Abstract
In our daily lives, we always encounter occasional challenges and problems as we pursue our visions. Some may be as a result of our failures and miscalculations while others are purely by fate. Whichever the case, when faced by a challenge, we are supposed to evaluate it and provide the most amicable solution. Problem solving can take two forms: scientific problem solving and persuasive problem solving. Below are two examples of challenges I have encountered and how I applied both the methods to solve them.
Problem 1:
Associating with people, especially at the highly interactive levels with responsibilities brings along a challenge. When I joined High School, I became an active member of the school band. This culminated in my being appointed as the group leader during my third year. Of course, there was a problem in balancing my studies, given that I was aspiring for a grade that would see me qualify for admission to college. At the end of the year, the band wanted to record some of their own composed songs. This posed a major hurdle. To perfect ourselves for the recording, there was a need for intense practice, with evening sessions conducted by our voice trainer and the choreographer. This may seem like fun, but that is as far as the good story goes. Given that it was at the end of the year, the end of year exams were approaching fast and we had no time. Secondly, there were not enough finances to fund the project. These two factors held us at a deadlock. As the leader, everyone looked up to me and my committee to pull the whole band out. Aced by such a crisis, I really needed to apply some effective problem solving skills.
Problem 2:
Since my childhood years, I have never been so keen on my eating habits. This maybe probably because I was small bodied and therefore my parents did not realize the need to control my diet; or maybe they just did not know the importance of the same. This was the precursor of my problem. I developed bad eating habits, always snacking on junk food such as French fries and burgers. I also developed a high liking for sugary foods like cakes and sweetened beverages. The dull side of my unhealthy eating habits finally took toll when I hit 16 years. I just seemed to balloon. My weight rose sharply and I realized that I had a problem. It was then that I noticed that I needed a solution for the same.
Persuasive Thinking for Problem 1:
Kirby and Goodpaster (2007) give a clear overview of persuasive thinking in case of a crisis. They define it as wooing others to see a particular situation your way. This is a tricky affair and it needs an eloquent, persuasive and critical mind. The individual must also be attractive to the audience. In applying the persuasive method, I followed the example set out by Wingard (n.d). I first met with my committee and we agreed that there was a problem. We therefore split into groups and visited each of the band members, encouraging them not to give up. This was a major boost to their morale. We then organized for an open forum where the members could participate in trying to figure out what to do. In the forum, we invited a local celebrity to be a motivational speaker. His life story was a real boost. My committee and I applied the foot-in-the-door strategy (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007). First, we sought to win the commitment of the people to the project. The motivation won the day for us, and the member support was overwhelming. We then played the ace card. We had to request the band members to actively participate in raising money to patch up the budget. The foot-in-the-door strategy worked miracles. We combined this with a strategy to make the members own the project, by asking them to give ideas on how to get cash. Excellent ideas were given and in a week’s time, we had projects within the school such as selling snacks, gardening flowerbeds and cleaning the lectures’ cars at a fee. At the end of the day, we did not just record, but we also opened a savings account for the band which runs to date. Looking back years after, I can confidently verify that the persuasive method is effective when dealing with many people. Winning the people’s commitment is the key and from then on, it’s like a roller costar.
Scientific thinking for problem 2:
Scientific method follows six major steps. First, the problem has t be identified and then a hypothesis, which is a possible solution, is formulated. The hypothesis is tested and then data is collected through observation, experiment or measurements. An analysis of the data leads to a conclusion (Kirby and Goodpaster, 2007; Hobart, 2011). As stated in problem 1, I realized that I had a problem when I hit 16. I had gained too much weight and there was the risk of being obese. On doing a thorough research through the Centre for Disease Control and the e-medicine, I realized that this could put me at risk of diabetes, cardiovascular heart diseases, high blood pressure and stroke. Furthermore, obesity would deal a major blow on my self esteem besides incapacitating me.
I formulated the hypothesis that a lifestyle change and proper eating habits would help me to reduce the weight. From the data gathered from CDC, I came to understand that reducing the caloric intake while burning up the excess calories was an excellent way to solve my problem. I needed to make a logical decision about my weight. Armed with information and choices, I formulated my strategy; a total lifestyle change. It was two-fold.
Step 1: This involved the dietary change in order to reduce the caloric intake. I decided to be eating foods in their natural or near natural food as these are healthier. I also avoided high caloric foods but opted for foods rich in fiber. I started taking less of the refined foods and high fat foods. I also included an abundance of fruits and vegetables in my diet, following the directions given in my-pyramid scheme. I did away with candies and sugary foods as well as foods rich in milk fat.
Step 2: To gain the ideal weight, I had to burn up some of the calories in my body. This had to be done through a regular exercise regime. I therefore started waking up earlier than usual and walking the distance to school rather than taking the bus. I also walked back home in the evening. Every day, I had an evening session where did some aerobics for about 10-15 minutes.
At this time, I can verify my method. I lost weight and am currently comfortable with my weight. I also lead a happy life since I am no longer under the fear of suffering from obesity related diseases. Besides solving my problem, the decision I made also changed my life. I adopted a healthy lifestyle and am at ease with myself and my esteem is at its best. I am glad that my efforts paid out; I am sure I made the right choice.
References
Kirby, G.R. & Goodpaster, J.R. (2007). Thinking: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical and Creative Thought (4th ed.). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Hobart. (2011). The Scientific Method of Problem Solving. Retrieved on 16th Nov. 2011 from http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/jkousen/Sci_Meth/pmethod.htm
Wingard, T. (n.d). Sample Outline for a Persuasive Speech. Retrieved on 16th Nov. 2011 from http://department.monm.edu/cata/mcgaan/classes/cata101/Tw-otl.fsc.htm
