A 5-Step Process To Solve Any Problem
How I put the saying “Everything is figureoutable” into practice
Every great discovery started with someone trying to solve a problem. Every invention, every creation, every great idea began in some way or another with someone identifying an issue and deciding to fix it.
In her book, Everything Is Figureoutable, author Marie Forleo tells tales of how she discovered that every problem, in some form of another, has a solution. With the right attitude and the right tools, you can tackle anything that you face in front of you.
“You can do whatever you set your mind to if you just roll up your sleeves, get in there, and do it. Everything is figureoutable.” — Marie Forleo
After applying this principle and the lessons from her book to my life, I started noticing some patterns in my problems — and have compiled a list of a few steps that have allowed me to solve problems:
#1: Identify the problem
Recently, my car’s been having issues. (Honestly, that’s a lie, my car is always having issues, but that’s not the point here.) In order to be more proactive about these issues, I decided to go out and buy a $10 code reader to read the engine codes on my car if any arose.
“The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.”
― Albert Einstein
I think we often need the same kind of thing in our life. We need a code reader to tell us what’s really going on. Sometimes this looks like talking to a therapist or other mental health professional about our emotional problems. Sometimes it means looking into our diet to figure out what’s been causing us to have weird reactions.
Get to know your problem.
“Clarity comes from engagement, not thought!”
― Marie Forleo, Everything is Figureoutable
The more accurately you diagnose the problems in your life, the better.
#2: Find out the origin of the problem
Oftentimes, the issues that we’re dealing with aren’t really the core issues. I often find this to be true in relationships. I’m not actually mad that my brother didn’t text me back…I feel like he doesn’t love me.
When my boyfriend cancels our plans, what should be a simple reschedule has me feeling like we’ll never be happy together.
“There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.” — Henry David Thoreau
There are so many hidden issues in our day to day life that are important to determine and repair, as well as soothing the surface issues. Both have to be paid attention to in order to return to a state of normalcy.
Finding the origin of a problem is important so that you do more than just solve the symptoms of a larger problem. It’s like how you wouldn’t just keep refilling the oil in your car if your oil was leaking from your car, you’d want to solve the leak so that you wouldn’t have to keep fixing symptoms.
#3: Seek wise counsel
We are all the experts on our own lives — but that doesn’t mean we’re the experts on our own problems. Sometimes we’re partial, clouded, and unable to move forward the way we need to.
I can’t even begin to express how helpful it’s been to work through problems with the loved ones in my life. My mom, my roommate, my boyfriend, my younger brothers, and countless friends serve as great advisors.
Sometimes, depending on the problem, I can consult someone who really does specialize in that area too. Oftentimes this looks like talking to my therapist, calling a mechanic, or inquiring online about solutions that other people have found.
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” — Clarence, It’s A Wonderful Life
Why flounder around not knowing what to do when there are people in your corner and throughout the world who could easily give you some insight and next steps? You don’t have to solve your problems alone.
#4: Address areas surrounding the problem
Maybe there are some things surrounding the problems that are in your life, that don’t directly cause your problems, but influence them. I’ve been watching a lot of Grey’s Anatomy recently and am learning a lot of (albeit probably incorrect) information about how the body works together.
“The only way to fail is not to fight.” — Amelia Shepherd, Grey’s Anatomy
Oftentimes, when we’ve had a problem existing in our life a while, it’s started to affect other areas. One thing that I’ve seen portrayed a lot in Grey’s that I decided to look into is organ failure. Due to an injury or an infection, the problem spreads, eventually affecting the entire body.
A good problem solver knows to remove the “tumors” of our lives with clear margins, to make sure that the problem doesn’t grow back or continue to spread in other areas.
5 — Do the next right thing
So many of our problems arise out of a failure to execute. Countless relationships, companies, ideas and groups have failed because execution never happened. A great idea was concocted, it was just never put into practice.
I won’t look too far ahead
It’s too much for me to take
But break it down to this next breath
This next step
This next choice is one that I can make
My mom recently realized a great way to help me get unstuck when I’m in an anxious tailspin of not knowing what to do or where to start.
She simply looks at me and in a beautiful reference to the movie Frozen 2, says “just do the next right thing.”
“A sum can be put right: but only by going back till you find the error and working it afresh from that point, never by simply going on.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce
Problems are an inevitable part of life. Doing life well, in my opinion, means rolling with the punches and handling the things that come up with dignity, peace, fun, and ingenuity — ready to do things a little bit better next time. Best of luck!
