Reveal Problem Management Guide

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Problem Management Guide
The RevealMyWay Problem Management Guide (PMG) tool helps you create and use a strategic plan to manage a wide variety of troubling issues that may be present in your life. It does this by helping you to:
1. Describe a problem you want to change and determine what you need to succeed
2. Set realistic goals
3. Define and select useful solutions
4. Implement those solutions
5. Assess your progress
6. Make changes to the solutions and goals as necessary.
Note that all questions marked with * are required and must be answered.

If you want to fix a mistake you made on a previous page, use the Back button.
Important Notice

Do not close this form, click on the sidebar, or refresh the browser before you have answered all the questions. If you do, any information you have already entered will be lost and you will have to do it again.

However, if you must close the form, click the sidebar, or refresh your browser before the form is completed, you can save your answers and continue using the form later by clicking the button which appears on each page. The screen then turns blue and another window appears below the form. You may have to scroll down to see it. Click for Save Button video.
Then follow these next steps:

A window appears that says your form has been saved as a draft. Enter your email and click Send (see blue oval).

It explains that you will receive an email (check your spam or junk folders) which enables you to close the form and return to it later.

When you next open the form, a box will appear with a button asking you want to continue using the form (starting with your last answer), or if you want to start over from the beginning (which will erase all your previous answers).

The save feature may not work in all browsers.
Do you now want to see a video about that includes instructions for using the save process? If not, return to this page and view the first 2 1/2 minutes before clicking the Save button.

YesNo
To enlarge the image below, click or tap the big red button.
When it starts, click/tap "YouTube" on the lower right next to the gear icon
. When done viewing the video, close its browser tab to return.
To protect your privacy, RevealMyWay tools do not contain personally identifiable information.
© 2023-2025 NHDS, Inc.

	Select
Anxious or Worried
Sad
Angry
Guilty
Ashamed
Jealous or Envious

	Select
It should (ought to) be different, it must not be this way
I can't stand it, it's intolerable (unbearable)
It's awful, horrible, terrible, or catastrophic
I'm getting the punishment I deserve for being a bad person
It makes me feel like a worthless failure

Hidden Page - Step 3

Define the Sub-Problems
Main problems can be broken down into sub-problems. Separating the main problem into smaller problems makes the problem more manageable. You can deal with the sub-problems one at a time or several at the same time.

Sub-problems, like main problems, should have clear and specific achievable goals, and a good reason for being included.

For example, if the main problem is a troubled relationship with one's partner, the person might include sub-problems such as:
- We have nothing in common anymore
- I feel like I'm being controlled
- We're always fighting about money
- I have serious trust issues
- There's no intimacy
- We keep getting into arguments that are never resolved.
In the boxes below, define up to 10 sub-problems related to your Main Problem (if possible). Maximum characters=500. Each time you add a sub-problem, a box for the next one appears. When you are done, click the Next button.
Are you able to define a sub-problem?*

YesNo
You can define a sub-problem any time by clicking Yes above.
Sub-problem 1 (optional)

In the box above, describe a sub-problem. A new box appears whenever you add another sub-problem. When all done, click the Next button.0/500
Sub-problem 2 (optional)

If there's a 2nd sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 3 (optional)

If there's a 3rd sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 4 (optional)

If there's a 4th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 5 (optional)

If there's a 5th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 6 (optional)

If there's a 6th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 7 (optional)

If there's a 7th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 8 (optional)

If there's an 8th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 9 (optional)

If there's a 9th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
Sub-problem 10 (optional)

If there's a 10th sub-problem, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click Next button0/500
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 3

Define the internal and external demands placed on you
It's now time to examine the demands that would be placed on you when attempting to deal with them. These demands create obstacles that you must handle before you can improve the problem situation. There are two types of demands to consider:

INTERNAL DEMANDS that can interfere with your ability to manage your problem due to negative emotions (anxiety, self-doubt, fear of failure, helpless or hopelessness, and humiliation or shame); faulty beliefs, unrealistic expectations, and self-defeating behaviors; lack of required abilities and knowledge; physical or mental health problems; concerns with your physical appearance and strength; etc.

