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| Use Your Numbers here to find out where you’ve been incorrectly putting your energy and how you can make an easy and effortless “switch” to end the struggle... |
How many times have you said there could be no other solution to a particular problem? A problem that just leads to a dead end?
How often have you felt stumped, certain that the problem lying before you is one you cannot solve?
There are simply no solutions.
Did you feel you had exhausted all the workable options and yet there you are, still standing at the bottom of the mountain — massive, unconquerable, and impregnable?
When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel you’re hammering against a brick wall. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.
Rejoice, there might be hope!
Creative Thinking to The Rescue
With creative problem-solving techniques, you may look at your problem in a different light and that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to solutions.
To consider creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem.
You must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.
With this optimistic mindset, you can try to be more creative in solving your problems.
7 Steps to Success
1. Take a harder look at what the problem actually is
Trying to understand the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving the problem.
If you know how it works and what the problem is, then you have a better foundation for solving the problem.
Try to identify the pieces of the puzzle and what their relationships with one another are. The solution may be staring at you in the face.
2. Attempt to note all the constraints and assumptions so you have the words to describe the problem
Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of potential solutions. Identify which assumptions are valid, and which assumptions need to be addressed.
3. Solve the problem by breaking it down into parts
Solve it by going from a general view towards a more detailed view of the problem. This is called the top-down approach.
Write the question and then come up with a one-sentence solution. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem.
From here, you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.
4. Have critical thinking onboard as you solve a problem, but also keep a creative voice at the back of your head
When someone comes up with a prospective solution, try to think how you could make that solution work. Be creative, but also look for chinks in the armour of that solution.
5. There may be more than just one solution to your problem
Keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Troubleshoot from there.
6. Remember the adage," two heads are better than one"
This one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas.
You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas people might have. This is especially true when the person you’re talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.
You don’t have to be a solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organise collective thought on the subject, it could be more successful.
7. Be patient
As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself.
No one created an invention the first time around.
An Exercise in Creative Thinking
Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest to be a more creative problem solver.
Here is an example:
Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the centre.
Look at that word, then write the first two words that come to your mind. Continue until you can build a tree of related words.
This helps you build analogical skills and fortifies your creative processes.
Conclusion
Next time you see a problem you think you cannot solve, think again. The solution might be staring you right in the face.
All it takes is a little creative thinking, an open mind, some planning, and a bit of elbow grease.
Use Your Numbers here to find out where you’ve been incorrectly putting your energy and how you can make an easy and effortless “switch” to end the struggle...
