While studying for the Linux+ certification, I came across the standard troubleshooting process used in IT. At first, I thought it was just another framework to memorize, but then I realized: these steps can apply to many areas of life beyond technology.

Here are the seven troubleshooting steps:

1. Identify the problem
2. Come up with a theory
3. Test the theory
4. Come up with a plan
5. Implement the plan
6. Test for functionality
7. Document the process

Depending on the problem, these steps don’t always happen in strict order — sometimes they overlap, or you combine them together. But the structure is powerful.