Educational psychologists Kelvin Siefert and Rosemary Sutton (Siefert & Sutton, 2009) identified three helpful strategies for effective problem-solving: problem analysis, working backward, and analogical thinking. Problem analysis requires the identification of the various pieces of a problem and working on each piece separately. This becomes especially important when a problem appears to have many “moving parts” that are dependent on various factors or when a problem is so complex that you don’t know where to start. Working backward, known in the field of education as backward design, involves first identifying the end goal or objective and working backward one step at a time. Reaching a destination is easier when you clearly identify what that destination is. Finally, analogical thinking involves revisiting similar experiences or problems you’ve had in the past and evaluating how solutions to those problems may be useful or adaptable for the current problem.

Consider a problem or struggle you are currently experiencing. It can be academic, social, personal, or work-related. Utilizing one of the approaches described above, what are some steps you could take in order to begin working towards a solution? Even one small step forward will help, and each step will help you to gain momentum. Share your ideas in the comments!