This is a method for problem solving. It will work with any challenge or problem you have – if you are willing to do the work. It was developed by the Earl Nightingale group and was taught as part of Bob Proctor’s Six Minutes to Success.
1. Define the problem clearly on paper. It should be so clear that anyone reading the paper would understand exactly what the problem/challenge is.
2. List any and all obstacles standing in your way of solving the problem. This should be a comprehensive list, including things like lack of knowledge or money, not enough team members, a poor attitude about your ability to solve this problem, etc.
3. List people or idea sources that might help to solve this problem. Don’t rush. Make as complete a list as you can. Then, ask the folks in your MasterMind group or other groups for more ideas.
4. List as many possible courses of action as you can think of. Be creative, and take your time. This is another great step to take into your MasterMind group. Be thorough (you’ll see why later).
5. Try to visualize the results of each course of action. Ask yourself if this result will solve the problem without creating other problems. Are the results acceptable? Are they desirable? Can you do what it takes to follow this course of action?
6. Choose the course of action that best suits you. Stick with it for long enough to see what results you will get. Evaluate the results. Are they what you expected? Will this course of action solve the problem? If not, choose another course of action. (No need to go back any further than step 6, as all courses of action and their visualized results have already been listed.) Thoroughness in Steps 4 and 5 have ensured this.
When I saw this, I was impressed with how simple the steps were. We all do some of them, and most of us do all of them—but not with focus and thoroughness. Thus, when we don’t see the results we want, we must return to step 1 to find a solution. That wastes time. Oh, the time I will save using this method. I hope you all benefit as well.