EXTERNAL DEMANDS that can interfere with your ability to manage your problem may involve your family, friends and coworkers, job or school pressures, money issues, legal matters, safety concerns, lack of healthcare access, transportation issues, etc.
Do you want to view more information about demands you may have to manage?*

YesNo
To change the size of the text in the window below, click (or tap) the +/- buttons.
Which demand(s) do you want to define (click one button and you can change it any time)?*

Both External and Internal demandsInternal demands onlyExternal demands onlyI cannot define either right now
You can come back later and define any demands before you submit the form.
Now please answer the question(s) below about your demands. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
What are the likely External Demands?*

External demands can be related to anything, such as money issues, social relationships, workplace commitments, legal matters, safety concerns, healthcare access, transportation, other people’s behaviors or biases, etc.0/500
What are the likely Internal Demands?*

Internal demands can be related to your beliefs and values, abilities and knowledge, physical and mental health, wants and desires, expectations and intentions, physical appearance, etc.0/500
To help answer any of the questions above, ask for assistance.

If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 4

Define your goals
In this step you set the goals and objectives you want to achieve when managing your problem by describing how you want things to be.

You have previously defined your Main Problem as it currently exists (its "as-is" state) and how you want it to be in the future (its "to-be" state). Your description of how you want things to be is your desired goal.

There are two types of goals:

1. SITUATION-FOCUSED GOALS make sense when:
- Your problem situation can be changed (it's not permanent)
- You have an effective plan of action that can make the changes you desire
- You can use that plan effectively.
2. EMOTION-FOCUSED GOALS make sense when:
- A problem situation cannot be changed (it's permanent), it's not worth the time, cost, effort to make the required changes, or the necessary changes would cause even worse problems
- You are unable to develop or use an effective plan of action
- You have a plan but are unable to use that plan effectively.
Once your goals are defined, it's time to determine possible solutions (plans) to help you achieve those goals. You will be asked to define multiple "alternate solutions" and then pick the ones that will likely work best for you. These solutions define the specific methods (actions, approaches, techniques, tactics) you would use, which form your strategy.

Consider the following when defining your alternate solutions:
- What internal and external demands will you face to reach your goals?
- What strengths, abilities, and resources will you need to achieve your goals?
- What obstacles or hindrances will you likely have to confront?
It is typically best to work on one problem at a time rather than working on multiple problems simultaneously.

Instructions

Type brief descriptions of up to eight alternate solutions to your problem in the boxes below. Each alternate solution should describe how you want to achieve your goals.

Make sure the alternate solutions are:
- RELEVANT - They should be directly related to your previously stated goals.
- SPECIFIC - Each solution should describe what must be done and how; give clear and precise details.
Also, follow these three basic rules:
1. QUANTITY - Generate as many alternate solutions as possible without limiting yourself to conventional, ordinary, or previously used solutions. Be creative, and you can ask others for their suggestions (this is called "brain-storming").
2. JUDGMENT DEFERMENT - Don't judge how good the solutions are. Instead, postpone all judgments for now.
3. VARIETY - The greater the variety of different solutions, the better for developing solutions that can achieve your goals.
Emotion-focused goals define the unpleasant emotions you want to transform into pleasant (or at least less unpleasant) feelings that would increase your sense of well-being and peace-of-mind. This may not be easy, but it can be accomplished by unconditionally accepting yourself, others, and all of reality through adequate self-awareness, knowledge, effort, and time. The greater the loss or trauma, the longer this unconditional acceptance mindset can take to grow. On the path to such acceptance there can be emotional transformations of unpleasant emotions from strong to mild, such as shown in the chart below (from the right column to left):
You can change the size of the text in the window below by clicking (or tapping) the +/- buttons.
Do you want to view more information about defining your goals?

