Excerpt from Workbook 2 - Practical Problem Solving
Dr. Chris Williams

By working through the seven steps outlined below you can learn an approach that enables you to solve your own problems.

Example: Paul is currently feeling depressed and anxious. He has been off work and has a general problem that “I don’t have enough money”. Although this is a correct statement, it is not a very clear target for change.

A more specific target problem might be identified by Paul answering the question “Exactly what aspect of not having enough money is causing me a problem at the moment?” By asking this question, he is able to define more clearly the problem he wants to tackle first as: “I can’t pay my credit card bill this month.”

The seven steps to problem solving

Step 1: Identify and clearly define the problem as precisely as possible.
Q. Is this a clear, focused problem?

Step 2: Think up as many solutions as possible. One problem that often faces people when they feel overwhelmed by practical problems is that they cannot see a way out. It can seem difficult to even start tackling the difficulty. One way around this is to try to step back from the problem and see if any other solutions are possible. This approach is called brainstorming.

The more solutions that are generated, the more likely it is that a good one will emerge. Ridiculous ideas should be included as well even if you would never choose them in practice.

This can help you adopt a flexible approach to the problem.

Useful questions to help you to think up possible solutions might include:
·  What ridiculous solutions can I include as well as more sensible ones?
·  What helpful ideas would others (e.g. family, friends or colleagues at work) suggest?
·  What approaches have I tried in the past in similar circumstances?
·  What advice would you give a friend who was trying to tackle the same problem?

Step 3: Look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of the possible solutions.

Suggestion / Advantages  / Disadvantages

Ignore the problem completely. / Easier in the short-term with no embarrassment. / The problems will worsen in the long-term. It will have to be tackled sometime.

Mug someone or rob a bank. / It would get me some money. / It’s unethical and wrong. I couldn’t do it. I might be arrested. I couldn’t harm someone else in this way. That’s just ridiculous.

Arrange a loan or overdraft with my bank / It would allow me a better rate of interest than paying off the high rate on my credit card. I could also spread the payments over a longer time. / How would I do this? It would be scary seeing the bank manager. They may also say no.

etc

Step 4: Choose one of the solutions

This solution should be an option that fulfils the following two criteria:
a). Is it helpful? b). Is it achievable

Step 5: Plan the steps needed to carry it out

The questions for effective change.

Is the planned solution one that:

1). Will be useful for understanding or changing how I am?

2). Is a specific task so that I will know when I have done it?

3). Is realistic: is it practical and achievable?

4). Makes clear what I am going to do and when I am going to do it?

5). Is an activity that won’t be easily blocked or prevented by practical problems?

Step 6: Carry out the plan.

Step 7: Review the outcome.

Checklist:
Q. Was the selected solution successful?
Q. Did it help pay off the credit card debt (the target problem)?
Q. Were there any disadvantages to using this approach?
Q. What have I learned from doing this?

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For additional material, including examples and diagrams, see original pdf article