Introduction 2

Think of past solutions. [3] One of the best ways to solve a problem or mistake is to identify how you have solved similar problems or mistakes in the past. Think thoughts such as, "I have remembered things in the past, how did I do that? Oh yeah, I wrote them down in my calendar and checked it several times a day!"

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  Make a list of similar mistakes you've made. Identify how you dealt with each mistake and if it benefited you or not. If it didn't then it probably won't work.
  

Consider your options.[4] Think of as many possible ways to fix the mistake as you can. In the current example, there are many options: you could clean the bathroom, apologize, offer to clean another part of the house, negotiate, plan to do it the following day, etc.

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  Use your problem-solving skills to think of possible solutions to your current issue.
  
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  Create a pros and cons list for each possible solution. For example, if you identified that one possible solution to your issue of forgetting to clean the bathroom is to make sure to clean it tomorrow, a pros and cons list might look like this: Pros - the bathroom will get clean eventually, Cons - it will not be clean today, I might forget tomorrow (I can't completely ensure that it will get done), it doesn't help to solve my problem of forgetting to clean the bathroom. Based on this assessment, it may be better to clean the bathroom the same day if possible, and develop a plan to remember to clean it in the future.
  

Decide on a course of action and do it. In order to fix the problem you must have a plan. Identify the best possible solution based on the past and available options and commit to carrying it out.[5]

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  Follow through. If you make a promise to fix the problem, do it. Being dependable is important in building trust with others and forming lasting relationships. [6]
  

Formulate a back-up plan. No matter how foolproof the plan is, there is a possibility it won’t fix the issue. For example, you may clean the bathroom but the person who asked you to clean it could still be upset with you.

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  Identify other possible solutions and write them down from most helpful to least helpful. Go down the list from top to bottom. The list might include things like: offer to clean another room, apologize profusely, ask the person how he wants you to make up for it, or offer the person something he enjoys (food, activities, etc).²⁰
  

Prevent future mistakes. If you can successfully find a solution to your error, then you are beginning the process of success in the future and avoidance of mistakes.[7]

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  Write down what you think you did wrong. Then write down a goal of what you want to do in the future. For example, if you forgot to clean the bathroom you could identify goals such as: write down a list of tasks each day, check the list twice per day, check off the tasks once they are finished, and put reminder post-its on the fridge for top priority tasks.