PPS mentors clients to become better problem solvers using the Socrates method. Before you send us a problem uses the following 10 step plan to put you problems in prospective. We are her to develop your skills.

Any problem, no matter how complex, can be solved if approached with a creative strategy. Here are ten steps to getting your mind in an optimal problem-solving state.

Step 1.Start with Some Focused Questions.
The first step to unleashing your true problem-solving potential is to ask yourself  very focused, challenging questions. Here are some very powerful questions that will often do the trick:

• "What am I really trying to do?"
• "How am I trying to do it?"
• "What assumptions am I making?"
• "Could there be a simpler, better way to
  accomplish this?"
• "If I were to start all over again today -
  knowing what I now know - what would I do
  differently?"

Step 2.Probe and evaluate your Answers.
The next step is to question your answers. Ask yourself:

• "If my assumptions are untrue, what should I do
  differently?"
• "Should I drop what I am doing now, and take a
  different approach?"
• "What is in my best interests?"

Step 3.Apply the Theory of Resistance.
One effective way to develop creative solutions to your problems is to apply the "theory of resistance." This theory says that in every activity, there are one or more resisting factors.

The resistance you encounter often controls how fast you'll move from where you are today - to where you want to go. An attractive part of this approach is you may  often trigger some very powerful personal insights.

Suppose, for example, you have a goal of doubling your income over the next three years. You could begin your problem-solving exercise by identifying the resistance standing in the way of your goal. Ask yourself: "Why is my income not that high
already?"

Step 4.Analyze the Resistance.
Next ruthlessly go after your answers to Step 3. Be totally honest with yourself. Do not avoid asking hard, painful questions, and demand an answer from yourself. In the case above you could ask: "Exactly why am I not making twice my income right now? Exactly what is holding me back?"

Step 5.Take a Look at the Outside World.

One way to immediately determine if the resistance is internal or external is to see if someone else is managing to accomplish the goal you desire. If they are, then it is possible that the resistance is internal to you.

Step 6.Identify your Primary Internal Resistance.
As a consultant to key executives,