Solve Big Problems Easily and Reduce Overwhelm

You have a BIG problem, and it's frustrating and overwhelming. If you don't have a problem, maybe you should consider creating one. After all, solving a problem is how you create your next level result. Are you creating opportunities that no one else has imagined?

If you work in small manufacturing (or any business), this post will be of interest to you.

Breaking down a big problem into smaller ones will make you feel better, and enable you to take action that creates the outcomes you want. The overwhelm you are experiencing is due to your inability to manage inputs to the problem, which prevents you from focusing and finding a solution.

It is likely to lead to inaction (feeling stuck), taking less risky action (playing it safe and wasting time or other resources), or doing the same thing over and over again (different side of the same coin).

I understand because I have experienced the same thing and know how it feels.

Creating smaller problems from larger ones has the following advantages:

1.) It is easier to tackle smaller problems.

2.) Multiple smaller problems can be solved simultaneously by dividing and conquering.

3.) You will have better communication and a plan to get to the end result, which will reduce frustration for your stakeholders.

4.) Removing the overwhelm allows you to produce better solutions and follow through on your commitments.

Now you may think, that's great, but how can I actually do this easily in a short amount of time, while ensuring that I have the right people involved?

Here are 5 questions to answer to help break a big problem down, so that you can tackle it in bite-sized chunks:

1. What is the headache (how the problem is described)?

2. What type of problem is it? (consistent, intermittent)

3. Where is the location of the problem? (person, place or thing)

4. What type of equipment, service, or circumstance is it happening?

5. What variety of equipment, service, or circumstance is it happening?

When answering each question, choose a path focusing on highest impact on cost, productivity and/or safety, and stick to it until the problem can't be broken down further. Let's assume the following example:

• Pump makes noises, the noises are intermittent (focus here),

• the location of the intermittent pump noises is pumps in Building A,

• it only happens on static pumps,

• and it happens on static pumps manufactured by Z 80% of the time.

Instead of solving noises for pumps (which is overwhelming), you can focus only on solving noises made by static pumps in building A produced by manufacturer Z.

Visualize your responses in a decision tree (Image A), and communicate the plan to resolve.

(Image A)

Notice the feeling of control that occurs when the problem is visible. It makes it easy to explain the approach to solve and what is left to be resolved.

The sense of overwhelm will dissipate as it becomes easier to believe the problem can be solved, and not worry about the potential consequences if it can't be solved. Sustainable solutions are more readily available to a calm and less stressed mind.

And the best thing about this approach is that it can be applied to all aspects of your life: wealth, health, relationship, and finding your perfect calling. It simply depends on the way you modify the questions.

If you have any questions or would like to explore how to make large problems small and manageable, schedule your free 30 minute mini-session.

After this call, you will have at least one thing you can implement immediately to reduce overwhelm on one problem in your business today.

Go to www.estrellaresultscoaching.com today!

Tiffiney Jahn, Founder of Estrella Results Coaching