# Problem solving cycle
Problem-solving can be tackled using a systematic approach. For instance, with the _problem-solving cycle_:
![[Problem-solving 101 - problem solving cycle.png]]
- **Recognize the problem**: Before anything else, we need to see that there's a problem
- **Define the problem**: We need to clarify what needs to be solved precisely
- **Develop a strategy to fix it**
- **Organize information**: What information do we have about the problem, what do we have to figure out, etc
- **Track progress**: If we don't track our progress, then we risk spending too much time/energy. By evaluating progress, we'll be able to devise/try other strategies if needed
- **Evaluate found solutions (correctness, efficiency, etc)**: Especially useful if there are multiple solutions
- **Remember**: Keep track of previously encountered problems, and their solutions to avoid having to find the same solutions again in the future
## Related
- [[Problem Solving Algorithm]]
- [[Problem-solving 101 (Article)]]