Untangling a problem

When I've got a problem, I split it out between:

1. Resentments. Events or circumstances in the past or present I'm upset about.
2. Fears. Events or circumstances in the future I'm upset about.
3. Guilt/shame. Things I've done I'm upset about.
4. Uncertainty. Present or future situations I'm not sure what to do about.

Take each aspect of the problem.
Slot it under the right category.
Express it simply in a single, clear sentence.
No metaphor.
No abstraction.
No jargon.
Just facts.

Then you can figure out what to do about each item.