Sometimes when we confront our problems, they seem too overwhelming to ever resolve. I have seen that happen when a problem feels too big and too close at the same time. Then we can get stuck. We may keep thinking about the issue, but still not know what to do next. Approaching the issue with a clear idea of what we want to achieve can help. Sometimes we focus on the issue so closely that we can’t even begin to see a solution. Fortunately, there are ways to make things easier.
Start by defining the problem
First, define the problem. It’s hard to come up with solutions when you don’t have a good grip on what the issue really is. Put it into words and write it down. This step may sound simple, but it matters. When a problem stays vague, it can grow in our minds. When we write it down, it becomes more real and more manageable.
You can ask yourself a few basic questions to help make the problem clear:
- What exactly is happening?
- Who is affected?
- When does it happen?
- What makes it hard to fix?
Next, try to think of what it is about this problem that is keeping you from resolving it. Write these barriers down too. Barriers might be things like money, time, access, energy, stress, or not knowing where to begin. Writing them down can help you see what is in your way. It can also help you notice which barriers you can work around and which ones may need support from someone else.
Brainstorm without judging your ideas
Now it’s time to brainstorm potential solutions. When brainstorming, write down all the solutions you can think of, even if they seem too outlandish to possibly succeed. As you go along, you might find ways you can adapt that solution to fit the problem more accurately. The point of brainstorming is not to be perfect. The point is to open up your thinking.
It can help to set a short time limit and just keep writing. Do not stop to decide if an idea is good or bad. A wild idea may lead you to a practical one. For example, if you are trying to get to an appointment, one idea may be asking a friend for a ride, another may be calling a bus service, and another may be rescheduling for a time when you can get support. Even if one idea will not work as written, parts of it may still help.
If you get stuck, you can ask:
- What would I try if I had more help?
- What has worked before?
- What have other people tried in similar situations?
- Is there a smaller version of this solution I could test first?
If you need help thinking through a problem, DNL can help. Our services are free. You can call us at (616) 396-5326. Sometimes another person can help you see options that are hard to notice when you are trying to handle everything alone.
Choose one solution to try
Once you have a list of possible solutions, choose one to try. Look for the one you think has the best chance of succeeding. This does not mean you must choose the perfect answer. It just means you pick the option that feels most realistic right now. A good solution is often one that fits your current time, energy, and resources.
Once you’ve chosen a possible solution, think about what steps you will need to take to reach your goal. Again, write the steps down. These are the actions you’ll take to resolve the problem. Writing the steps makes the work feel less overwhelming. Instead of one big task, you now have a list of smaller parts.
It can help to make a list of the pros and cons of each action you’re considering. Pros are the good things that may come from the action. Cons are the problems or risks that may come with it. This can help you make a choice that is thoughtful instead of rushed.
For example, if one possible step is to call a service provider, a pro may be getting answers right away. A con may be that you feel nervous on the phone. If that is true, you might decide to write down what you want to say before you call. That small change can make the step easier to take.
Break the plan into small steps
Next, select the steps you want to follow through with. Since many problems can seem too large to deal with, it’s important to break your plan down into small steps that you can actually accomplish. Small steps matter because they help you keep moving. They also give you a better chance to build momentum.
A small step might be something like:
- Write down the problem.
- List the barriers.
- Think of three possible solutions.
- Choose the best one.
- Take the first action on your list.
When a problem feels heavy, it can help to focus only on the next step, not the whole plan. You do not have to solve everything in one day. You just have to begin. If a step still feels too big, make it smaller. For example, instead of “make five calls,” start with “find the phone number” or “prepare the questions I want to ask.”
This kind of planning can also help with everyday problems like managing a schedule, finding services, or handling a conflict. The same process works in many situations. Define the problem. Name the barriers. Brainstorm. Choose. Break it down. Then act.
Know how you will measure success
Finally, write down the criteria for how you’ll know that your solution worked. What proof will you need to show that you successfully resolved your issue? This step is important because it gives you a clear finish line. Without it, you may keep wondering if you are done, or if you need to keep working on the same thing.
Your proof does not need to be fancy. It just needs to be clear. For example, success might mean you got the answer you needed, the problem stopped happening, you completed a task, or you found a new way to handle the issue. When you define success ahead of time, you can tell when your plan has done its job.
It can help to ask:
- What will look different when this is solved?
- What would I notice first?
- How will I know the action was worth trying?
- Do I need to follow up or check back later?
Now you know not only what the problem is, but some possible paths to take for solving it and the criteria for knowing if you were successful. With your plan in hand, you have a much better chance of acting on your problems and getting them off your mind.
Take one step at a time
Sometimes the hardest part is simply starting. When we feel overwhelmed, we may wait for a perfect plan before moving ahead. But a workable plan is often enough. You can learn as you go. If one step does not work, you can adjust it. If you need to choose a different solution, that is okay too.
It may also help to keep your notes together in one place. That way, when the problem comes up again, you do not have to start from scratch. You can look back at what you wrote, see what you tried, and decide what to do next. A written plan can save time and reduce stress.
And if you find yourself getting stuck again, remember that help is available. Disability Network Lakeshore is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties, Michigan. Our services are free, and we can talk through options with you. Call us at (616) 396-5326.
When problems feel too large, a clear plan can make them easier to face. Define the problem. Write down the barriers. Brainstorm possible solutions. Choose one to try. Break it into small steps. Then decide how you will know it worked. That process can help turn a hard problem into something you can handle one step at a time.