The Problem-Solving Journal: Write Your Way to Solutions

Published in

Obsidian Observer

5 min readAug 15, 2024

When we encounter a problem, our initial reaction may be to discuss it with a friend or ponder it quietly. However, there’s another tool we can utilize: journaling. By writing about our challenges, we can gain clarity, foster creativity, and uncover solutions that may have eluded us.

Let’s delve into the process of using journaling as a proactive approach to overcoming personal or professional challenges.

Why Journaling Works for Problem-Solving

Before delving into methods, it’s important to understand why journaling is such a powerful tool for problem-solving.

Documenting our thoughts allows us to clear clutter, making room for ideas.
Putting our problems into words compels us to define them, and seeing them written down enables us to approach them more objectively.
Writing can spark connections and insights that we might not have otherwise discovered.

Now, let’s explore some journaling strategies for problem-solving.

Brain Dump

Sometimes, the first step to solving a problem is getting our thoughts about it out of our heads and onto paper.

To do a brain dump, set a timer for 10–15 minutes. Write down everything that comes to mind about the problem without filtering or organizing your thoughts. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or making sense — just write.

After the brain dump, take a break. When you come back, read through what you’ve written. You might be surprised by the insights or patterns you notice.

The 5 Whys (5W)

The 5 Whys technique is a way to investigate a problem by consistently asking “Why?” Here’s how it works: Begin by defining the issue at hand.

Then, inquire about the reason behind the problem. Record the response. Review your answer and ask “Why?” once more. Repeat this cycle five times.

For instance:

Problem: I frequently arrive late for work.
Why? Because I struggle to get up on time.
Why? Because I feel too exhausted in the morning.
Why? Because I lack sleep.
Why? Because I stay up late at night.
Why? Because I spend time on my phone before bedtime.

By the fifth “why,” you may have identified the cause of your issue.

If you want to learn more about journaling, please see my Journaling Articles for more insights.

Future Self Journaling

Sometimes, we can gain insights by imagining that we have already solved our problem.

Give this a try; Picture yourself six months or a year from now with your problem resolved. Write about your life from this viewpoint.

What has changed?
How do you feel?
What steps did you take to address the issue?

This exercise can help you visualize solutions and inspire you to take steps.

Considering Worst Case Scenarios

Our worries about a problem are often worse than reality. Writing down the worst-case scenario can help us gain perspective.

Consider the worst-case scenario if you can’t solve the issue or your solution fails. Consider how likely this outcome is, and then reflect on how you would handle it if it did occur.

This exercise can show us that even the worst situation is manageable, easing anxiety and allowing us to think clearly when problem-solving.

Generating Solutions

Set a timer for 10 minutes. Challenge yourself to brainstorm as many solutions as possible.

Write down all ideas, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. Quantity matters more than quality. Upon reviewing your list, you may discover that an outlandish idea leads to a solution or even eliminates several useless options.

For example, if your problem is “How to reduce my daily commute time,” your list might include:

Wake up earlier
Move closer to work
Find a job closer to home
Work remotely
Buy a jetpack
Learn to teleport
Create a wormhole
Ride a bicycle instead of driving
Carpool with colleagues
Use public transportation

While some ideas (like teleportation) are clearly not feasible, and you write because you find them humorous, they might spark more practical solutions. For instance, the idea of a jetpack might lead you to consider faster modes of transportation, like an electric scooter or motorcycle.

Planning Actions

Once you have a solution, use your journal to map out a plan of action.

Outline each step required to implement your solution.
Identify resources and potential obstacles for each step.
Assign deadlines for completing each task and describe how you will determine if your solution is effective.

This process transforms your solution from a concept into a plan.

Remember to Be Kind to Yourself!!!

Keep in mind that finding solutions takes time and patience. By writing about a problem, you keep it at the forefront of your mind, allowing your subconscious to work on it even when you’re not actively jotting things down. Often, solutions may come unexpectedly. Perhaps while taking a stroll or doing tasks.

Your journal serves as a space for exploration and personal growth. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t have all the answers immediately. Use your journal to think, delve into ideas, and reflect on your progress. Be patient with yourself. Acknowledge the effort you’re investing in solving challenges.

Through practice, you’ll likely discover that journaling becomes a tool for problem-solving. It provides release, clarity of thought, and a documented journey record. Embrace the process, have faith in your ability to find answers, and let your journal be a companion on this path of development and self-discovery.

Start Your Problem-Solving Journal Today

Now that you’ve learned about the power of journaling for problem-solving, why not give it a try? Here’s a simple way to begin;

Pick a journal or notebook that resonates with you.
Allocate 10 to 15 minutes today to jot down a challenge you’re dealing with.
Experiment with one or two of the methods mentioned in this article, like the brain dump or the 5 Whys.
Reflect on what you’ve written and note any insights you’ve gained.
Commit to journaling about your issue for a week, trying out different approaches each day.

Remember, consistency is key. Even if you don’t find a solution, regular journaling will help you clarify your thoughts and enhance your problem-solving abilities over time.

Don’t hesitate — pick up your pen. Start paving the way to solutions today!