Problem Solving

When I was in seventh or eighth (or ninth) grade, we went on a school trip to tour some of the science facilities at the University of Saskatchewan. While I don't remember much about this trip, and (obviously) I wasn't instilled with the desire to pursue a life of science, I do remember some words said by a student specializing in sound:

When it comes to problems of sound, there are three paths you can take in solving the issue:

1.) Address the problem at its source (where is the sound coming from. We'll say we're dealig with a loud sound. . .can the source be eliminated?)

2.) Address the transfer of sound between the source and the receiver (put up a soundproof barrier, maybe) 

3.) Address the problem at the receiving end (Make the people who have to listen to the loud sound wear earplugs)

While this sort of a structure can't be applied in every situation, I've found it can be a useful tool in helping solve a range of problems.

Too cold? 

 1.) Move somewhere warmer

 2.) Invest in warmer clothes

 3.) Teach yourself not to be bothered by the cold

Annoying person in your life?

1.) Eliminate them from your life (no, don't kill them)

2.) Find ways to interact with them less, perhaps only in certain settings

3.) Change the way you think about them.

Relationship problems?

1.) Change your partner

2.) Change the ways you interact with your partner

3.) Change yourself

Can't concentrate on homework?

 1.) Change the homework . . .work on something else

 2.) Change the way you are trying to do your homework. Use a new approach.

 3.) Change yourself: get more comfortable, pep talk yourself into a more productive mindset.