The first step (always the hardest, right?)
in solving a problem is recognizing you have one.
Were all familiar with the feeling of grappling with a head-scratcher for longer than wed like.
This post originally appeared on theHelp Scout blog.
Stuckedness isnt always immediately apparent, and we arrive at the realization in different ways.
Meanwhile, the tasks that loom largest on our lists remain undone.
Once you identify your personal problem-avoidance tactics, its easier to recognize the Im stuck moment.
Here are a few tactics to deploy the next time you notice youre deep in the stuck.
Apply Tried-and-True Problem Solving Frameworks
The bad news?
There is no formula for problem solving, says Michael Kallet, author ofThink Smarter.
If there were, wed plug the worlds problems into the formula, and we would have no problems.
The good news is theres no shortage of ways to look at problems that generate ideas for solving them.
A very practical one isinversion thinking, which is useful for addressing the negative, Greg says.
Instead of, What can I do to be brilliant?
you might start by asking, What should I do to avoid being stupid?
In that way, inversion thinking can eliminate nasty problems.
With a little practice, Craig says, it can be used to quickly diagnose almost any problem.
Youre on a roll, so youll feel the stubborn urge to dig in and focus on the problem.
Step away and let your subconscious take over for a while.
Einstein dubbed it combinatory play and reportedly experienced major breakthroughs during his violin practice.
Ever wonder why you arrive at your best ideasin the shower?
Im constantly reflecting on relationships with my teammates and how I can better support and guide them.
Describe what the problem is, what youve done, and where youre stuck.
They discuss and help one another with political issues, personnel trouble, and tough technical problems.
We tell each other everything, Chris says.
We have no fear in this group.
No One Is Immune
Fittingly, I got stuck writing this piece.
I worked on other projects.
I may or may not have played a few rounds of solitaire.
Do you need me to proofread the draft of your post?
I asked Greg in Slack.
Can you tell Im procrastinating?
Eventually, though, I realized what I was doing.
I stood up, closed my computer, and took a walk around town.
I polled my teammates.
I read some books.
I got some sleep.
Image byFranzi(Shutterstock).
