The Problem-Solver

That's you.  Not this page.  Not those other people you are complaining about.  You.

The good news here is -- you solve problems all the time.  Without noticing.  You have skills that you use routinely to solve problems.  You use them whenever it’s obvious how to use them.  When you notice a problem, that’s usually because the way you used those skills didn’t fit the problem.   

So don't make a big thing out of problems.  A problem is anything you want to do.  If you don't know how to do it.   Here we lay out some stops on the road to figuring out how to do things.  And offer a few suggestions about how to get unstopped.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

If you have a problem in mind, start with the Quick Solve Clipit.  You may not solve your problem there, but you will at least find out where you want to go next.

If you are just sampling how this venue works, start with the Warm-Up.  That will give you a feel for using the Quick Solve Clipit.  Then you might find the Quick Solve Clipit easier to use when you need it.

If you don’t get what you need out of the Quick Solve Clipit, you can get more help from the Turkey problems or from the four clipits.

A problem is your opportunity to show what you can do

Fixers believe they can fix.
  Complainers believe they can complain.
  They are both right.
But the complainers get more practice.

Solution slogans from the head team
Vulcan
Un
Empath
Engineer
Hunter

Quick Solve Clipit  
If you have a real problem to solve, start here.

Brain Warm-up

Turkey problems  

What is the problem?

What's wrong?

What changes do you want to see?

Idea Clipit
Choose Clipit
Plan Clipit
Troubleshoot Clipit

Ideator

Traditional Brainstorming
Semi-Structured Brainstorming

Kryptonite

The deer-in-headlight model for problem solving

Problems as homework
Child's play

Thinkerer's Tools, Layout
For serious problem-solving, lay out your tools so you can find them easily.

Problemater's Kit (.pdf)
Tools for brains that feed on problems

Self-confidence Clipit
Does solving problems build self-confidence?  You be the judge.

Practice in a virtual reality:
How to get into Second Life without really trying

Maybe Markets
Don't let your solutions go to waste.