Let’s Talk Lifestyle: Problem-Solving

Hey y’all!! So if you’re into gaming at all, then you’re probably aware that Fire Emblem: Three Houses came out for the Nintendo Switch a few weeks ago. If you have a Switch and are into strategy games, you should definitely give this one a try. And while I’ve been playing through this game, I’ve had quite a few opportunities to solve some interesting tactical puzzles (the game can be unrelentingly brutal at times). It’s been interesting seeing the opportunities for problem-solving in the game and seeing how the process is the same with problems in everyday life. And I figured that’s something we all deal with, so it’s something we should discuss. So pull up a chair and let’s talk problem-solving.

Everybody’s got problems

Some have more than others. And whether it’s an issue with communication, taking care of yourself, or practicing self-control, we all have to find ways to overcome our adversities. That’s where the process of problem-solving comes in.

I want to emphasize that problem-solving is a process

As a software engineer, I’ve found that there are steps to working through a problem. And how effectively one task is done affects all subsequent actions down the line. So we have to take care to learn and practice as much as we can at every part of the process.

That doesn’t mean we’re going to be amazing at every aspect of problem-solving. Some people are just more geared towards it than others. But having the knowledge means that we know where we’re weak and where we’re strong. Then we can use that knowledge to get support with the steps that we need it for. So let’s walk through it.

First, identify the problem

Not the most enlightening statement ever. I’m pretty sure most of us know what the problems in our lives are. But bear with me while I explain.

The main thing about problem-solving is it’s about coming up with solutions to solvable issues. Emphasis on solvable. While you might have some troubles, you can’t fix a problem that has no answer. So identifying whether or not the issue can be resolved is the first step in problem-solving. Like, I’m 5’10” (1.778 m for my metric system peeps), and as much as I’d like to be 6′ (2 m), that’s not a problem I can fix. So I’ve got to accept and plan around it. At least until more information reveals that it can be remedied, but we’ll revisit that. If your issue can be solved, then move to step two.

Identify the source of the problem

This is pretty important because if you don’t know what’s causing the issue, it can’t be fixed. For example, my car is making some weird noises. So I take it to the mechanic, who tells me that one of my belts is loose, causing some pretty horrendous shrieking. But if the mechanic hadn’t diagnosed the root cause of my issue, I wouldn’t have had any idea of what to do. So before you do anything else, figure out the source of the complication. Because aimlessly trying things to fix an undiagnosed problem can make things worse.

Finally, make a plan and execute

At this point, we know what the issue is and what’s causing it. So now, all we have to do is solve it. There’s a saying by Desmond Tutu that goes “there is only one way to eat an elephant; one bite at a time“. I’m pretty sure your issue isn’t how to dine on a trunked animal, but you can approach it the same way: break down your problem into chunks and incrementally handle them.

The process is simple, not easy

As with most things in life, the actual application of problem-solving can be difficult. Some problems are pretty straight forward and can be solved almost instantly. Others might take more time and effort. But either way, we have an underlying process for problem-solving that can be tailored to suit our individual strengths and weaknesses. That being said, I want to add a few notes on handling issues.

It’s iterative

This means that you might have to go through the whole process or a step multiple times to see progress. Sometimes you find that as you try to determine the source of an issue, that there is another issue causing it. Which means you have to find the root of that one. And I know we’ve all had times when we solve one problem, just for another to arise. Sometimes, new information might come to light that makes a previously impossible problem, solvable. As with any sort of process, it or its parts need to be repeated as many times as it takes to achieve the desired result. So don’t lose heart, and stay the course.

It’s different for every person

We are all humans. And while the underlying process might be the same, you must do it in a way that works for you. People are pretty different, and we all have some unique ways of approaching problems. So find the method of fixing issues that highlights your strengths.

Ask for help when you need it

There are some problems that you might have to face by yourself. That’s just life, unfortunately. But most of the time, people are more than happy to help. So if you think you need it, ask for advice or a hand. Just remember to run any counsel you get through your filter to figure out how best to apply it to your situation. Often times people will tell you what they would do, so it’s important to find the truth in their words, extract it, and use it in a way that works for you.

Be patient

Gary Vee often talks about macro patience and micro speed. This basically means that in the big picture you should be patient about achieving your goals, but extremely adamant about executing whatever you need to do to make them happen. The same thing applies to problems. Like I said above, some of them take time. If your problem is that you want to bench 500 lbs (226.796 kg), you’re probably not going to be doing that by tomorrow. But if you go to the gym, eat right, and recover correctly, then eventually you’ll hit that mark. Just stick to the process and remember these tips, and you’ll figure things out.

A quick philosophy on problems

Many people, sometimes myself included, believe that life would be better if we had no issues. But I was listening to a lesson by Sam Harris this week, and he said “do you really wish to live a life with no problems? Probably not”. I thought about that for a while and realized he was right. Let me explain.

Obviously, there are some problems that no one wants or should have. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, live in an active warzone, or fret about the safety of their children. Problems of survival shouldn’t be a thing.

But once you get past that, think about all of the things you’ve learned, and more importantly when you learned them. I think most of us will find that we learned the most, whether it be about the outside world or ourselves, during adversity or while problem-solving. That’s not to say we should be out causing problems to solve or looking for trouble. But we also don’t hide from or avoid problems when they do come our way.

My cousin once told me that “there is no growth without stimulus”

And that’s what these issues are. They are the stimuli to make us grow, evolve, and change into new, different, and better people. They allow us to reforge our very being into something that falls in line with who we want to be. And every challenge, every problem, provides us the opportunity to get closer to our ideal.

So I ask that when you have a problem to solve this week to see it as an opportunity to grow. Treat it as a chance to be better, to learn, to try something new. Treat it as a chance to grow into a more perfect version of yourself. As you go through the process of problem-solving, reframe how you approach the challenge. You’ll probably find that it’s well worth the effort.

I want to thank you for talking humans with me today. If you haven’t already, please subscribe! And please share! As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so drop a comment, hit me up using the Contact Me page, or find me on Instagram @ryokeniii. Also, don’t forget to talk humans with someone this week. Au Revoir!