Humans employ many subconscious techniques to avoid acknowledgement of problems. When issues materialize, our subconscious jumps to solutions to pacify our unease. This only masks the pain, which will come back in other forms.

Simply thinking of a solution isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If fact, thinking about the solution that bubbles up from your subconscious is the first step to getting to the right answer. Reframe the solution into a problem statement, and investigate its root. Make sure you really understand what you are addressing, and always search for clarity.

If you think you have an answer, think of its consequences. Extrapolate the solution’s effects into the future. What will happen if this solution is implemented? Then what?

Take time to let the solution sink into your mind. Collect and bucket other related ideas. Look for patterns. Break big issues into smaller ones. This will expose the path to the root problem.

Emotions: prideful, skeptical, insecure