The world, as we know it, is full of problems. Problems can be a challenge, but they can also be beneficial. One thing that’s key to solving problems has a solid approach. It’s a must to have a plan. When you have a plan, you can focus on the issues at hand and strategize the best approach to solving them. You’ll have a better chance of success when you have a plan. Here are a few key points to remember when creating a plan.

1. Put your “eggs” in different baskets.

Diversification is good for more than just your finances. It’s also wise to set yourself up with healthier ways to deal with stress. In other words, you have a lot of things in your life that make you happy and content.

These could be anything from working on a wood project in your basement as a hobby to taking two fun trips a year. Having various things or people you can turn to for comfort keeps you from being upset when something wrong happens in one area.

If you suddenly find yourself unemployed, you may experience a wide range of feelings, including numbness, anger, frustration, sadness, and more. However, if you have not done your job your entire life, you can relieve your unpleasant emotions by focusing on something else.

2. Learn how to recognize, name, and evaluate reactions.

Do you tend to push away solid feelings or let those feelings control what you say and do? It’s essential to keep in mind that having emotions is natural. You can learn to accept them, but you don’t have to let them lead you.

For example, writing down how you feel in a journal might be helpful. This lets you dig deeper into your feelings and break them down into their most minor parts. Over time, you may notice patterns that help you learn more about who you are and make you want to control your responses instead of letting them control you.

3. Wait Before Making Major Decisions

Do you tend to act without thinking things through? If you’re one of the almost 17% of American adults who admit to being impulsive, you’re in good company. Some spur-of-the-moment actions, like joining a new team for happy hour, might be enjoyable, but others can be costly blunders.

How should one fix issues that arise on the spur of the moment? Despite your impatience, please wait.

So, instead of jumping into action, allow yourself the time you need to think things out. If the house you want is too expensive, consider taking a step back to reevaluate your motivations before submitting a bid. If you have a powerful argument with your manager, give it a few days before resigning.

It’s still possible that you’ll accomplish your goals despite this setback. Instincts are sometimes right. In most cases, going with your rational mind rather than your intuition will be the better choice.

4. Reduce Complex Issues to Manageable Steps

You know the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant?” The key is to take it slow, one bite at a time. It serves as a helpful reminder that dividing significant challenges into more manageable ones is a good strategy.

Take the current financial crisis, for example. Even the most careful budgeter can run into serious financial difficulties after experiencing anything from a separation or a health emergency. What do you think your initial reaction will be? Probably so that you can prepare mentally for the worst-case scenario.

Take a deep breath, relax before you panic, and anticipate the worst-case scenario: you’ll be homeless and forced to live with your parents. Then, mine your experience for the truth nuggets.

Have you exhausted all your emergency funds, or do you still have a little money left over? How might you alter your actions to manage better the money you already have? Is getting a second or third job doable?

In many cases, who can solve a seemingly impossible problem by breaking it into its constituent parts?

5. Taking a Learning Approach to Solve Problems Like Stumbles

Everyone makes mistakes, and that’s okay. All of us have our flaws. We all must grow from our experiences and press on. However, a learning strategy may be warranted when there is evidence of recurring failures. I don’t mean to imply that you shouldn’t try, but rather that you should recognize when you’ve already failed. If you adopt a teachable mindset, you’ll be able to absorb the relevant information and implement lasting behavioral adjustments. If you’re having trouble maintaining your motivation, it’s essential to understand what’s triggering that lack of drive. Do you feel your work has no purpose, or you’re not getting enough rest? Identifying the root issues will allow you to implement the necessary corrections and sustain your motivation.

Is there a tried-and-true method you use to resolve issues, or do you employ multiple strategies? If you don’t, you’ll find it much easier to deal with the ups and downs of life if you develop some problem-solving abilities. You may count on succeeding in your goals by employing any of these five tried-and-true methods to overcome obstacles.