Problem Solving Worksheet Set with 5 Whys, Decision Matrix and Action Plan

This problem solving worksheet set is for anyone stuck on a hard choice, a problem that keeps coming back or a tangled situation. Its 20 undated pages guide you, step by step, from naming the issue and finding what really causes it to picking a solution, planning the actions and checking how it went. You receive an instant PDF download in US Letter and A4.

How each problem solving worksheet clears your head

Begin by putting the issue into one clear sentence. Ask why five times until the true cause shows itself, then write twenty ideas before you judge a single one.

After that, weigh your options three ways: a pros and cons page, an impact and effort grid and an easy weighted decision matrix. The choice starts to feel obvious rather than overwhelming. Every path ends with something you can act on, a 10 step action plan, if/then backups and a review page showing what worked. Nothing is dated, so you can print a new set whenever a new problem turns up.

Who these decision making worksheets are for

• Overthinkers who loop on the same worries and want a calm, ordered path to a decision
• Anyone weighing a personal choice, for example a new job, a move, a money question or a family matter
• Students and young adults growing their own decision making and critical thinking skills
• People who like working things out on paper and keeping a record of what they solved and learned

Design and printing details

• Minimal, elegant style: white pages with soft blush pink touches that need very little ink
• Roomy margins on every page, so a home printer never cuts anything off
• Two portrait sizes: US Letter (8.5 x 11 in) and A4 (210 x 297 mm)
• Undated, so it suits any year and you can reprint pages for each new problem
• Use it in a binder or on a clipboard, or get it spiral bound at a print shop

Inside the problem solving worksheet set: 20 pages

1. 1Cover page, including an index
2. 2Start here. The six stages (define, understand, explore, decide, act, review) and room to write down the first problem you want to tackle
3. 3Define the problem. What is going on, when and where, who it touches and why it matters, 1 to 5 scores for urgency, importance and stress, a single "how might I" sentence and your picture of a good outcome
4. 4Facts and control. Facts set against assumptions, a circles of control diagram, lists for what is in your control, what you can influence and what you cannot, and open questions still to answer
5. 5The 5 whys. The problem at the top, five numbered why questions, the root cause and what you can do about it
6. 6Causes map. Six areas of cause (people, process, time, resources, environment, me), your three biggest causes and which ones to tackle first
7. 7Brainstorm options. 20 numbered lines for ideas, a wild idea, advice a wise friend might give, people who could help and the ideas you like most
8. 8Pros and cons for Option A and Option B, with 8 pros and 8 cons for each, a 1 to 5 gut feeling score and the option you are leaning toward
9. 9Impact / effort grid. Four quadrants named quick wins, big projects, small extras and not now, plus a space for what the grid reveals
10. 10Decision matrix (simple). Compare up to 4 options against 10 criteria weighted 1 to 3, with a totals row, criteria suggestions, the top score and a gut check
11. 11My decision. What you chose and why, what you are letting go of, the best, most likely and worst case, a 1 to 10 confidence scale, who you will tell and a kind note to yourself
12. 12Action plan. Your goal, 10 numbered steps with who, by when and done columns, resources you need, the very first step, plus start, finish and check in dates
13. 13Obstacles and backup plan. 9 if/then rows, early warning signs, a Plan B, people who can back you up and what you will do when you feel stuck
14. 14Progress check-ins. 10 rows for date, what I did, what's working and what to adjust, a 0 to 10 progress scale, small wins and the next step
15. 15Review results. What you hoped for compared with what happened, a 0 to 10 score, what helped and what did not, lessons about the problem and about yourself, anything still open and notes for next time
16. 16One-page problem solver for everyday issues. The problem, the real cause, three possible fixes, your pick, the first three steps, what you will do if it goes wrong and the result
17. 17Problem-solving journal page. Four prompts, a feelings score before and after, and one action you commit to
18. 18Reflection journal. A challenge you faced, how you dealt with it, 17 note lines, strengths you drew on and what makes you proud
19. 19Problem log. 18 rows for date, problem, worksheet used, status and outcome, plus problems you are proud to have solved and patterns you spot
20. 20Lessons learned. What tends to help, traps you often fall into, 9 numbered lessons, your favorite worksheet and a reminder for tough days

Files you will download

• Problem Solving Worksheets, US Letter PDF (20 pages)
• Problem Solving Worksheets, A4 PDF (20 pages)
• Read Me First, a brief printing guide (PDF)

How to download and print

• Check out with PayPal, a debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your download page opens as soon as the payment goes through.
• We email the same private download links to you, so you can download your files again later.
• Open the PDF in a free reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and print at 100% or Actual size.
• Print only the pages you need, as often as you like, for your own personal use.

Please note before you buy

• The set is a PDF intended for printing. It is not a hyperlinked digital planner, though most note taking apps will let you import it and write on it.
• You receive a digital file only. Nothing is mailed to you.
• Printed colors may look a little different from what you see on screen.
• Personal use only. Sharing, reselling or redistributing the files is not permitted.
• Digital files cannot be returned. If a file will not open or print properly, email us and we will help quickly.
• These pages are a tool for thinking and organizing. They are not therapy, legal or financial advice and do not replace a qualified professional.

How this was made

Designed and written by PetiteDiary. AI tools helped draft parts of the text, and some background scenes in the preview images were created with AI. Every page was designed, reviewed and checked before release.

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