Every Problem-Solving Strategy Explained In 10 Minutes

Main Problem-Solving Strategies

Trial and Error

Try possible solutions until one works, learning from unsuccessful attempts along the way. This is useful for practical problems with no single obvious answer, such as adjusting a recipe.

Limitation: Trial and error can be slow and inefficient when there are many variables or possibilities.

Break the Problem into Smaller Parts

Divide a large, intimidating task into manageable steps, then work through them one at a time. For example, organize an event by handling catering, the guest list, music, and decorations separately—or study one topic at a time.

Completing small steps builds progress and motivation.

Root Cause Analysis

Look beyond the immediate symptom by repeatedly asking why the problem occurred. For instance, being late may stem from waking up late, which may be caused by poor sleep habits or staying up too late.

Addressing the underlying cause can prevent the problem from recurring. The video notes that this approach is used in businesses as well as in personal life.

Brainstorming

Generate many ideas without judging or dismissing them too early. An unusual suggestion may inspire a more practical or distinctive idea—for example, a superhero mascot might spark concepts for a marketing campaign.

Brainstorming can be done alone, though ideas in a group can build on one another. It is especially useful for creative challenges.

Work Backwards

Start by defining the desired outcome, then retrace the steps needed to reach it. For a business goal, imagine the successful company first and work backwards to identify needs such as a business plan, investors, and marketing.

This helps clarify what actions are required, avoid aimless planning, and anticipate obstacles.

Lateral Thinking

Look at a problem from an unconventional angle rather than following the usual line of reasoning. The video illustrates this with a puzzle about a short man who cannot reach the elevator button for his floor, so he walks part of the way.

This method can produce surprising solutions, especially when familiar approaches fail.

SWOT Analysis

Transcribed in the subtitles as “SWAT.” Assess a decision or problem through four categories:

• Strengths: What advantages are there?
• Weaknesses: What disadvantages or limitations exist?
• Opportunities: What potential benefits or possibilities could arise?
• Threats: What risks or challenges might occur?

For a job offer, examples might include higher pay, a long commute, career growth, and possible burnout. The framework encourages a balanced view and supports informed decisions in business and everyday life.

Mind Mapping

Put the central problem or topic in the middle, then connect related subjects, subtopics, and tasks as branches. A time-management map, for example, could branch into routines, work tasks, breaks, and evening activities.

The visual format helps organize complex topics, reveal the big picture, and spark connections that might be missed in a simple list.

Heuristic Methods

Use practical rules of thumb or intuition to find a quick, workable solution rather than a perfect one. For example, estimate how much food a party needs using common sense instead of calculating exact portions.

Heuristics are useful when time is limited and speed matters more than precision, but they do not always produce the best answer.

Visualization

Mentally rehearse the process of solving a problem and picture the desired outcome. Athletes may visualize their performance; others can use the technique to prepare for an interview or presentation.

The video says that mental rehearsal can help prepare the brain and improve performance.

Overall Takeaway

Different problems call for different strategies, and no single method has to be used alone. Combining approaches—such as breaking a task into parts, identifying its root cause, and then visualizing the steps—may lead to better solutions.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Speaker: One unnamed narrator presents the strategies throughout the video.
• Other sources: No individual experts or named sources are identified. The subtitles make general references to studies, businesses, and players, but do not name or quote specific sources.