Join The Conversation

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

8 Simple Steps To Problem Solving: Adventures in Creative Thinking


How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads.  No options.  No solutions. How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem and that that problem leads to a dead end?  


Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such hefty problems, you may feel like you're hammering your head against a brick wall. The pressure of having to solve such a problem can be overwhelming.

But do not despair! There is some hope yet!


With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem from a different angle. And that angle just might be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.


To start with, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.


Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.


#1; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is, maybe we haven't even really identified the problem yet. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.


Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Not trying to make the simple statement of what the problem is. Take note of the things you stand to gain or stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.


#2; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions with which you have the words to describe the problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed and possibly altered.


#3; try solving the problem in parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. 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; although it helps to have critical thinking involved as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice in the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, try to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.


#5; it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.


#6; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has.

#7; Try Brainstorming, this is simpler than it sounds. All you need to do is clear your mind, think about the problem, and write down everything that comes to mind. No matter how ridiculous it may initially sound. You can go through the list later and sort it all out. 


You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.


#8; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problems solver. 

Here is one example.


Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now, look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes.


So, next time you see a problem and you think you can't solve it, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

As always,
To your success!

Please leave a comment below to let us know how we’re doing.

Feel free to leave any suggestions for future posts or content. Or ask any questions regarding anything you don’t understand or need help with, I would be happy to help in any way I can.

I hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for reading.

P.S. Are you tired of wasting time and money on Affiliate Marketing that doesn't work? Want to copy a real business in just days? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

No comments:

Post a Comment