Do the math and work the problem.
The Martian is a great book (good movie, but great book. Read it if you've only seen the movie, you'll thank me). There's a quote that has stuck with me since reading it:
"You do the math. You solve one problem... and you solve the next one... and then the next. And If you solve enough problems, you get to come home."
One of the biggest challenges we face in our career? Isn't just doing the math/solving the problem. It's truly defining the problem.
What's Really The Problem?
We're all busy. And because of that 'busy-ness' we rarely slow down to think. We make knee-jerk decisions because we think that a quick decision solves the problem in front of us and we can move on to the next. But that decision may create a cascade of problems we didn't think about.
What we really need to do? Slow down! Define the problem. What are we trying to solve? And work backwards from there.
How To Define The Problem
What do I think the problem is?Is it mine? Can I solve it...or, more importantly, is it worth solving (not all problems are!)?Is it a symptom of a larger problem?Can it wait? Can I risk ignoring it?
With these answers in hand, we begin gathering facts and data. We add in constraints (i.e. "I don't have a million dollars at my disposal.") and begin looking for options that address the problem in light of data and constraints.
"Work" moves faster than ever. Technology + too many options + global markets + dozens of other things...adds complexity to our work that we've not experienced before. Slow down. Define the problem. Work the problem. Do the math. You solve enough problems this way, you'll make yourself a nice career!
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