Are you trying to sharpen your problem-solving skills? Collaborating with an Executive Function (EF) coach can be a step in the right direction. Problem-solving skills help in many different aspects of life. From taking on tough school assignments to navigating personal challenges, having strong problem-solving skills can help you find creative solutions. Fortunately, problem-solving skills can be developed with training and practice. According to one study, developed Executive Function skills are key to creative problem-solving. Strong problem-solving skills can be essential to success in school and other aspects of your life.
When you want to build your problem-solving skills, professional support can bring major benefits. In addition to working with a coach, you can also work to make progress on your own. By following practical problem-solving tips, you can continue elevating your skills.
5 tips to improve your problem-solving skills
- Take smaller steps — Looking at the big picture can be helpful. However, sometimes the big picture is too much to take in at once. Trying to consider all the aspects of a problem at the same time can be overwhelming and frustrating. Instead, try to break your problem down into smaller parts. Focus on one part of the problem at a time. Focusing on each part separately can make you more effective and reduce the stress that comes with confronting a complex problem all at once. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a class essay, for example, you may want to start with a simple outlining process. Outline one paragraph at a time; then gradually go back and fill in your outline. This approach can be helpful for managing a range of responsibilities, from school assignments to at-home chores.
- Stay calm — Do you often get stressed when you run into an obstacle? While stress can be an understandable reaction, it tends to have a negative effect on concentration and productivity. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, you might feel like your judgment is clouded. It may become harder to make decisions on how to handle any given problem. To make sure you handle your problem in a rational manner, try to stay calm. Avoid rushing. Instead, give yourself time to think before each action. Your EF coach can help you practice specialized relaxation and concentration techniques for staying calm and focused.
- Ask for help — You don’t have to handle every problem on your own. If you’re having trouble finding a solution to a challenge, it’s OK to ask for help. In many cases, the most useful form of help is feedback. Getting input from another person can help you see your problem in a new light. Asking for help can also strengthen your collaborative skills, which are essential for many different tasks. When you ask for help, it’s important to practice active listening. Active listening means consciously taking in and absorbing what the other person is communicating. Instead of interrupting or focusing on your response, try to focus solely on the person speaking. If you still feel confused afterward, asking follow-up questions may be useful. Active listening can help you process helpful advice and apply it to the problems you’re working to solve.
- Learn from each problem — Each problem you face is a learning opportunity. Whether you solve a problem or not, you will learn something from the process of trial and error. Situations that seem like failures at first are often more informative than apparent successes. Once you realize a certain approach doesn’t work, you can start to adjust your own approach to be more effective. Adapting to challenging circumstances is an essential part of developing strong problem-solving skills.
- Stay positive — Dealing with persistent obstacles can be frustrating. However, it’s important to stay positive as you look for a solution. To stay positive, try to shift your perspective on progress. Look at setbacks as opportunities for improvement. This can help you stay motivated. Positivity can also boost your confidence and creativity, which could be key to overcoming the obstacles you face.
Develop your problem-solving skills with Beyond BookSmart
An Executive Function skill like problem-solving plays an important role in a student’s work routine that will benefit them both now and in their future endeavors. Executive Function skills can be applied to any student’s success because they can be both taught and learned.
At Beyond BookSmart, we help students hone their Executive Function skills by personalizing our Executive Function coaching services to their individual needs, learning differences, and emotional challenges.
Contact our team today for more information about our training programs or to schedule an inquiry call.
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