Nine Steps For Solving Any Problem By Earl Nightingale

Introduction

Whenever we face a problem, we need to have a strong problem-solving ability in order to come out of it. Problem-solving is very much similar to decision making which is like solving a simple problem, and goal achievement are like solving the problem of moving from where we are to where we want to be. They are all closely related functions of creative thinking. For every problem, there is a solution, no matter how big or complex it may be. Earl Nightingale gave nine steps for solving any problem. They are:

Nine Steps For Solving Any Problem

1. Define the problem: The first step of the nine steps for solving any problem is to define it. You need to first understand the problem and define all its aspects and its nature before trying to work on its solution. It is the most important step as it brings clarity.
2. Write down each and everything you know about the problem: The second step of the nine steps for solving any problem is to write down all the information that you have about the problem. You might get this information from books, the internet, friends, business associates, or from your own experiences. 

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3. Decide who and what you need to bring into the solution: You need to find the people and resources that can help you and after determining them, contact and talk to them to take all the information they possess that can help you in solving the problem.
4. Note down everything that is germane to the problem: The fourth step of the nine steps of solving any problem is to note down each and everything that’s germane to the problem. Do not forget anything that can help you in finding the solution.
5. Conduct a personal brainstorming Individual Ideation: This step refers to the step of solving any problem creatively. It is called “Individual Ideation.” This is personal “brainstorming,” or thinking without thinking if it is good or bad.
6. Utilize Group Brainstorming: The sixth step of the nine steps for solving any problem is Group Brainstorming in which you put the minds of the other people to work on the problem without any negativity or criticism.

7. Evaluate your ideas and rate them for their effectiveness, facility, time, and cost: After writing down all your ideas, rate them for their effectiveness ranging from ‘very effective to ‘probably effective’ to ‘doubtful’ and facility that ranges from “easy” to “not so easy” to “difficult.” Measure your ideas against four yardsticks i.e., effectiveness, facility, time, and cost.

8. Create an ‘Action Plan’: The eighth step of the nine steps for solving any problem is to enter your ideas into an “Action Plan”. You need to decide when to start, who should do it, and how to do it. It is as important as the solution itself.
9. Give yourself a deadline: The last step of the nine steps for solving any problem is to give yourself a deadline for putting your plan into action. We tend to work hard and more efficiently when we have a definite time element involved.

Conclusion

The nine steps can make you an efficient problem solver. Problem-solving, decision-making, and goal achievement have a lot in common. Therefore, you can attack them in the same way. It’s the people who believe that ‘every problem has a solution, found it and not the people who did not believe in it. These nine steps for solving any problem given by Earl Nightingale enhance your creativity and your problem-solving ability.