Ask yourself first

[pdnewbie]

I've thought about this problem solving business. My approach to solving a problem normally starts by searching for books, reading material, going on the internet, and spending a lot of time. I think instead of this, it's better if I ask myself first what the answer is. In most cases, I believe that I will come up with the answer. At the very least, a fundamental part of the answer will reveal itself. I am aware that it's common sense, but the hedonistic side of me tends to take over and I search for the ever elusive 'easy way'. How is it for you?

[RT Wolf]

Do you mean something like this:
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/200...our-intuition/
?

I tend to operate the same way as you when faced with a major problem, that is I seek information. Many of the problems I face aren't exactly original (even though they may be new and/or devastating for me without the experience) so I reckon the answer is out there. I also ask around to people who might know something (rather than just asking the opinions of friends, unless they happen to know something).

Another thing to keep in mind is that new information about solutions often reaches a point of diminishing returns. That is, each new piece of information gives me a lower return (in terms of usefulness or whatever) than the piece before it. So, often we already have all the information we need, we just need to act on it.

[bellbird]

RTWolf I agree with that too. I am a 'do-er' and thefore I needed to learn to 'chill out' first and just have 'the situation' simmering for a bit. An answer would present itself quick enough, whether from within or through someone else who had the knowledge I needed.

[sadavis00]

Yes, I definitely understand what you mean. I too used to spend a lot of time searching externally for the answer, when I could more easily get the answer myself. The advantage of a self-made answer is that it will be congruent with your other beliefs (concious beliefs at least). This reduces a lot of the congitive dissonance that results from trying to incorporate foreign ideas in your belief system.

[pdnewbie]

Thanks for the advice and the comments. RTWolf, your comment about diminishing returns brought about a reason why I might be getting caught up in searching for answers externally. I get stuck, never quite admitting to myself, enough is enough, now do something. My question is, how do you stop obsessing? Are there any aids to calm a frantic mind?

[RT Wolf]

The first thing you absolutely have to do is make a committed decision to change your behaviour to becoming more action oriented.

Another way is to learn to be able to move with uncertainty, or a feeling that you could know more.

If its for specific decisions, then get into the habit of making them quickly. Pavlina said once that once he has all the information, he gives himself 60 seconds to make a decision, no matter how big or small. I've started applying this to my life and noticed a greater sense of control as I make quicker decisions.

One more way is to examine why you might not be willing to take action. This requires some introspective skill. The reason might be that you're afraid of regretting a bad decision that could have been remedied by more information. In that case, recognize that you're human and that you'll make mistakes. And, overall, the amount of time you save my making quicker decisions or taking quicker actions will compensate for the times where you might not have had enough information. Don't fear regret. Another reason might be that you're afraid of being labelled as reckless, so you spend time building up more and more information. Wow. I just realized that I'm not just writing about you. I'm writing about me.

One is to pick certain things that you've learned and make them into habits by using a 30-day trial. Steve says that and some other stuff here:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/200...ke-action-now/

Perhaps you would like to have a 30-day trial on being more action oriented.

Another way is to make a scorecard and keep score like that here:

Personal productivity & geekiness

Alternatively, what you're describing may be a case of analysis paralysis. Google it.

Another thing that helped me become more action oriented was getting into Getting Things Done. Not only is it marvelous for time/work management in general, but also by forcing you think in terms of Next Actions, it helps you to keep focused on steps to goals.

Another way is to get reinforcement. Read Steve's older articles daily and over and over again. Early on he used to write a lot more about practical tips and ideas about time management and managing your workflow. The new stuff isn't necessarily any less important, but it is different, so sometimes you just need that reinforcement. Another thing you could do is start listening to audio books about time management and those that encourage action (like Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy) as well as motivating books and books on time management.

I wrote a blog entry here that might be of interest:
Insanity Studios Inc.: Levels of Personal Development

So there's a whole bunch of ways that attack this problem in various ways. I hope something here helps!