Life is an obstacle course of problems. How we solve them has a huge impact on our success or failure. Here are a few tips to make you a better problem solver.

1  Does the problem exist?

We can create problems in our mind - and we are very good at magnifying a minor niggle into a major disaster. So, is there a problem here that needs resolving?

2  Have you taken the bigger picture?

Step back; try putting your problem in a wider context. How do others see it?

3  Is it really worth worrying about?

Will it matter this time next year?

4  Make sure it's your problem

Some of us are very good at absorbing and taking on the problems of the world, or at least our family or friends

5  Is there help available?

Ask! Does it have to be exclusively you that takes on the problem. Usually there is nothing wrong in asking for help.

6  Remember, worrying doesn't actually solve the problem

I often use the example that worrying is like pouring petrol (gas) on a fire; it just makes it bigger and fiercer and does the opposite of putting it out.

7 Are you making assumptions that are getting in the way?

These could blind you from a possible solution. If a problem feels overwhelming, try breaking it down into manageable chunks Apart from reducing your anxiety or procrastination, this may actually help find a better solution(s)

8 Change your attitude

A problem may not feel like an opportunity, but having a positive attitude isn't going to harm the process. Being less stressed and emotional about the problem, the more detached, the easier it should be to look objectively at possible solutions.

9   Don't jump to the first solution you think of

There are various models for solving problems, but most go through a linear progression. One stage leads to the next. None tend to go:- identify problem - immediate solution - implement that solution

10  Listen to your inner voice

Perhaps contrary to point 8, but sometimes intuition, or "gut feeling" needs to enter the equation when looking for a solution. Malcolm Gladwell's Blink is basically devoted to this topic

11  Has the problem "wound you up"?

Don't try to solve problems, unless you really have to, when you're angry, upset or emotionally "out of sorts". If the problem is getting to you, try to take a step back, calm down. If you're angry, you may come up with an aggressive solution.

12  Has the problem "got you down"

By the same token if you at all depressed, or your mental functioning is not 100%, now may not be the time to make a life changing decision. Unfortunately when your mood is low problems can seem even worse and its hard to think of anything else. But the solution is usually to postpone the problem solving until you are better able to deal with things.

13   Don't be afraid to make mistakes

Sometimes there may appear several solutions, and you just have to choose one. In most situations in life, you cannot guarantee success. You may get it wrong, you may make a mistake. Making mistakes is how we learn. Remember:- "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."  Thomas Edison

14  Don't be an ostrich

A rather well established myth is that when sensing danger an ostrich sticks its head in the sand, so the problem "goes away" as it can't be seen. Just because you shut a problem out of your mind, haven't opened the letter from your bank for example, it hasn't "gone away".

15  Utilize your subconscious

Have you ever worked hard on a problem without success, then sometime later when you were relaxed - say in the shower - the answer has suddenly appeared? Gather all the facts, look at possible solutions, and then put the problem aside for 24 hours or so. Be prepared, who knows when the answer may appear!