How Can I Solve Any Problem in 5 Steps?

When you encounter an unexpected problem, what do you do?

Try the following 5 steps to help you solve any problems.

Clearly state what the problem is and the goal you want to achieve.

Problem: Your car battery died, and you have a job interview in the morning.

Goal: Get to the job interview on time.

Make a list of possible solutions to achieve your goal.

Ideas: walk, bike, rent a car, ask a friend to drive you, take the bus, fix the car.

Evaluate your solutions by considering factors such as time, cost, effort, or effectiveness.

Choose the best solution that meets your goal based on the factors you identified.

Solution: Taking the bus will be cheaper than renting a car and faster than walking.

Outline a plan of how you will implement the solution.

To help you visualize the plan, write down the steps you'll need to complete.

Plan: Look up bus schedule, purchase bus ticket, get up early to catch bus.

Reflect on how well the solution met your goal to learn for next time.

• Did you choose the right solution?

• How can you improve next time?

Results: You made it to the interview an hour early. Luckily there was a cafe next door where you could wait and practice your interview questions.

Problem:

Need money to buy textbooks.

Goal:

Get access to textbooks before the first assignment.

Try It!

Choose a problem or goal you need to achieve and work through the 5 problem solving steps.