Problem Solving

Problem solving can be used to overcome procrastination and unhelpful thinking styles e.g. all or nothing thinking. Here’s an example of Louis who used problem solving to not putting off her piano practice.

  
    1.	Write down the problem.
Describe it clearly and in detail.

    I need to practise the piano but the pieces are too difficult. I will make a lot of mistakes and feel down. I’d rather do it another day.
  
    2.	 Think of all possible solutions.
Write down all the ideas you can think of without seeing them as good or bad.

Choose 2 or 3 ideas that seem the best.

     Do not practise at all.

Pick one piece to practise for today and the next few days: Pick the easiest one to practise/ Pick the most difficult one to practise. (seems like a good idea) 

Pick one piece to practise for each day: Start with the easiest, then increase difficulty/Start with the hardest, then decrease difficulty. (seems like a good idea)

Practise all 3 pieces.

     3.	Decide on one idea to try out.

    Think about the + and - of the top 2 or 3 ideas – how likely it is to solve the problem
  
Choose the best idea

    If I start with the most difficult, I will feel really down and not feel like practising it after. So I’ll start with the easiest. I would like to only focus on the easiest piece for today and the next few days so I feel more confident on perfecting that piece.
  
    4.	Plan the chosen idea.

    Practise only the easiest piece every day for the next 3 days. If i get anxious from thinking about the 2 other pieces, I will distract myself by doing something else e.g., go out for a walk
  
    5.	Carry out the idea.

    6.	What was the effect?

    I felt less stressed than usual and felt happy that I’ve mastered the easiest piece. My piano teacher praised me and encouraged me to practise the other pieces too. I feel more confident in learning the other two pieces.

Your Turn!

1. Write down the problem. Describe it clearly and in detail.

2. Think of all possible solutions.

Write down all the ideas you can think of without seeing them as good or bad.
Choose 2 or 3 ideas that seem the best.

3. Decide on an idea.

Consider the pros and cons of the top 2 or 3 ideas – how likely it is to solve the problem
Choose the best idea

4. Plan the chosen idea

5. Carry out the idea

6. What was the effect?

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