to find a solution to this problem you are experiencing? Be sincere and honest with yourself. If your answer is yes, the following sections will make much more sense to you.
There are several factors that determine our willingness to find a solution to a problem. First, the problems we experience may have secondary gains, and so we are not very willing to fix that problem. The second thing, maybe it’s someone else who thinks you have a problem, not you. The third factor is that most of the time the solution to your problem is not within your control. Or that you think so. In such cases, you remain inactive and do not want to take a step toward a solution.
Apart from all these situations, if you have decided clearly and unequivocally that you have a problem, then you have started to overcome it. They say: Running away from your problems is a race you can never win.
The best way out of a difficult situation is to go through it. (Robert Frost) Recognizing that you have a problem and taking responsibility for it will also give you great strength to solve it. In the words of Albert Ellis, “The best time of your life will be when you accept that the problems are yours. You will not blame anything or anyone for them. And then you will realize that you can control your destiny.” It is a fact that “No one gets rid of a problem until they are willing to admit they have it.” (Joyce Meyer) But “Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than trying to solve them.” (Henry Ford)
In the words of Alan Cohen, “Having a problem means you have a purpose in life.” It really is, isn’t it? If you have a strong purpose in life, your problem will begin to fall short of your purpose. This is exactly what we call goal-oriented thinking… Your goals act as a pole star in your life. With this perspective, you can turn everything that comes your way in your life into a part of reaching your goal.
Think of it this way; In fact, your goals are not just something far away in the future, they are also high, somewhere you need to reach out. With this perspective, you can use your problems as a stepping stone to get there. You can get there not by time, but by overcoming obstacles and problems, by working and striving. Therefore, in this process, try to remember your goals in life, once again, strongly. If you think that you do not have a strong purpose, perhaps this period will provide you with a good opportunity to set a purpose for yourself.
2. DEFINE AND CLARIFY THE PROBLEM
Identifying a problem is half of solving it. Sometimes we resist acknowledging the problem and waste time. Sometimes the way we deal with the problem leads to bigger problems. For example, we try to ignore, ignore, or belittle the problem. Oftentimes, these can put our lives in unbearable situations. We know that today’s problems are partly due to yesterday’s solutions. (Peter Senge)
In fact, we model the way we deal with problems from our parents. We internalize their approach to problems over time and apply them to our own lives. Most of the time these models are not very functional. We continue to use them until we develop awareness and are willing to change ourselves.
“People remain unsolved not because they can’t see the solution, but because they can’t see the problem.” G. K. Chesterton
Now take a pen and paper in your hand and try to define the problem you are experiencing with a clear expression. For example, the following expressions are often used: My problem is that I am unwilling to study, my problem is my smoking addiction, my problem is that I get angry quickly. or not making enough money. However, these expressions are not very useful for solving the problem.
Try to answer these questions: What exactly do you want with your problem? At this point, you should try to focus on the positive result. For example, the statement “I want to live healthily” would be more accurate instead of “I want to quit smoking”. Also, try to answer: Why is it important to you to solve this problem? What exactly will you get when you solve the problem? Answer each question sincerely.
If you have come this far with me, I can say that you are one step closer to the solution. Intending to solve the problem by revealing it is the biggest step toward a solution.
3. CHANGE THE MEANING YOU ATTACH TO THE PROBLEM
The way we approach the problem is the biggest factor that determines whether we can solve that problem or not. Joyce Chapman says, “If you perceive something as a problem, your perception is a problem. At this point, we have to face the fact that what we see as a problem may not actually be the problem itself.
“You’re a great problem creator,” says Osho, just understanding that is enough to make the problem disappear. “Look at the problems in your life and ask yourself: What thoughts do I have that bring it out?” (Louise Hay) “The way you see the problem is the problem. The real problem is that we think the problem is outside of ourselves.”(Stephen Covey) “Advanced person is aware that the problem is not in the event, but in the way, he looks at that event.” Epictetus
Being able to look at the problem you are experiencing from different perspectives will enable you to review the meaning we attribute to it. Most of the time, the wrong, exaggerated, or unnecessary interpretations are the only factor that creates the problem itself. One way you can give a different meaning to the problem is to change the cognitive contexts that frame it. In this way, we can gain a different perspective on the problem by giving it a new meaning. Now, try to look at this problem you are experiencing 10 years from now. What do you notice? Does your emphasis change a little? How does your perspective on this problem change when you compare your own experience with what other people are experiencing? What do you think will be the positive impact of this problem on the rest of your life?
Louise Hay says, “I don’t solve problems. First I analyze my thought process, and then the problems are solved by themselves.” In light of all this, take a closer look at how you describe your problem and change it if necessary. For example, instead of calling it a problem, you might prefer to describe it with a more positive expression. Wouldn’t it be a little more motivating for us if we said a “learning opportunity” an “adventure” or a “unique experience”?
