The first process in becoming a successful problem solver is to be able to seek out new and
challenging problems by looking past barriers that may prevent immediate solutions to everyday
situations. This identification stage is fundamental to getting past initial roadblocks that may hinder
or enable one to begin the other stages of problem solving that follow this initial one. This requires
that one seek out new problems that offer one opportunities for improvement. Failure in problem
solving is often the result of one not taking the time to stop and think about possibilities that might
improve on what already exists.