Troubleshooting problems

There are lots of times in life when we need to solve a problem. Unfortunately, the problem usually occurs at a stressful time, like a flat tire when we're trying to go somewhere quickly, or in the last half-meter of stitching on your sewing project. When I'm stressed, it's easy to get so frustrated I can't think clearly.
Pulling from my engineering training, I've learned to apply the following principles to problems other than software or hardware.
I find that if I follow a few basic guidelines when trying to troubleshoot something, I get to the answer more often and without nearly as much stress. It's all about how you think about the problem. Here's what I do:

1. If I'm upset, I go away until I'm calm and in a positive mood.
2. Describe what the facts are about the problem, on a piece of paper if it's complicated.
3. Review in detail how it should work per the instructions. When I keep an open mind here, I find tiny details that might make a difference.
4. Try it again slowly, and take notes on what is actually happening. 
5. Compare the "actual" performance to the "should" performance, resolving anything that I can, getting help on the rest. If I've taken notes, then I can pass them on to the service person, so they know what's happened and what I've tried.

It helps me a lot to be calm and focus on the facts. Doesn't matter if it's my sewing machine or anything else.