5 ways to break down problems into more manageable steps

You thought you were ready...

You thought you could handle it...

But things became too much...

You need help!

Sometimes no matter how much you think you're ready, and thought of everything, problems can become overwhelming.

Having a plan, or strategies in place, to help you tackle problems in your life may be all you need to help accomplish your goals.

Can your problem be solved in one task or do you think it might take several days/weeks/months?

Knowing this will help you create a plan.

Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash

Brainstorm and think about all the steps you'll need to do, then prioritize them:

• Which needs to happen sooner?

• Which can wait?

For example...

Steps for updating the bathroom:

1. Pick out tile, vanity, and fixtures.

2. Request time off of work to be home during installation.

3. Clean out the bathroom of all my stuff.

If you're not sure of some of the steps, write down how to do it or who could help you.

For example...

4. Ask Andy to help me find a plumber.

To keep you on track, create milestones.

A milestone is:

an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development.

For example, if you're writing a paper your milestone could be:

"By the end of the week, I'm going to have my rough draft complete."

This will help you know if you're on track and making progress.

Stuck? Need advice?

Reach out to friends, co-workers, family, or experts. Share your challenges with others. They may be able you give you another perspective and/or guidance.

Some problems are simple, and others are complex.

If you start to feel overwhelmed, slow down.

• Are you still on track?

• Did you miss a step?

• Do you need additional help?

This will help you anticipate what needs to happen at each step and make adjustments.

These accomplishments can help you feel more in control and empowered that you're moving in the right direction.

Without a plan, problems can overwhelm you. But now you have a plan!