PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING FORMS
DIRECTORY/LINKS
For orientation on problem solving, read How To Solve Any Problem. For further reading on this: Problem-Solving, Decision-Making Contents/Links page. Also, highly relevant, are the Forms For Changing Beliefs. In each case, it is essential that you use The Scientific Method, as that is the only valid method. A means that I recommend as part of the identifying and gathering information for problem solving is Proactive Journaling, especially The Life Improvement Journal. Although listed below, note The Master Problem Solving Form
QUICK REFERENCE TO FORMS TO USE (For standard problems and also for behavior, change, or psychological problems) - Copy the form to a "document" and put it in your Reminders book when finished, or set this page up under favorites, perhaps under a folder you might call LMA or something like that, so you can go to pieces of high relevance in this site.
The directory below is organized from simple and quick forms to medium length to more in-depth - for you to select from and use. If you are going to get good at this, it will pay for you to try a number of forms and select the ones you want to use most in your life.
See also the Psych Forms, listed below. See Checklists For Life to see checklists to use for problem-solving, decisions.
NOTE PARTICULARLY THE FORMS IN BOLD LETTERS, as those are some of the most used, more central forms.
Contains: I. Simplest forms
II. Medium length
III. In-Depth form (Particularly The Master Problem Solving Form)
I. SIMPLEST
for decision-making:
*1 1/3 Page Traditional Simple (Includes a clear problem definition, causes, and selecting the solution)
Ben Franklin "T" Decision System (Simple pros and cons, weighted; useful in deciding between strategies)
QUICK:
*Problem-Solving/Goal-Setting Sheet (1 page, including impact, what I really want, who I was/am being, actions. Usable also for behavioral and emotion related.)
Problem/Barrier/Solution - Three columns: specify the route that caused the problem; the problem, barriers, factors; and choose a new route, which is signed off as workable and doable. See. also, example: Exercise
Related and/or supportive:
Generating ideas: Challenge - 20 Ideas
(Generates ideas for solutions.) Use daily/weekly.
Psych Oriented:
Self-Talk, Directly Converting (Just record a conversation, then in second column, create what is true and is a higher conversation)
The Truth Test (Simple format to use, effective)
See:
Relaxed, Centered, In Touch, 3 Minutes At A Time (Scan body, access "allies", use mantra) and
Focusing (scanning, identifying the emotion and thought behind it, "discussing" with "self", accepting, nourishing self)
"Awareness" And Monitoring
Living In Full Experience - The Life Form - A Life Enhancement Exercise - A very good awareness form for an experience you have, so that something can be done once it is defined. (From another site.)
III. IN DEPTH: (Note that the medium forms can be pretty in-depth also.)
The Master Problem Solving Form - Use for very important decisions requiring more detail and/or rigor. It has explanations for each step and will guide you through the whole process.
Psych & Behavioral:
Psychological Perspective Problem Forms (Short form and long form; what happened; what said to self, consequences, worst that could happen, probable outcome, questioning/disputing, answers, new perspective statement
Breakdown/Breakthrough Long Form - Looks at the payoffs for doing the unproductive behavior, the cost, any beliefs and/or ways of being that didn't work and what substitutes would work, and the actions that will be taken to cause the new behavior or approach, together with a commitment.
Form Completion Version" - Actual example of a
real situation, including a more indepth reference to
show how deep one can go, for greater results!
Related to Rageful Envy - Barbara, linked from the
Creating The Desired Results - The Process - If you are not yet getting the results you want, follow these steps to successful completion, including how you are "being".
The Change Worksheet - The Complete Process To Succeed In Change - How to do any change.
To really get into the nitty gritty, where it is important, use this management consulting process that works wonders (with your applying it): The Playscript Procedure.
II. MEDIUM LENGTH:
Problem Solution-Finding More Thorough Approach -2 page form (Definition, effects, causes, severity, psychological barriers/blindspots, solutions, commitments, agreements)
Breakdown To Breakthrough, Simpler Version (Result, payoffs, costs, causes, beliefs, attitude/being, results wanted, necessary to get the results, actions list, decision/commitment)
Supportive: Problem Resolution Checklist (All the steps in resolving a problem
Psych:
"Rational Analysis" (Facts and events, self-talk, emotional consequences, checking facts, rational debate, emotional goal, resulting in new beliefs and perceptions)
Use a form from the Directory/Links Forms For Changing Beliefs page..
Psychological Perspective Problem Forms (Short form and long form; what happened; what said to self, consequences, worst that could happen, probable outcome, questioning/disputing, answers, new perspective statement
Thought Change Record (Event, automatic thoughts, emotions, logical thoughts, outcome; lists types of distorted thinking possibly used; designed to create new thoughts/beliefs)
What My "Child" Is Saying (Recoring what inner child says, feels, helps identify what is going on; adding comfort and support statements also)
Habit Change Form (Write out payoff, effects, reasons for change, see Habits for discussion and other relevant forms)
