Winston Churchill used the two column technique to problem solve a difficult decision. His sheet of paper was divided into two columns, with the titles for and against. Winston filled each column. The column with longest list solved his decision. This technique will work for you provided that you are well informed and immersed in all the issues. Miss something and that creates another problem. A case of if the problem solver had know that, then that option would have been rejected.

Problem solving is all about having the right information, at the right time and in the right format.

Should you be choosing a new car, a red one is insufficient. A make, model and red are better, but what else do you need from a vehicle? Maybe you must have space for four passengers, a dog and golf clubs. Instantly the choice of vehicles is reduced.

You gather new car brochures. The variety of styles and layouts of vehicle specification differs between manufacturers. A case of the right information, but in the wrong format to compare vehicles.

One traditional problem solving technique is to use problem as an acronym itself. The seven stages are:

P - present your problem with as much detail as possible.

R - refine your key issues into sub categories

O - outline your questions in each category

B - bring back the answers to your questions

L - look for an immediate solution

E - evaluate all your options using a numerical scale

M - make your decision, using the criteria you have evolved in the process

By way of an example. The red car. You read all the brochures. You visit the showroom and arrange a test drive, measuring the vehicle against your criteria and gathering all your specific, relevant information. You are in the first four stages (prob) and this may extend into weeks and months.

Give each vehicle a score (numerical up to 10, or excellent, good, OK and poor) against your criteria list (such as, be under price x, has power steering, good to drive etc.) Some will be yes, no answers, but not so clear cut on how easy to park, reliability and will all the family approve?

An alternative technique is to think your solution into your life. The manifesting alternative. You relax and clear your mind. Some use the internal large flat screen TV as a visual aid. The perfect car for you will drive into view. Not only the vehicle for you, but the address of the dealer.

Visualise you are sitting in your perfect vehicle. You park in familiar places and absorb the new experiences, intensifying the image. Can hear the car door close and the engine fire up? You are living in your solution and your mind guides you towards the reality of the purchase of your new car.

If we are limited only by our own thinking, then what's stopping you solving all your problems? Just relax, visualise the outcome you'd like and wait.

Whichever problem solving technique you use, from gut feeling intuition, through manifesting, seven stage information system to PC Spreadsheet analysis, it's vital you reach your own solution. Wouldn't it be boring if we all chose the same solution for everything? Have you tried to buy a pen? The choice runs into hundreds and that tells us about the diverse human spirit.