YesNo
Which types of goals do you plan to focus on (click one button and you can change it any time)?*

Both Situation-focused and Emotion-focused goalsSituation-focused goals onlyEmotion-focused goals onlyI do not know which goals I will focus on
You can come back and define your goals later before you submit the form.
Now please answer the question(s) below about your goals. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
What are your Situation-Focused Goals?*

Indicate how situations would change if you managed troubling situations.0/500
What are your Emotion-Focused Goals?*

Indicate how your emotions would change for you to cope well with troubling situations.0/500
To help you answer any of the questions above, you can ask a coach, counselor, therapist, family member, or friend to assist you.
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 5

Define your alternate solution(s)
Once your goals are defined, it's time to determine possible solutions (plans) to help you achieve those goals. You will be asked to define multiple "alternate solutions" and then pick the ones that will likely work best for you. These solutions define the specific methods (actions, approaches, techniques, tactics) you would use, which form your strategy.

Consider the following when defining your alternate solutions:
- What internal and external demands will you face to reach your goals?
- What strengths, abilities, and resources will you need to achieve your goals?
- What obstacles or hindrances will you likely have to confront?
It is typically best to work on one problem at a time rather than working on multiple problems simultaneously.

Instructions

Type brief descriptions of up to eight alternate solutions to your problem in the boxes below. Each alternate solution should describe how you want to achieve your goals.

Make sure the alternate solutions are:
- RELEVANT - They should be directly related to your previously stated goals.
- SPECIFIC - Each solution should describe what must be done and how; give clear and precise details.
Also, follow these three basic rules:
1. QUANTITY - Generate as many alternate solutions as possible without limiting yourself to conventional, ordinary, or previously used solutions. Be creative, and you can ask others for their suggestions (this is called "brain-storming").
2. JUDGMENT DEFERMENT - Don't judge how good the solutions are. Instead, postpone all judgments for now.
3. VARIETY - The greater the variety of different solutions, the better for developing solutions that can achieve your goals.
Are you able to define any alternative solutions now?*

YesNo
You can define your alternate solutions any time by clicking Yes above.
Please type your alternative solutions(s) in the boxes below. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
At least one alternative solution is required before you can continue using this form.

If you cannot keep this form open until you determine an alternative solution, click the Save button below and return to the form later, as explained on page one. You may want to ask others for their idea.
Alternate Solution 1*

Each time you enter an alternate solution, another box will appear where you can enter another solution. Be specific, creative, varied, unjudgmental. When done, click Next.0/500
Alternate Solution 2

If there's a 2nd alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 3

If there's a 3rd alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 4

If there's a 4th alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 5

If there's a 5th alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 6

If there's a 6th alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 7

If there's a 7th alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
Alternate Solution 8

If there's an 8th alternative solution, type it in the box above; if not, leave it blank and click the Next button0/500
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 9

Describe how you will implement your selected solution(s)
Before you implement, prepare the solution by doing the following:
- Define the specific actions you will do and when you plan to do them
- Determine the best place and time to do those things (take those actions)
- Define what you want to accomplish through each of those actions (these are your objectives)
Also:
- Anticipate likely obstacles to your implementation--such as the internal and external demands previously addressed--and be prepared to deal with them
- Have well-defined and reasonable expectations
- If you are collaborating with others to help implement your solution, make sure they know when you need them and what they would do.
Do you want to view your list of alternative solutions now?

YesNo
List of your alternate solutions
[Yes] means you selected it, [No] means you did not:

{altSol1} [{keepThis1}]

{altSol2} [{keepThis2}]

{altSol3} [{keepThis3}]

{altSol4} [{keepThis4}]

{altSol5} [{keepThis5}]

{altSol6} [{keepThis6}]

{altSol7} [{keepThis7}]

{altSol8} [{keepThis8}]
Which of these things can you describe about implementing your selected solutions (click all the apply; you can change it any time)?