When you look at yourself from the outside, what do you notice that is positive about yourself experiencing this problem? When you look at your life in general and focus on the big picture, how does experiencing this problem affect your life in a positive way? What do you need to say that I’m glad I had this problem in my life? Think of people who have had similar problems and have turned them into success stories. What do you think you can do differently to turn this problem into a success story? Humor can sometimes be one of the most powerful tools to prevent unnecessary meanings to problems. What do you think is the funny part of this problem you are having?
4. ARE YOU A VICTIM OR A HERO?
You are bigger than your problems, never forget that. Problems feed on your fears and worries. Thinking without fear will prevent you from seeing problems as bigger and more insurmountable than yourself. One way to show that you’re not afraid of them is to act like you’re already expecting it. If you are blaming, whining, or angry, you are putting yourself in the position of a victim. You know what happens to victims. You cannot draw any useful conclusions from this for yourself. When you face the events with fortitude and take responsibility, then you have started to be the protagonist of your life.
The quality of the questions you ask yourself will determine the success of the results you achieve. At this point, you should be very careful about the language you use and the questions you ask. The longer you ask the wrong questions, the further away you get from the solution. The way you communicate with yourself, the words you use frequently, and the questions you ask yourself are the only indicators that reveal whether you are a victim or a hero in life. Here are a few examples:
Why did this happen? – What did I learn from this and what can I do now?
I made stupid mistakes. – I take responsibility for this on my own.
Why is this happening to me? – How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?
Who is guilty? – What can I do differently in the future so that this does not happen again?
As the Tibetans say, “There’s no use worrying if the problem can be solved. Worrying is useless if it cannot be resolved.” A mind filled with fear and anxiety cannot function. Especially when you act anxiously in moments of panic, the problem can become inextricable. At such times, it is necessary to think healthy and gain time to calm the waters. For example, you can try to take a few deep breaths or get away from the environment you are in.
“If you are clean and clear in your mind, you can find solutions to all the problems that arise in your life,” says Osho. By doing the exercises in these videos, you will be able to relax your mind a little and improve your ability to focus on the solution. Because we know: “You cannot solve a problem with the level of consciousness that created it!” (Albert Einstein)
Joseph Murphy states: “When you reach what you call a difficult decision, or when you can’t find a solution to a problem, immediately start thinking constructively about it. If you’re afraid or worried, don’t count it out from thinking about it. To really think means to be free from fears.”
To cope with problems, you need a solution-oriented mindset. Now, I want you to picture a situation where you are in a very active mental model. If you recently had an experience where you felt mentally strong, practical, and solution-oriented, you can try to remember it again. Wouldn’t you wish to be able to enter this mental mode any minute, any time you want? Who would not want that? We can use thought hats for this. A mental hat will quickly provide you with the mental change you need. Now imagine you have a hat. Specify the color and shape of this hat in detail. And imagine that you put this hat on your head by re-entering the dream a little while ago. Imagine yourself in detail with this hat you put on when you feel mentally good and strong. From now on, every time you imagine wearing this hat, you’ll be able to quickly switch to problem-solving mode.
5. BRIGHTEN YOUR MIND, THINK CREATIVELY
If all you have is a hammer, you start to see everything as a nail. (Abraham Maslow). Many times we do not have the appropriate tools to solve the problem. Or we always try to apply the usual solution methods to different problems. Sometimes we do the same things over and over and expect different results.
“Every problem has a solution, you just have to be creative enough to find it.” (Travis Kalanick). Of course, we are not talking about artistic or scientific creativity here. But it is certain that every positive outcome we want to bring about in your life will need a creative touch.
“If you can’t solve the problem, it’s because you’re playing by the rules.” (Paul Arden) Creating creative solutions to this problem will both motivate you and make it easier for you to get results. Try looking at yourself and your surroundings from a different perspective. Try to use tools that you have never used before to solve your problem. Try taking a step back and looking broader to see the relationships and connections between situations. Look at the solution of problems on other subjects and try to find inspiration from the applied methods. Research the stories of people who have found solutions to similar problems you are experiencing.
6. CONSULT YOUR INNER WISDOM
When we encounter a problem, getting advice from others can sometimes offer us shortcuts. For example, even with a simple internet search, you can reach other people’s solutions and find solutions to your problems quickly. However, you cannot find the answer to the important question in your life on the internet or in the opinions of others. The solutions to these problems can only be found within you. One of the ways to reach this inner wisdom is to visualize a person who inspires you and consult their views. This person may be a person whose opinions you value, perhaps no longer living, or even a hero in a novel. Try to imagine meeting with him, discussing this issue, and what advice he might be able to give you. Look at yourself through his eyes and listen to the advice he can give you. Remember, imagination has no limits.
