Problem-Solving Method from The Achievement Habit

Transform Your Problem-Solving Approach: A Practical Method from "The Achievement Habit"

In "The Achievement Habit: Stop Wishing, Start Doing, and Take Command of Your Life," Bernard Roth talks about problem-solving that focuses on reframing problems to uncover more effective solutions. The key insight is that if you're stuck on a problem, you might be working on the wrong one. By shifting your perspective and asking the right questions, you can find better ways to achieve your goals.

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The Achievement Habit Summary + TOC

Quotes Audio Achievement Habit

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Step-by-Step Procedure for Effective Problem-Solving

1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the problem you are facing. Write it down in a single sentence.
2. Reframe the Problem: Ask yourself, "What would it do for me if I solved this problem?" This question helps you understand the underlying needs or goals behind the problem.
3. Identify the Higher-Level Goal: Based on your answer to the reframing question, identify the higher-level goal you are actually trying to achieve.
4. Formulate a New Question: Create a new problem statement that directly addresses the higher-level goal. This new question should guide you towards more effective solutions.
5. Brainstorm Solutions: Generate a list of potential solutions to the new problem statement. Be open to creative and unconventional ideas.
6. Evaluate and Select a Solution: Assess the potential solutions based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with your higher-level goal. Select the best solution to implement.
7. Implement and Test: Put the chosen solution into action. Monitor the results and be prepared to adjust your approach if necessary.

Questions to Guide the Method

• What is the specific problem I am trying to solve?
• What would it do for me if I solved this problem?
• What is the higher-level goal behind this problem?
• What new problem statement can I create to address the higher-level goal?
• What are the possible solutions to this new problem statement?
• Which solution is the most feasible and impactful?
• How will I implement and test this solution?

Concrete Examples of Implementing the Procedure

Personal Example: Improving Health

1. Identify the Problem: "I need to lose weight."
2. Reframe the Problem: "What would it do for me if I lost weight?"
3. Identify the Higher-Level Goal: "It would improve my overall health and energy levels."
4. Formulate a New Question: "How can I improve my overall health and increase my energy levels?"
5. Brainstorm Solutions: Regular exercise, balanced diet, better sleep, reducing stress.
6. Evaluate and Select a Solution: Start with regular exercise and a balanced diet as the most impactful changes.
7. Implement and Test: Begin a workout routine and meal plan, track progress, and adjust as needed.

Business Example: Increasing Sales

1. Identify the Problem: "How can we increase our sales?"
2. Reframe the Problem: "What would it do for us if we increased our sales?"
3. Identify the Higher-Level Goal: "It would improve our market position and profitability."
4. Formulate a New Question: "How can we improve our market position and profitability?"
5. Brainstorm Solutions: Enhance product quality, expand marketing efforts, improve customer service, enter new markets.
6. Evaluate and Select a Solution: Focus on enhancing product quality and expanding marketing efforts as initial steps.
7. Implement and Test: Launch a product improvement initiative and a new marketing campaign, monitor sales data, and refine strategies accordingly.

Alternative Problem-Solving Methods

1. The Five Whys Technique

Ask "why" five times to drill down to the root cause of a problem. This method helps uncover the underlying issues that need to be addressed.

2. SWOT Analysis

Analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to your problem. This method provides a comprehensive view of the factors influencing the problem.

3. Mind Mapping

Use a visual diagram to map out the problem and its related components. This method encourages creative thinking and helps identify connections between different aspects of the problem.

4. The PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

Follow a continuous improvement cycle: Plan the solution, Do (implement) it, Check the results, and Act on what you learn to make further improvements.