Describe the specific things I will doDescribe when and where I will do those thingsDescribe what I want those things to accomplishI cannot describe any of those things
You can come back and describe these things before you submit the form.
Since you clicked (or tapped) the "I cannot describe any of those things" button AND one or more other buttons, those other buttons will be ignored unless you click/tap the "I cannot describe any of those things" button again to remove it checkmark.
Now please type your answers to the implementing alternative solution questions in the boxes below. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
What specific things will you do? *

Describe what you will do to implement the solution in box #1.0/500
When and where will you do those things?*

Describe when and where you will do the things described in box #2.0/500
What do you want those things to accomplish? *

Describe what you want accomplish when you do the things in box #3.0/500
To help you answer any of the questions above, you can ask a coach, counselor, therapist, family member, or friend to assist you.
When you're ready, you can then implement your solution.
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 10

Describe how you will monitor and track your solutions' progress
It's important that the progress toward your goal be continuously monitored (observed, watched, checked), so you can determine if your solution is helping to improve your problem. This monitoring process enables you to identify whether the solution's results meet your expectations, and if not, why.

Do this by comparing the outcome of the action you've taken with your expected results.

If possible, it can be helpful to gather feedback from others about how the problem has changed (or not changed).

You will use this information to decide what actions are needed, such as how to modify the solution if things are not progressing adequately.
There are many apps designed to help you monitor and track your progress. To view some sample apps, click the Yes button below. If you would want to use an app like those, type something like "Use a goal monitor app" in the text box at the bottom of this page.

In addition, you can use the RevealMyWay Periodic Profiler tool which measures changes in your well-being in important situations over time.
Do you want to view the kinds of Goal Tracking apps you could use?

YesNo
Goal Tracking app examples. You can enlarge the image in the window below by clicking (or tapping) near the top then clicking/tapping the +/- buttons.
Are you able to define how you plan to monitor and keep track of the progress your solution is making?*

YesNo
You can define how you plan to monitor your solutions any time by clicking Yes above.
Now please type your answers to the monitoring your solutions question in the box below. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
How do you plan to monitor and keep track of the progress your solution is making toward achieving your goals?*

Describe how you will monitor (track) your solution's progress.0/500
In addition to the apps mentioned above, you ask a coach, counselor, or therapist for assistance in finding ways to monitor and track your progress
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 11

Describe how you will measure your progress
To determine the effectiveness of the solution you are monitoring and tracking (in Step 10) it is important to measure your progress. This information shows you how much your solution is helping to improve your problem.

The measures (metrics) you use would depend on the types of problems, goals, and solutions you plan to implement. These measures should help you determine how effective or ineffective your Situation-focused and Emotion-focused solutions are in achieving your goals.
Situation-focused Solution Measures

Your measures should evaluate your progress toward achieving your goals by answering questions such as:
- How much has the solution helped to change the situation closer to the way you want it to be (that is, move it closer to your goal)?
- Are you feeling better emotionally when you think about the problem situation, are you feeling worse, or do you feel the same as before?
If, for example, your goal is to improve your relationship with a person named Bob, and your solution is to be more patient and have more pleasant conversations with him, solution measures could be (a) the number of arguments you have with Bob each day, (b) the number of times you lose your temper with him each weak, and/or (c) how your observations about his behavior have changed over time.
Emotion-focused Solution Measures

Whether or not you will be using Situation-Focused Solutions, measuring changes in your emotions is often helpful. These measures should assess the intensity (severity) of your pleasant and unpleasant feelings, and how often you feel that way.
There are emotion (mood) tracker and thought diary apps for Apple and Android devices apps you can use to help you measure your progress. To view some sample apps, click the Yes button below. If you would want to use an app like those, type something like "Use a progress measuring app" in the text box at the bottom of this page.

In addition, you can use the RevealMyWay Periodic Profiler tool which measures how your thoughts and emotions have changed over time in important situations.
Do you want to view the kinds of Progress Measuring apps you could use?

