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
    1. How can I wake up earlier?
       1. How can I go to bed earlier?
    2. How can I get ready faster?
       1. What can I eliminate from my morning chores?
    3. How can I commute faster?
    4. How can I start work later?
    5. How can I work from home?
    6. How can I work during my commute?
41. Have better sex
42. Have more free time
43. Have more fun
44. Have more money to spend
45. Heal
46. How can I lose weight?
47. How can I become more fit?
48. How can I eat healthier?
49. How can I get more free time?
50. How can I make more money?
51. How can I spend less money?
52. How can I read more?
53. How can I learn to sing?
54. How can I get more friends?
55. How can I finish my homework faster?
56. How can I get more done?
57. How can I strengthen my relationships?
58. How can I meet more people?
59. How can I become more comfortable around people?
60. How can I become politer?
61. How can I improve my appearance?
62. How can I feel safer?
63. How can I have a better-looking lawn, garden, home, room, …?
64. How can I improve my memory?
65. How can I improve my public speaking?
66. How can I sleep better?
67. How can I stop smoking?
68. How can I get out of debt?
69. How can I save more money?
70. How can I learn to cook?
71. How can I write book?
72. Improve my appearance
73. Improve my conversation skills
74. Improve my creativity
75. Improve my memory
76. Improve my public speaking
77. Improve my writing
78. Increase community engagement
79. Increase control of my emotions
80. Increase my confidence
81. Increase my happiness
82. Increase well-being
83. Innovate
84. Learn a new language
85. Learn self-defense
86. Learn to juggle
87. Learn to meditate
88. Learn to play a musical instrument
89. Learn to relax
90. Learn to sing
91. Learn to sketch, draw, or paint
92. Learn to swim
93. Learn to tell jokes
94. Learn to write computer programs
95. Learning to cook
96. Lose weight
97. Make amends
98. Make new friends
99. Meet new people
100. Move on; overcome resentment, guilt, shame, or attachment.
101. Obtain a patent
102. Overcome an addiction
103. Overcome anger
104. Overcome my fears
105. Practice dialogue
106. Read more
107. Reconcile
108. Recover from drug abuse
109. Reduce alcohol consumption
110. Reduce caffeine consumption
111. Reduce clutter
112. Reduce crime
113. Reduce damage from potholes
114. Reduce distractions
115. Reduce drug abuse
116. Reduce gun violence
117. Reduce pollution
118. Reduce poverty
119. Reduce screen time
120. Reduce stress
121. Reduce substance abuse
122. Reduce sugar consumption
123. Reduce violence
124. Simplify
125. Slow global warming
126. Solve the Grand Challenges
127. Spend more time outdoors
128. Spend more time with family members
129. Stop smoking
130. Strengthen my relationships
131. Study science, history, philosophy, psychology, geography, or meteorology.
132. Take responsibility for my actions
133. Travel for enjoyment
134. Travel for enrichment
135. Temperance
136. What goals do I choose for the next month, 6 months, year, 5 years?
137. What do I wish to come true?
138. World hunger
139. World peace
140. Write a book
141. Write a poem
142. Write a song