Now, let us consider the ways to deal with specific problems in real world situations with the knowledge we possess. Problem solving is an essential part of human life which may be “defined as any goal-directed sequence of cognitive operations.” For our evaluation, let us use the example of the problem of dealing with our anger. It is a complex problem with various layers connected. Consequently, there involves many impediments in the problem solving like attitudinal issues in accepting the realities; sometimes, the issues of accepting but yet doubting attitudes; defense mechanisms; or other personal biases. The steps involved in solving this problem of anger in personal life are the definition of the specific problem, i.e. deciding what you want to achieve through this process and writing them down on to the paper; analyzing the specific problem of anger in all its realities related to the problem and the person with certain well formulated criteria;
generating of as many possible solutions to the problem of anger as possible without any prejudgments or assumptions; selecting the best solution from the formulated solutions that suits the problem of anger as it relates to your personal specifications with re-evaluations of the problem and solutions if necessary; and finally, planning the next course of actions in the solving of the anger where you write down what you are going to do next with the potential solutions which is marked by various personal and situational aspects.
Finally, let us also reflect on some of the techniques that would assist this specific problem. They include challenging your assumptions about the problem, breaking such a huge problem into various smaller units, asking experienced people for their opinions and advice, writing down the problem and the decisions related to problem solving, changing of one’s perspective regarding the problem and problem solving. All these can be of vital assistance in the problem solving as it relates to the specific problem of one’s character features like anger.