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Sometimes we might hear someone said he or she feels "overwhelmed". In the spirit of problem solving and Kaizen, I find it interesting to take a look at this common condition using a general problem solving framework that we called the IDOAIM framework:

1. Identify the reason: Do we want to stop feeling overwhelmed? This sounds like a silly question, but I found some people "enjoy" being overwhelmed. It gives them opportunity to talk, to complain, to be the center of attention. Yes, I agree that it is sick to be that way, but it is sometimes a fact. So, before moving forward, let's see if we really want to stop being overwhelmed. For example: we have been missing a good peaceful sleep because of stress and sleep is really, really something of value for us. Once we identify the reason, the stronger reason the better, of working on this problem, we can continue to the next step.
2. Define the problem: "Overwhelmed" is a mental state identical to formless substance in the air. In other words, it is impossible to do anything with, unless we create a form out of it. So, in this phase, we identify that we do have problems. It is common that when we feel overwhelmed, we are actually dealing with a convoluted effect of multiple problems. It might be a good idea to list all the things we have issues or worries about, and we will proceed with one issue at a time -  starting with the biggest one. For example: We are not achieving our sales target, and key people are quitting. Oh, and our kids are not doing too well in one subject in school. Pick one biggest problem we want to tackle now. OK let's say we want to tackle the kids problem first. Family is most important, right? IMPORTANT: Do not try to solve these problems at this point. Just continue to the next step.
3. Observe the situation: Let's find out what's happening in school. First of all, we identify that the problem is on the elder kid. The younger kid is OK. Phew. Then the only subject he has problem is Math. At this point, since we are getting a clearer view of the problem, it is a good idea to go back to Identify the reason. Is the problem as important as we originally thought? If it is not, that our problem is "solved", don't worry about it. In this example, we assume it is a big deal...We look at the curriculum and areas / chapters where he cannot do well. We can also compare with other kids at his school. Anyone with similar issues? Finally, we look at when the problem starts to happen. We talk to the teacher, the other parents. We talk one on one with our kid to find out internal and external condition that leads to his bad mark. Identify Inputs (teacher, material, time, etc) and Processes (study, practice time, etc) to our Output (school grade).
4. Analyze the problem: Looking at the data, we can start to go down the ladder of abstraction and start asking why on our issues. In this example, we might decide that the reason our kid has issue this semester with Math is:
   1. He does not understand factorials. Why?
      1. He fails to understand the explanation from the teacher. Why?
         1. The teacher is new and can't connect well(based on personal discussion with the teacher and fellow parents).
      2. He takes too much time doing the calculation. Why?
         1. He does not practice enough (easily observed the amount of practice he had done). Why?
            • We don't have enough practice questions.
5. Improve the situation: We discuss internally and decide to get him several Math exercise books and set-up time after school to have him practice. Trying to talk to the teacher was also an option, but the time keeps ticking, and the teacher also needs time to improve her teaching skill.
6. Make the change stick: We monitor progress and make sure our kid has enough exercise and grasp the concept taught by the tutor. One problem solved. Next let's look at our sales problem...(next, we are no longer overwhelmed...)

IDOAIM might look similar to other problem solving method. It is. We just try to break up the steps more naturally, with actions that are more relatable outside our normal corporate CI environments. Hope it helps and let us know what you find out!