Are you feeling frustrated by the problems you face in your life? We have all had problems at work, school, or personal situations that we just can’t resolve. Some problem-solving efforts feel like banging your head into a brick wall. Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are stuck.
Is this a problem, or a tension?
Before you decide to tackle whatever crisis has landed on your desk, first discern if you really can solve it. It could be a tension that must be managed. You don’t need to solve every problem that comes through your email.
Some of these situations are tensions you must learn to manage. For example, you might have a conflict with a coworker that is affecting your productivity and morale. You can’t change the other person’s behavior or attitude, but you can change how you react and communicate with them. This is a tension that you need to manage, not a problem that you can solve.
A problem is something that has a clear solution or outcome. It can be defined, measured, and resolved. You can solve a problem by applying logic, analysis, and action. A tension is something that has no clear solution or outcome. It can be ambiguous, complex, and ongoing. You can manage a tension by applying empathy, creativity, and adaptation.
Is this mine to solve?
Once you’ve determined that the latest crisis really is a problem to solve, figure out if it really is your problem. You might be taking on a problem that really isn’t yours. Ask yourself is this really my problem?
For example, you might be asked to help out with a project that is behind schedule and over budget. You might feel obligated or pressured to say yes, but is this really your responsibility? If not, you might be better off saying no and focusing on your own priorities. This way, you can avoid unnecessary stress and burnout.
Just how big is this problem?
Figure out the scale and scope of the problem. Ask yourself, Is this a big deal? A little deal? Somewhere in between? Then apply the appropriate energy and resources toward solving the problem. For example, you might have a deadline looming and you are running out of time. You might feel overwhelmed and panicked by the situation. But is this really a big deal in the grand scheme of things? Will it matter in a week, a month, or a year from now? If not, you might want to calm down and focus on what you can do right now, instead of worrying about what you can’t control.
By asking yourself these questions, you can gain more clarity and perspective on your problems and how to deal with them effectively. You can also avoid wasting time and energy on things that are not worth your attention or effort.
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Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.