5 Power Problem Solving Tips

The next time you feel you have too many problems to solve, plug in this little model and see how quickly you can make a mole hill out of that mountain.

1. Write it down. The process of thinking through a problem well enough to put it in words on the written page is an excellent step to analyzing the details of a problem and seeing how best to approach it. You may consider a "hassle log" in which to record all your problems that arise. This will allow you the opportunity not only to collect your thoughts but to look for patterns and commonalities in you problems.

2. Take on big stressors. Choose the one biggest stressor on your plate and attack it with a fervor. If your morning gets a bad start because your a breakfast person and you don't have time to cook in the morning, cook it at night and slip it into the refrigerator. Then set the alarm five minutes early and pop it into the microwave.

3. Don't sweat the petty stuff. Some problems are just not big enough to justify a big investment of your attention. The coffee guy at the corner shop may never come to appreciate you unique sense of humor. Accept it and move on.

4. Remember the 80:20 rule. Eighty percent of the things we worry about either are out of our control or never happen anyway. Concentrate on that twenty percent of things we can do something about.

5. Lean on me. Don't be too proud to ask for help. Research also shows the most successful businesses are those who problem solve together. Not only is it not a weakness to seek help, it is actually a demonstration of your ability to think outside the box.