Analyzing a problem - what should be solved - really

As an engineer you are probably very skilled at solving problem and in many cases it might even be a passion to you, which is good. However you need to be a bit picky about what problem you should solve...

In normal daylife with simple problem there is no need to think - just do it. If you have a flat tire - fix it, etc. But often a problem will aquire some effort in fixing then it is always useful to do some kind of analysis to make sure you understand the problem and focus on a root-cause instead of a symptom. My favorite tools for this analysis can be found here.
http://blog.crisp.se/2009/09/29/henrikkniberg/1254176460000
Also good example of focusing correct
Problem: Smoke in room
Solution: Open window

Or, with some more effort
Problem: Smoke in room - <so what> - hard to breathe - <so what> - will pass out shortly - <why> - smoke form sheets - <why> - cigarette burning, laying on sheets - <why... wait, what??>
Solution: Put out cigarette, make sure sheets are not on fire, open window

Meaning, make sure what/why it is a problem and then make sure you find the root cause and then solve. It might not even be a problem, you could be at a disco with cool smoke coming toghether with strobe light...