Thinking Tools/Example problem topics

This is a list of loosely stated problem topics, known as challenge statements. Many topics are stated as goals or solutions rather than as problems. These topics can be used as prompts for several problem-solving exercises, including 1) identifying problems, 2) prioritizing problems, 3) analyzing problems, 4) stating problems, 5) identifying opportunities, 6) creating possibilities, and 7) solving problems.

Many of these topics also represent opportunities.


 * 1) Advance my career
 * 2) Apologize
 * 3) Become a better listener
 * 4) Become a better person
 * 5) Become a community leader
 * 6) Become happier
 * 7) Become healthy
 * 8) Become more confident
 * 9) Become more courageous
 * 10) Become more curious
 * 11) Become more fit
 * 12) Become more generous
 * 13) Become more honest
 * 14) Become more interesting
 * 15) Become more kind
 * 16) Become more polite
 * 17) Become more politically engaged
 * 18) Become more politically influential
 * 19) Become more self-reliant
 * 20) Become more tolerant
 * 21) Become the life of the party
 * 22) Become wiser
 * 23) Boost my imagination
 * 24) Change careers
 * 25) Create a podcast
 * 26) Donate more to charity
 * 27) Earn trust
 * 28) Find a parking space
 * 29) Focus on what matters
 * 30) Forgive myself
 * 31) Forgive others
 * 32) Get a new hobby
 * 33) Get better friends
 * 34) Get elected to public office
 * 35) Get more done
 * 36) Get more sleep
 * 37) Get organized
 * 38) Get out of debt
 * 39) Get promoted
 * 40) Get to work on time
 * 41) How can I wake up earlier?
 * 42) How can I go to bed earlier?
 * 43) How can I get ready faster?
 * 44) What can I eliminate from my morning chores?
 * 45) How can I commute faster?
 * 46) How can I start work later?
 * 47) How can I work from home?
 * 48) How can I work during my commute?
 * 49) Have better sex
 * 50) Have more free time
 * 51) Have more fun
 * 52) Have more money to spend
 * 53) Heal
 * 54) How can I lose weight?
 * 55) How can I become more fit?
 * 56) How can I eat healthier?
 * 57) How can I get more free time?
 * 58) How can I make more money?
 * 59) How can I spend less money?
 * 60) How can I read more?
 * 61) How can I learn to sing?
 * 62) How can I get more friends?
 * 63) How can I finish my homework faster?
 * 64) How can I get more done?
 * 65) How can I strengthen my relationships?
 * 66) How can I meet more people?
 * 67) How can I become more comfortable around people?
 * 68) How can I become politer?
 * 69) How can I improve my appearance?
 * 70) How can I feel safer?
 * 71) How can I have a better-looking lawn, garden, home, room, …?
 * 72) How can I improve my memory?
 * 73) How can I improve my public speaking?
 * 74) How can I sleep better?
 * 75) How can I stop smoking?
 * 76) How can I get out of debt?
 * 77) How can I save more money?
 * 78) How can I learn to cook?
 * 79) How can I write book?
 * 80) Improve my appearance
 * 81) Improve my conversation skills
 * 82) Improve my creativity
 * 83) Improve my memory
 * 84) Improve my public speaking
 * 85) Improve my writing
 * 86) Increase community engagement
 * 87) Increase control of my emotions
 * 88) Increase my confidence
 * 89) Increase my happiness
 * 90) Increase well-being
 * 91) Innovate
 * 92) Learn a new language
 * 93) Learn self-defense
 * 94) Learn to juggle
 * 95) Learn to meditate
 * 96) Learn to play a musical instrument
 * 97) Learn to relax
 * 98) Learn to sing
 * 99) Learn to sketch, draw, or paint
 * 100) Learn to swim
 * 101) Learn to tell jokes
 * 102) Learn to write computer programs
 * 103) Learning to cook
 * 104) Lose weight
 * 105) Make amends
 * 106) Make new friends
 * 107) Meet new people
 * 108) Move on; overcome resentment, guilt, shame, or attachment.
 * 109) Obtain a patent
 * 110) Overcome an addiction
 * 111) Overcome anger
 * 112) Overcome my fears
 * 113) Practice dialogue
 * 114) Read more
 * 115) Reconcile
 * 116) Recover from drug abuse
 * 117) Reduce alcohol consumption
 * 118) Reduce caffeine consumption
 * 119) Reduce clutter
 * 120) Reduce crime
 * 121) Reduce damage from potholes
 * 122) Reduce distractions
 * 123) Reduce drug abuse
 * 124) Reduce gun violence
 * 125) Reduce pollution
 * 126) Reduce poverty
 * 127) Reduce screen time
 * 128) Reduce stress
 * 129) Reduce substance abuse
 * 130) Reduce sugar consumption
 * 131) Reduce violence
 * 132) Simplify
 * 133) Slow global warming
 * 134) Solve the Grand Challenges
 * 135) Spend more time outdoors
 * 136) Spend more time with family members
 * 137) Stop smoking
 * 138) Strengthen my relationships
 * 139) Study science, history, philosophy, psychology, geography, or meteorology.
 * 140) Take responsibility for my actions
 * 141) Travel for enjoyment
 * 142) Travel for enrichment
 * 143) Temperance
 * 144) What goals do I choose for the next month, 6 months, year, 5 years?
 * 145) What do I wish to come true?
 * 146) World hunger
 * 147) World peace
 * 148) Write a book
 * 149) Write a poem
 * 150) Write a song