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Chapter 2: Problem Solving and Analysis

AI as Your Thinking Partner​

Beyond writing, AI is a powerful thinking partner. It can help you break down problems, analyze options, and make better decisions.

Breaking Down Complex Problems​

When facing a big, overwhelming problem, AI can help you break it into manageable pieces.

The Problem Breakdown Prompt​

I'm facing this challenge: [describe the problem]

Help me break this down into:
1. The core problem (in one sentence)
2. Contributing factors
3. What I can control vs what I can't
4. Possible first steps to take

Example: Career Decision​

Prompt:

I'm feeling stuck in my job but not sure if I should switch careers or try to improve my current situation.

Help me break this down into:

  1. The core problem (in one sentence)
  2. What's making me feel stuck (list possible factors)
  3. Questions I should ask myself to get clarity
  4. Options I have (at least 4)
  5. A simple next step for each option

Getting Explanations​

AI can explain complex topics at any level you need.

The Explanation Prompt​

Explain [topic] to me.
My current understanding: [what you already know]
I learn best through: [examples/analogies/step-by-step/visual descriptions]
Level: [beginner/intermediate/expert]
Why I need to understand this: [context]

Example: Understanding a Concept​

Prompt:

Explain how compound interest works. My current understanding: I know interest is when money grows, but I don't understand why compounding is such a big deal. Explain using a real example with actual dollar amounts. Keep it to 3 short paragraphs. I'm trying to decide if I should start saving now or wait.

Comparing Options​

When you have choices to make, AI can help you systematically compare them.

The Comparison Prompt​

I'm choosing between: [option A] and [option B] (and [option C] if applicable)

Compare these options based on:
- [criterion 1]
- [criterion 2]
- [criterion 3]

For my situation: [relevant context]

Present as a table, then give your recommendation with reasoning.

Example: Comparing Solutions​

Prompt:

I'm choosing between three project management tools for my small team of 5:

  • Asana
  • Trello
  • Monday.com

Compare based on:

  • Ease of use for non-technical people
  • Price for 5 users
  • Integration with Google Workspace
  • Learning curve

Our context: Small marketing agency, everyone is remote, we currently use spreadsheets.

Give me a comparison table and a recommendation.

Decision Support​

When you need to make a decision but feel uncertain, AI can help structure your thinking.

The Decision Framework Prompt​

I need to make a decision about: [the decision]

My situation: [relevant context]

Help me by:
1. Listing pros and cons of each option
2. Identifying what information I'm missing
3. Highlighting the biggest risk of each option
4. Suggesting what questions I should ask myself
5. If you had to choose based on the information given, what would you lean toward and why?

Example: Major Purchase Decision​

Prompt:

I need to decide whether to buy or lease a new car.

My situation:

  • Budget: $400/month max
  • I drive about 15,000 miles/year
  • I like having a new car every 3-4 years
  • I don't want to deal with major repairs

Help me think through this decision systematically. What am I not considering that I should?

Research Assistance​

AI can help you explore topics and understand what questions to ask.

The Research Prompt​

I'm researching [topic] for [purpose].

Give me:
1. An overview of the key concepts I should understand
2. The main debates or controversies in this area
3. 5 specific questions I should investigate further
4. Terms I should search for to learn more
5. Common misconceptions to avoid

Example: Research Help​

Prompt:

I'm researching remote work policies for my company. We're considering offering more flexibility.

Give me:

  1. Key considerations for a remote work policy
  2. What research says about productivity
  3. Common challenges companies face
  4. Questions I should ask our team
  5. Things that often go wrong with remote policies

Step-by-Step Guidance​

When you need to accomplish something unfamiliar, AI can provide step-by-step guidance.

The How-To Prompt​

I want to [goal/task].

My situation:
- Experience level: [beginner/intermediate]
- Resources available: [what you have]
- Constraints: [time/budget/skills]

Give me a step-by-step guide with:
- Clear numbered steps
- Explanation of why each step matters
- Common mistakes to avoid at each step
- How to know when each step is complete

Example: Learning Something New​

Prompt:

I want to start a podcast but have no experience with audio production.

My situation:

  • Budget: under $200 for equipment
  • Time: can spend 3-4 hours/week on this
  • Technical skills: comfortable with computers but never edited audio

Give me the first 5 steps to get my first episode published. For each step, tell me what I need and what "done" looks like.

🎯 Practical Exercise: Solve Your Problem​

Try this now with a real problem you're facing:

Step 1: Identify a problem or decision you're currently facing

Step 2: Choose the right type of prompt:

  • Overwhelmed? → Use the breakdown prompt
  • Don't understand something? → Use the explanation prompt
  • Choosing between options? → Use the comparison prompt
  • Need to decide? → Use the decision framework prompt
  • Starting something new? → Use the how-to prompt

Step 3: Craft your prompt with relevant context

Step 4: Iterate based on the response

5 Ready-to-Copy Problem-Solving Prompts​

1. Situation Analysis​

Analyze this situation for me: [describe situation]

Tell me:
- What's really going on here (core issue)
- What are the stakes
- Who is affected
- What options I have
- What I might be missing

2. Troubleshooting​

I'm experiencing this problem: [describe issue]

What I've tried: [what you've done]
What happened: [results]

Help me:
- Identify possible causes
- Suggest additional solutions to try
- Prioritize what to try first

3. Planning Prompt​

I want to achieve: [goal]
Deadline: [when]
Resources: [what you have]
Constraints: [limitations]

Create a realistic plan with:
- Key milestones
- Weekly tasks
- Potential obstacles and how to handle them

4. Learning Path​

I want to learn [skill/topic].
My current level: [starting point]
My goal: [what you want to be able to do]
Time available: [hours per week]

Create a learning path with:
- Key concepts in order
- Resources for each stage
- Practice activities
- How to know when I'm ready for the next level

5. Feedback Request​

I'm working on [project/decision] and need a critical perspective.

Here's my current approach: [describe what you're doing]

Please:
- Point out potential weaknesses
- Play devil's advocate
- Suggest what could go wrong
- Identify what I might be overlooking
- Give honest feedback on whether this is a good approach

Tips for Problem-Solving Prompts​

Do:​

  • ✅ Provide relevant context about your situation
  • ✅ Be honest about what you've already tried
  • ✅ Ask for reasoning, not just answers
  • ✅ Request practical, actionable suggestions
  • ✅ Follow up with "why" questions

Don't:​

  • ❌ Expect AI to make decisions for you
  • ❌ Accept advice without critical thinking
  • ❌ Use AI for problems requiring real expertise (legal, medical, etc.)
  • ❌ Forget to verify facts and recommendations
  • ❌ Ignore your own judgment and experience

Quick Summary​

  • AI is a powerful thinking partner for problem-solving
  • Use breakdown prompts for overwhelming problems
  • Use comparison prompts for choices between options
  • Use decision frameworks for systematic thinking
  • Always apply your own judgment to AI suggestions

What's Next?​

Now let's learn the common mistakes to avoid in Chapter 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid.