How to Solve Problems as an Entrepreneur

Hopefully, you realize by now that being a successful entrepreneur has a lot to do with your ability to solve problems. I know, it doesn’t sound fun or sexy, but it’s true nevertheless. Any successful entrepreneur will tell you that to walk in their shoes you have to become a problem solver. Although problem-solving is a key aspect of entrepreneurship, it’s important to bear in mind that highly successful entrepreneurs solve problems a bit differently. 

As Karl Popper, a 20th-century philosopher of science, once quoted, “All life is problem-solving.”

This applies even more so to those who aspire to become entrepreneurs.

Here are 5 tips for better problem solving as an entrepreneur:

1. Clearly identify the problem first: At first, this might sound like common sense, but as you know common sense is not always common. There are two ways this problem-solving strategy can come into play.  The first and most obvious way is when you come up against a problem that is blocking you from moving forward. You need to take the time and energy required to sort out the problem by getting clarity about the root cause of the problem. Is it you, a team member, your product, or just an angry customer? Is there something you need to learn or buy? Do you need to hire a coach or a virtual assistant? Once you’ve clearly identified the root cause of the problem, then and only then can you create a strategy to overcome it and move forward. The second way successful entrepreneurs identify a problem first is to build their entire business around solving a pressing problem. On a large scale, you can think of Amazon (online shopping), Netflix (on-demand movie streaming service), Airbnb (comfy, affordable housing accommodations). Although many would disagree, every successful business undertaking doesn’t necessarily have to start this way. For those in the creative space, dedicating yourself to your art can prove successful in the long run. Your passion can keep you going when the going gets tough. 🙂

2. Take a strategic break:  Removing yourself from the situation, allows your brain to process the problem and figure out a different approach. Whether you decide to take a long walk or a long nap or a long shower, giving your brain a break will allow the more passive part of your brain to come online and the answer can be more readily downloaded without resistance. Engineering professor Barbara Oakley once quoted “When you are focusing, you are blocking your access to the diffuse mode. The diffuse mode, it turns out, is what you often need to be able to solve an exceedingly difficult, or new problem.
3. Remain as calm as possible: As challenging as this can be in the heat of the moment it actually works. By remaining calm or finding calmness, you can readily think more clearly. This can enable you to shrink the problem down versus catastrophizing. This is an amazing strategy for turning mountains into molehills, instead of the opposite. When we’re calm, our parasympathetic nervous system (PSN) moves to the forefront activating our vagus nerve and leaving our sympathetic nervous system (SNS), aka the fight or flight response in the background. Our PSN alleviates stress and anxiety while our SNS boosts stress, anxiety and can lead to fear and panic. We typically make better decisions when we’re in PSN mode. You can easily activate your PSN by practicing deep breathing exercises or meditation. There are many other useful methods, the important thing to remember here is that you can flip the switch.
4. Keep a journal—If the problem is more serious, try writing it down in your journal. Often, our brains have a hard time sorting through the detailed feelings and emotions that we may be experiencing at any given moment. Before even tackling the solution try writing down the why what, and when, of the problem. Get it all out on paper first. Then, go back and read each entry. Does it make sense? Is there a better approach to ending the problem? Author Natalie Goldberg quoted, “Whether you’re keeping a journal or writing as a meditation, it’s the same thing. What’s important is you’re having a relationship with your mind.” Some of us, are far more at ease writing things down versus talking right away. This is a great way to release some of the pressure and allow solutions to flow.
5. Sleep on it: Some problems that can cause our brains to become physically overwhelmed can not be easily solved in one day. Losing sleep worrying about it, is not only is bad for your physical health but worse for your mental health. The National Institutes of Health estimates that up to 30 percent of the general population complain of sleep disruption. Compound that with an unresolved issue, and now you have not only the task of resolving the matter in question but your own diminishing health to deal with. Also, a good night’s sleep can potentially wash the debris from your brain and enhance the quality of memory and learning that you might desperately need the next day. You could literally wake up with your answer.
6. Have a chat with the right person: If the problem is not resolved and your feeling overwhelmed, sometimes voicing the problem to the right person is therapeutic. Call a friend, family, spouse, or business bestie. Someone that is close to you has some understanding of your personality and has your best interest at heart. When we get emotional, it is hard to see our own behaviors clearly. By having a “third-party” hear the problem, it gives us that much needed moment to release that anger, sadness, disappointment, or even fear and re-focus on the base of the problem more rationally.
7. Tackle it head-on: Successful entrepreneurs are known for their ability to take decisive action. When we push ourselves to resolve the hurdle that is holding us back, we are rewarded with feelings of satisfaction and less anxiety. Keep in mind, that successfully solving problems lead to immense personal growth.

As Albert Einstein eloquently summed it up, “We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” Elevating our thinking and practicing these tips will ensure a better solution to your problems. Your business and your mental health will thank you. This will  make you and everyone around you feel better. 

Be well + prosper,

Elaine xx