Owning It, How To Solve Problems

This post outlines one process for problem solving. This is a process I find helps me solve problems and has lead to success in my life. It may work for you, it may not. I should also point out that this post was unwittingly co-authored by my brother.

Own Your Shit

Okay so you made a mistake. That’s alright, we all make mistakes, but what sets apart the successful people are the ones who admit mistakes. Most of us don’t like the ego blow of saying we were wrong but doing so makes a big difference in the long run. It’s hard, it sucks, get over it.

Figure It Out

Now that you’re admitted the mistake this is the point where you figure it out. This may come in many forms: saying you’re sorry to a loved one, having an unpleasant conversation with a boss, various monetary cost, or just taking steps to solve the problem yourself. The idea here is that you find a way to solve the problem.

Ask for Help

Stuck along the way? It’s okay to ask others for help. For the most part people want to see you succeed. And if not, well ask someone else until you find someone who does. Even if you don’t listen to their advice often times listening to it can help you come up with a better solution.

One caveat though is asking others for help solving your problems and asking them to solve them are two different things. Most people are more responsive and willing to help when you can show them that you’ve thought it through.

Learn From It

Congratulations, you’ve just solved a problem! Now it’s time to learn from it and move on. Dwelling on your problems doesn’t tend to do any good. Yet, neither does making the same mistake twice.

In conclusion, life is complicated we all screw up and while I have to admit that I’m a hypocrite and sometimes fail to solve problems it may be helpful to have someone else ideas on how they go about solving problems.