To get rid of any problem, we have to get to the root cause. A structured approach which involves identifying the underlying reasons of an issue, rather that just addresses the symptoms.
Tracing a problem to its origins:
This rings true with anything in life. For example if you go to the doctor for a headache, the doctor will more than likely give you a prescription to get rid of the headache, but won’t address why your getting the headache in the first place. What’s the cause of the headache? High blood pressure, stress, high or low blood sugar, dehydration etc…
Here is how I approached my problem with depression and anxiety using the root cause analysis (RCA).
- Understand the problem:
- Define the problem. Clearly articulate the issue you’re trying to solve.
- Gather Data. Collect relevant information about the problem, including when, where, and how it occurred.
- Timeline. Create a timeline of events leading up to the problem to understand the sequence of events.
- Ask Why? Continuously ask why to delve deeper into the causes.
- Brainstorm. Facilitate brainstorming sessions to gather a wide range of potential causes.
2. Identify Potential Causes:
- Categorize causes. Organize potential causes into categories. Like I showed in the example with the headache.
- Consider multiple factors. Recognize that problems often have multiple contributing factors, not just a single root cause.
- Analyze causal relationships. Such as if you are dehydrated it causes high blood pressure in which both can be causing the headache. determine which one is most significant.
3. Determine the root cause (s):
- Dig deeper. Keep asking why to pinpoint the underlying cause. Why am I dehydrated? Not drinking enough water, or a side effect from a meditation. Are your ill, vomiting or diarrhea, which can lead to headaches.
- Prioritize causes. Focus on the most impactful root cause to insure a solution is effective.
- Validate findings. If trying this solution doesn’t work, go to the next possible cause.
4. Develop and implement solutions:
- Develop countermeasures. Create solutions that address the root cause, not just symptoms. For example I find if I wear sunglasses outside my headaches are less, because of light sensitivity.
- Implement solution. Put the solution into action and monitor its effectiveness.
- Evaluate the results. Regularly assess the impact of the solution to ensure that the problem is resolved and doesn’t reoccur.
From Pity to Praise 