Having A Problem Solving Problems? Solutions come easier with goals

By Annabelle Reitman

Problems are messages
Shakti Gawain

“Something is wrong” is the simplest definition of a problem. It is the point of becoming aware that we are “stuck”, have hit a stone wall, have taken the wrong action step, or we actually fear success.

A goal is a desired outcome toward which you direct time and energy. Setting goals is a basic element of problem solving. Goals are specific, measurable, realistic, and timed; they may also have cost factors and/also resource constraints. An easy immediate goal being accomplished in a small amount of time, e.g. make an appointment, write one email, return one phone call, allows you to check off one item on your “to-do” list. One action leads to another encouraging you to commit to a longer-term goal, thereby solving a problem, e.g. gain five new clients within 6 months or design a new global marketing campaign by September 1st.

Start first with making the problem a reality. A problem becomes concrete by:
· Describing the situation
· Defining the predicament
· Listing objectives to be accomplished
· Explaining impact of solution
· Implementing action

Now, establish your goals initiating a plan of action to resolve the problem. This will enable you to:
· Know where you are headed – your ultimate objective
· Be aware of your progress – monitor your activities/tasks at specific intervals
· Set the priority of your daily/weekly tasks
· Establish a timeline for each task
· Revise objectives and plan of action as necessary
· Feel a sense of accomplishment

Before implementing a project, determine obstacles that you may need to face and resolve before moving forward: physical, conditional, or psychological. The most common barriers to success include: cost/financial, time/deadline limitations, self-confidence/motivation, and/or non-productive behavior. By only seeing barriers in totality is self-defeating and leads to much pressure being felt.

Moving one step at a time is a major ingredient of success and allows you to break a major or overall large goal into a number of smaller goals. This lessens anxiety, stress, and allows you to face barriers bit by bit. For example, if your goal is to obtain an advanced degree and you are looking at the entire projected financial cost; it can be quite considerable and a major barrier. Instead, total the cost of taking one or two course for the first semester (including books and fees) and see if that is manageable. Or, research grants, scholarships, what types of courses will your employer pay for, etc.

In other words, look at the problem from a positive angle: “Is there some way I can make this work?” “What would it take to make it work?” By not accepting that problems exist without solutions, you will tear down or eliminate barriers and achieve your goals.