8.4: Problem-Solving Strategies

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Below is a simple list of four problem-solving strategies that can be applied to any aspect of your life.

What is the problem? Define the problem in detail. How is this problem affecting me and other people?
How are other people dealing with this problem? Are they adjusting their use of time? Can they still complete responsibilities, and on time?
What is my range of possible solutions? Are solutions realistic? How might these solutions help me reach my goal/s?
What do I need to do to implement solutions?

If you experience setbacks when pursuing your goals, you also may wish to review the questions about focusing with intention on goals listed earlier in this chapter.

Be confident that you can return to your intended path with the passage of time. Acknowledge the ways in which you need to regroup. Read inspiring words from people who have faced adversity and gained. Line up your resources, be resolved, and proceed with certainty toward your goals (Bruce Hill, 2022).

Activity 8.2

Identifying Your Goals

In order to achieve long-term goals (from college on), first you will need to achieve a series of shorter goals. Medium-term goals (this year and while in college) and short-term goals (today, this week, and this month) may take several days, weeks, months, or even a few years to complete, depending on your ultimate long-term goals.

Take a moment and identify your short (today, this week, and this month) and medium-term goals (this year and while in college) that will help you achieve your long-term goal.

Identify one long-term academic or career goal.
Identify two related medium-term and two related short-term goals that will help you achieve your long-term goal.
Be SMART about it! Identify Specific, Measurable, Actionable and Relevant activities to achieve in a certain timeframe (Time-bound).

Review the guidelines below, and fill in the blank sections to the best of your ability.

Guidelines

Phrase goals as positive statements: Affirm your excitement and enthusiasm about attaining a goal by using positive language and expectations.
Be exact: Set a precise goal that includes dates, times, and amounts so you have a basis for measuring your progress.
Prioritize: Select your top goals, and put them in order of importance. Prioritizing helps you understand how much you value each goal and helps you manage goal-related tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Take the lead: Identify goals that are linked to your own performance, not dependent upon the actions of other people or situations beyond your control.
Be realistic but optimistic and ambitious: The goals you set should be achievable, but allow you to reach a little higher than what you may think is possible. Certainly don’t set your goals too low.
Be hopeful, excited, and committed: Your enthusiasm and perseverance can open many doors!

Table: Identifying Your Goals
Goal Priorities	My Precise Goals	What I Am Doing Now To Achieve These Goals
Example: Long-term goal	I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. My major will be Radio-Television-Film, and my minor will be Spanish.	I am attending the college of my choice and getting good grades in my major.
Example: Related medium-term goal	I would like to study abroad in Spain before I graduate.	I need to get busy with this! I will inquire this week about what I need to do next.
Example: Related short-term goal	I will need to get financial aid for at least a portion of my studies.	I have filled out the forms for financial aid. Last week I applied for a part-time job.
Goal Priorities	My Precise Goals	What I Am Doing Now to Achieve These Goals
Identify your long-term goal
Identify a related medium-term goal #1
Identify a related medium-term goal #2
Identify a related short-term goal #1
Identify a related short-term goal #2