YesNo
Sample Thought Diary and Mood-Tracking apps for Measuring your Progress. Goal Tracking app examples. You can enlarge the image in the window below by clicking (or tapping) near the top then clicking/tapping the +/- buttons.
For which types of solutions do you plan to measure your progress (click one button and you can change it any time)?*

Both Situation-focused and Emotion-focused solutionsSituation-focused solutions onlyEmotion-focused solutions onlyI do not know how I will measure the progress of either type of solutions
You can come back and describe these things before you submit the form.
Now please type your answers to the measure your progress questions in the boxes below. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
What Situation-focused solution measures will you use to determine your progress?*

Describe how you will measure progress of your situation-focused solution.0/500
What Emotion-focused solution measures will you use to determine your progress?*

Describe how you will measure progress of your emotion-focused solution.0/500
In addition to (or instead of) mood trackers and thought diaries, you can ask a coach, counselor, therapist, family member, or friend to assist you in defining the solution measures.
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Step 12

Describe how you will evaluate the measurement results and modify your strategies and goals when necessary
Evaluating the measurement results gives you knowledge needed to:
- Decide if you are not making adequate progress
- Determine if you should adjust (change) your strategy and tactics
- Make any required adjustments/changes.
You should evaluate the measurement results of the monitoring process on an ongoing basis. If the results are unsatisfactory, determine whether the progress is too slow, nothing is changing, or things are getting worse. Then decide if you should:
- Keep doing what you're doing because things are improving, or will likely improve, and you need more time
- Change your goals or objectives because they appear unrealistic or inappropriate
- Change your solution because it does not appear to be working (it's ineffective).
You may need to adjust your selected solution if anything unexpected arises that disrupts your ability to reach your goals, or the solution does not work as planned for other reasons. If this happens, you can return to your alternative solutions and implement a different one if available. Or you can use the knowledge you've gained to:
- Change the way you've been implementing your solution
- Modify your goals or the way you define the problem and its sub-problems
- Create new solutions
- Adjust how you measure your progress
- Accept that there is nothing you can do to solve or improve the problem, so focus on changing the way you think about the problem rather than trying to fix it.
Do you want to view your list of alternative solutions now?

YesNo
List of your alternate solutions:
[Yes] means you selected it, [No] means you did not:

{altSol1} [{keepThis1}]

{altSol2} [{keepThis2}]

{altSol3} [{keepThis3}]

{altSol4} [{keepThis4}]

{altSol5} [{keepThis5}]

{altSol6} [{keepThis6}]

{altSol7} [{keepThis7}]

{altSol8} [{keepThis8}]
If you want to modify a solution, go back to that Alternate Solutions page by:
1. Clicking the square button below then
2. Clicking the Next button at the bottom of this page.
Important note: You will then step through all the questions you have already answered. If you change any alternate solution, you must modify your answers to any other questions referring to the one you changed.
Click this square button and the Next button to go to the Alternate Solutions page.
Which questions can you answer about describing how you will evaluate the measurement results (click one button and you can change it any time)?*

Describe how I will determine if adequate progress is being madeDescribe how I will determine whether I should adjust my strategies and objectivesDescribe how I would make any necessary adjustmentsI cannot describe how I would do any of those things
You can come back and describe these things before you submit the form.
Since you clicked (or tapped) the "I cannot describe how I would do any of those things" button AND one or more other buttons, those other buttons will be ignored unless you click/tap the "I cannot describe how I would do any of those things" button again to remove it checkmark.
Now please type your answers to the evaluate the measurement results questions in the boxes below. Maximum characters=500. When you are done, click the Next button.
How will you determine if adequate progress is being made?*

0/500
How will you determine whether you should adjust your strategies and objectives?*

0/500
How you would make any necessary adjustments?*

0/500
To help answer the questions above, you can ask a coach, counselor, therapist, family member, or friend to assist you in defining the solution measures.
If you click the sidebar, close this form, or refresh the browser before you finish and submit,
your information will be lost unless you click the Save button first.

Problem Management Guide is Done

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Problem Management Guide

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Hidden Page - Step 3

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Problem Management Guide is Done