Another way is to call your subconscious mind to a task before going to sleep at night and ask it to answer this question. Joseph Murphy’s suggested technique may help you: For him, sleep is a kind of counseling office. Before you go to sleep, ask the vast intelligence of your subconscious to guide and guide you. After that, maybe wait for the news that will come while you are awake. Do you want to solve a problem or find something lost? Focus all your attention on the solution and think about how happy you will be when you reach the solution. And live it how you feel. Then fall asleep.
Another method for solving the problem you are experiencing is to try to look at yourself from the outside. You can think of this problem as if it had happened to a friend of yours. Imagine giving him advice on solving this problem. Joyce Chapman also advises us: “I often recommend that people write about a problem by seeing it as someone else’s story. This is a valuable technique for turning negative things into positives.”
7. BREAK THE PROBLEM INTO SMALL PARTS
When faced with a big problem, we often get anxious and don’t know what to do. However, when we define the problem and look at it from different angles, we can conclude that the problem is not as scary and big as we thought. Another approach that we can use at this stage is to break the problem into small parts. When we break it down into bite-sized bites, temporally or quantitatively, it will be easier for us to swallow it. We focus on one part at a time and increase our chances of solving the problem that seems big at first. It’s like cutting a watermelon into slices and eating it. Oftentimes, using this method is both motivating and rewarding. Now try to break down your own problem into as small parts as possible. And try taking action by focusing on the first little piece.
8. MAKE AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE SOLUTION
What many people actually need is a roadmap to resolution. So it’s important to have an action plan that shows you what steps to take. First, discuss all your options. Review the resources you have available. Think of people you can get help or advice from. For example, it would be helpful to draw a mind map on a piece of paper. Visualizing the steps you will take will make it easier for you to see the whole. Identify the pros and cons of each option for the solution. Reveal their commonalities and differences. In this way, instead of choosing just one, you will be able to combine your options and reach a better solution.
You can also consider the following information: First of all, the more people who find a solution that works for them and benefits them, the more likely it will be realized. For example, try to get together with people who have had the same problem as you and have overcome it. Identify people who can solve your problem and think about what needs you can meet in return.
9. TAKE ACTION
The only way to solve a problem is to take action for it. Here is a motivating application: Imagine you have found a solution to this problem you are experiencing, then what would you do? Visualize that moment. Try to feel this experience with all your senses and see it in detail. What are you experiencing? Next, look outside at yourself as you have this experience. Isn’t it motivating? Try to do this visualization at regular intervals. The more often you dream about this experience, the more likely it will become a reality someday. The more you take action and the more results you get, the better you will feel.
Also, taking action will ease your anxiety about the problem. Ask yourself right now, what can I do about this? But this action doesn’t have to be something that will solve all your problems. Just focus on solving a small part of it. Once you have already broken down the problem into parts, you will know which part to focus on to take action. This will give you morale and motivate you. If you can’t take a step right now, plan your actions when you do.
“Most of the problems in life arise from two reasons; to act without thinking or to keep thinking without acting.” Zig Ziglar
10. RESOLVE YOUR EFFORT
If you have followed the steps described so far, I can say that you have come a long way in your problem. You may even have solved it. But of course, you may need a little more time for bigger problems, this is normal. Now you at least have a system and the necessary tools. Each of the steps you take toward the solution will work and will bring you a little closer to the solution. After that, it will depend on you sticking to your plan and steadfastly following the remaining steps. Know that the moment you think nothing is working, you are much closer to the result than before. Remember, you don’t drown because you fall into the river, you drown because you give up.
Jacob Riis has an inspiring anecdote on the subject. He says: When I am desperate, I go, find a stonemason, and watch him. The man may hit the stone a hundred times; but not break it, not even a tiny crack can form in it. Then suddenly, at the one hundred and first hit, the stone splits in two. That’s when I realize that it’s not the last blow that splits the stone, but the ones before it.
To summarize what we have said so far… First of all, in order to solve your problem, you must admit that you have a problem and be willing to solve it. Try to clarify your problem by describing it. Remember, you remain unsolved not because you can’t see the solution, but because you can’t see the problem. Change your perspective on the problem. You cannot solve a problem with the level of consciousness that created it. You are the protagonist of your life, not the victim of your problems, keep that in mind. Develop alternative options for the solution and arrive at a better solution that is a combination of all of them. Instead of familiar solutions to the problem, try to come up with creative solutions. Trust your inner wisdom and keep in mind that you already have all the resources to solve problems. Make a solution-oriented action plan and enjoy breaking the problem into small parts and facing each one individually. Take action and take one small step towards a solution. This will give you the motivation you need. Whenever you think you are not getting results, remember the patience of the stonemason. No problem will be able to withstand the strength of your determined efforts.
Tayfun Topaloglu
Reference: “Sorunlarla Baş Etmenin 10 Etkili Yolu”
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