Problems and Problem Solving: What is a Problem? Part 1.

What is a problem? There are many definitions found in dictionaries about what a problem is . In this essay I will focus on three definitions which define a problem. The three definitions will give a fuller explanation as to what a problem is. A creative thinker with an insight to a what a problem is will find that a problem is something that most questions have more than one right answer. In addition, most problems will have more than one solution.

1. A problem is an opportunity for improvement. It is an opportunity to seek solutions to make for improvement. problems do not always appear from nowhere. A creative thinker will always see an opportunity for improving a present condition. It is to make oneself or a situation better. A problem is sees positively that something new and better can be created.  A change for the better or something of benefit can arise from a problem.

2. A problem is the difference between your current state and your goal state. Whatever new knowledge or new thing arrives- a problem results. You will see that you have a  gap in your knowledge. You are at one point and a new point where you want to be. it is the difference in what you have or know and what you want or want to know or should know. It is sometimes referred to as a Knowledge Gap or Performance Gap.

3. A problem results from the recognition of a present imperfect and the belief in the possibility of a better future. A problem results from the recognition and the belief in the possibility of a better future. When you find that there is something that is not right or perfect, you are challenged to correct the condition. There is a challenge to make things better for the future. You have a hope to make things better for the future. Your hopes then become a challenge and the challenge becomes another definition of a problem.

The Importance of Goals in Problem Solving. Problem solving requires goals and ideal states. The whole concept of problem solving centres on goals and ideal states. It is when a problem is concluded that a goal has been met and if the goal was an appropriate one for solving the problem. This can also be stated that the goal or ideal state defines how much of a problem exists or whether a problem indeed exists. Look at the example:

Example 1, let's say you have just brought a pizza home from the pizza parlor and it is beginning to cool. If your ideal state is to eat very hot pizza, then you have a problem, whether you define it as how to keep the pizza from cooling, how to heat it back up, how to eat it quickly, or whatever. On the other hand, if you like moderately warm pizza, then you do not have a problem. Similarly, if your friend comes over an hour later and you offer him a piece of leftover pizza, only to discover that your oven is on the blink, you have a problem: how to heat the pizza up again. But if the friend says, "I really like cold pizza better than hot," you no do not have a problem.

Example 2. Let's say that you place an order for a textbook that comes with a pair of DVDs. The online book retailer sends you a copy of the book but the edition is one that does not come with DVDs and it is also cheaper than the one you ordered. You decide that the one they sent you is still suitable for you despite it does not come with DVDs. Then there is no problem. However, you need the one with the DVDs. You call the online retailer and they tell you that they have run out of stock for the textbook with the DVDs. Then you have a problem.

One very important factor to learn is that our goals can change, as will the nature of the problems we are confronted with. As we travel through time and space, our goals are in a state of flux. Some of our goals change radically, or even reverse and return to their original state. Some goals may undergo a minor change and minor adjustments, some goals can change radically, and with major adjustments. Hence, problems and solutions must stay current with goals.