Awesome-Mnemonics

Awesome mnemonics (aka "memory hacks") to help with problem solving and other stuff

Table of Contents

• Problem Solving Techniques
  • PREPARE
  • PADDER
  • ICEBERG
  • IDEA
  • 5 Whys
  • 8D Approach
  • 5Ps
• Problem Analysis
  • RACI
  • PESTEL
  • SWOT
  • SET
• Problem Resolution Threats
  • DICE
  • FATE
  • PEST
• Positivity
  • PUSH
  • HOPE
  • SHINE
• Argumentation Techniques
  • BREATHE
  • PAUSE
  • WAIT
• Combating Stress
  • PACE
  • STOP
  • ARIES
  • HELP
  • HANDLE
  • CALM

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Problem Solving Techniques

• Remember words and ideas “PREPARE”, “PADDER”, “ICEBERG”, “IDEA”, 5Whys, 8D & 5Ps

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PREPARE

P - Prioritize the problem  
R - Research & brainstorm solutions  
E - Evaluate available options  
P - Plan steps to resolve issue  
A - Act on the plan  
R - Reflect on results  
E - Evaluate and revise plan as necessary  

PADDER

P - Pinpoint problem  
A - Analyze data and look for patterns  
D - Develop solution & consider other ways to solve the issue - try to have more than one   
D - Design action plan  
E - Execute action plan & Monitor Results  
R - Reevaluate and refine plan as needed  

ICEBERG

I - Identify issue(s)  
C - Collect data and analyze situation  
E - Examine possible (root) causes  
B - Brainstorms solutions  
E - Execute solution(s)  
R - Review, evaluate, and adjust solutions  
G - Gather feedback  

IDEA

I - Identify problem  
D - Develop Solution  
E - Execute Solution   
A - Assess Solution  

5 Whys

• Keep asking why till root causes are identified

8D Approach

D1 - Form a team  
D2 - Describe the problem  
D3 - Interim Containment Action (the “band-aid”)  
D4 - Root Cause Analysis & Escape Point(s)  
D5 - Permanent Corrective Actions  
D6 - Implement & Validate Corrective Actions  
D7 - Prevent reoccurrence(s)  
D8 - Closure & Celebration  

5Ps

• Poor planning produces pitiful products

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Problem Analysis

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RACI

• Used to identify the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a problem-solving process

R - Responsible
A - Acountable
C - Consulted
I - Informed

PESTEL

• Used to identify and analyze the external factors that may impact a problem or decision

P - Political
E - Economic
S - Sociocultural
T - Technological
E - Environmental
L - Legal

SWOT

• Used to identify and analyze the internal and external factors that may impact a problem or decision

S - Strengths
W - Weaknesses
O - Opportunities
T - Threats

SET

• S-ystems E-ngineering T-riangle

1. Draw a triangle
2. Put one of these 3 words at each corner:
 "good", "fast", "cheap" 
3. Pick 2 of them
4. The other word is what the solution will not likely be
- A fast, cheap solution will not likely be good
- A fast and good solution will not likely be cheap 
- A good and cheap solution will not likely be fast

• From the SeBok - Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge

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Problem Resolution Threats

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DICE

D - Delay
I - Incompetence
C - Conflict
E - External factors

FATE

F - Funding
A - Allocation of resources 
T - Time
E - Expertise

PEST

P - Political
E - Economic
S - Social
T - Technological

• Consider ways to combat and / or remove these theats

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Positivity

• Remember these mnemonics to stay positive, “PUSH”, “HOPE”, “SHINE”

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PUSH

P - Practice Gratitude   
U - Use positive affirmations  
S - Spend time with positive people  
H - Have a positive outlook  

HOPE

H - Harness positive thoughts  
O - Open up to others   
P - Prioritize self-care  
E - Exercise regularly  

SHINE

S - Stay present, in the moment  
H - Have a healthy positive perspective  
I - Identify and do positive activities   
N - Nourish positive relationships  
E - Express yourself  

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Argumentation Techniques

• Remember these simple mnemonics for remaining calm during arguments; “BREATHE”, “PAUSE”, “CALM”, “WAIT”

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BREATHE

B - Breathe deeply and slowly   
R - Remain rational and listen  
E - Empathize with the other person's problem
A - Ask questions to understand  
T - Take a break if needed  
H - Hold back from reacting  
E - Express yourself calmly  

PAUSE

P - Put things in perspective   
A - Acknowledge your feelings and theirs
U - Understand that you don’t have to act /react right away  
S - Step Away from the situation  
E - Evaluate options and plan before acting   

WAIT

• “Why am I troubled / talking?”
• Not all things need an answer and or response; don’t seek trouble and or answer negativity / negatively

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Combating Stress

• Here are a few mnemonic devices to help remember ways to combat stress:

PACE

• This mnemonic can help you remember four strategies for managing stress:

P - Physical activity
A - Avoiding unhealthy behaviors
C - Coping skills
E - Emotional awareness.

STOP

• This mnemonic can help you remember four quick stress-management techniques

S - Step back
T - Take a deep breath
O - Observe what is happening
P  - Pull back and put things in perspective.

ARIES

• This mnemonic can help you remember five ways to reduce stress:

A - Avoid unnecessary stress
R - Relax and take breaks
I - Incorporate physical activity into your routine
E - Eat a healthy diet
S - Sleep well.

HELP

• This mnemonic can help you remember four ways to manage stress:

H - Handle problems one at a time
E - Exercise regularly
L - Learn to relax
P - Pace yourself and set limits.

HANDLE

• This mnemonic can help you remember six stress-management strategies:

H - Have a positive attitude
A - Avoid unnecessary stress
N - Nurture a strong support system
D - Deal with problems directly 
L - Learn to relax, 
E - Exercise regularly

CALM

• This mnemonic can help you stay self-assured

C - Confidence: Believe in your abilities and strengths.
A - Awareness: Stay conscious of your thoughts and feelings.
L - Logic: Use rational thinking to overcome doubts.
M - Mindfulness: Practice being present and focused