I have a problem-solving brain. It jumps to “solutions mode” when I hear of problems. While I’m good at helping others clarify their what, I often struggle doing it myself. I all too frequently move to the how before clarifying my what.
The how can be so attractive. It’s new and shiny and promises to solve all my problems. I’m doing something. With ease, I create a how that is complex and goes beyond what I need. This usually has a learning curve and requires my time and cognitive effort. It may also have a financial cost.
So, I’m working on defining my what before I move to the how.
I’m doing this by slowing my problem-solving brain down and asking:
And then, once I’ve clarified my goal, I can set my problem-solving brain loose with guidelines:
Here’s an example of me putting the how before the what. It involves linking several pieces of software rather than using a spreadsheet.
I needed to sort out my contacts and mailing lists and keep track of who had bought my artwork. I asked Google and ChatGPT for CRM solutions because, as we all know, software solves all problems…
I tried out a CRM, worried about two-way sync, and wondered if I could hook up Google Workspace with Zapier. I was exhausted.
I realised I’d moved to the how without clarifying my what. So, what was I trying to do? What was essential?
I needed:
With my what now defined, I asked, “What is the simplest way I can do this using the tools I already have and know?”
Answer: A spreadsheet. It had no extra cost or learning curve, and I already had the software. It fulfilled all my requirements. When my lists grow, I might need a database or CRM. However, a spreadsheet is all I needed to start.