FantasyDesigned Blog

One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had while studying IT is this:
Troubleshooting isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about how you think about problems.

Whether you’re writing code, setting up a network, or trying to figure out why a system won’t boot, your ability to troubleshoot comes down to how calmly and logically you approach the issue. That mindset is just as important as the technical tools you use.

At first, I thought troubleshooting meant knowing everything off the top of your head. But I’ve learned that it’s actually about knowing how to isolate, test, and think through a problem—even when the answer isn’t obvious.

What I’ve Learned About Troubleshooting:

• 🧠 Start with the basics – Don’t overcomplicate the issue. Is it plugged in? Is the service running?
• 🧭 Use process of elimination – Change one variable at a time, and document your results
• 🔍 Look for patterns – What changed recently? What’s working, and what’s not?
• 🧘 Stay calm – Frustration clouds judgment. A deep breath can lead to a breakthrough
• 📚 Document the fix – Future you (or your team) will thank you

Over time, I’ve come to enjoy troubleshooting—not because it’s always easy, but because it teaches me to think critically, stay curious, and trust myself to solve problems step by step.

The more you troubleshoot, the more you realize:
You don’t have to know all the answers—you just have to know how to find them.

“The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.”
— Captain Jack Sparrow