EPS (What)

EPS is a method for solving problems that is defined by its outcomes and the actions that make up the method.

The EPS method involves envisioning a goal state (set of future conditions) and then using repetitions to reach this goal. These reps involve analysis (breaking a problem down into simpler problems) research (getting good information), idea generation and selection, planning, execution, and reflective thinking (RT).

EPS provides three outcomes:

1. Best results in a holistic sense.
2. Fewest drawbacks such as
   1. Frustration, fear, being overwhelmed, and so on.
   2. Work, cost, time, resources, and so on.
   3. Conflicts, hassles, and such.
3. Most rewards such as
   1. Satisfaction, enjoyment, appreciation, and so on.
   2. Learning, growth, and so forth.
   3. Social rewards such as relationship building and camaraderie.

Rationale

Here are some reasons why the EPS method is worthwhile.

1. It feels great to figure out problems and then solve them.

2. Have confidence that you can take on and solve any problem you want.

3. EPS nearly always works. It has a high reliability.

4. With EPS, the method itself reveals the solution to you. This feels like magic. You don’t know the solution and then it appears to you.

5. Most professionals–engineers, mechanics, medical doctors, welders, lawyers, teachers, business professionals–need to be skilled at problem solving to be competent in their field.

6. If you can skillfully solve problems, you can set and reach goals etc.

Here are some concerns.

7. Many problem require a great deal of time and cost to solve. EPS is not a panacea but a way to drive down cost, time, effort, and such.

8. If you want to take on and solve hard problems, then you must focus on what is most important.

9. EPS requires skills with research, learning, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, organization, leadership, wellness, and so on. These skills are best learned in parallel with EPS.

10. If you get sucked in by a problem, it can be hard to stop working on it. This can cause problems with life balance, health, relationships and such.

EPS (How To)

EPS (How To)

Here is the framework for EPS

Present State: Identify the “Key Problem” which is most worthwhile problem to address. Write down the present conditions that characterize this problem.

Goal State: Describe the best conditions in the future that can exist give your context (surrounding conditions).

Repetitions: While the gap between the present state and the goal state remains of concern, take the following actions.

1. Analysis: As needed break the goal state down into right sized subgoals. Write down a goal state for your current subgoal.

2. Subgoal Attainment (Repetions): While a given subgoal has not been attained, take the follow actions.

   1. Progressively reach subgoals by articulating the associated goal state, coming up with killer ideas for getting there, figuring out how to apply these ideas, and then applying these ideas in an effective way.