![]() How many times have you caught yourself thinking that there’s no solution to a specific problem? How many times have you felt stumped? That you have reached a dead end! It just can’t be solved! No leads! No options! No solutions! Did it feel like you had exhausted all your possible options, yet still before you stood a mountain – large, unconquerable, and unscalable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you are just a tiny ant in the scheme of things. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may seem overwhelming. You think you did all you can do. You just throw your hands up in the air and want to call it quits! Don’t give up yet! There is some hope! No, I am not going to tell you that you are making mountains out of mole hills. Some mountains are mountains! But what I am saying is that a small ant can climb over a mountain and so can you! With some creative problem-solving techniques you can look at your problem in a different light. That different light can be the end of the tunnel that leads you to successfully solving that problem. In the light of creative problem-solving, you must be consciously open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to your problem. You must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable. Now, with this positive focus, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving your problem. 1.) Have you really taken a hard look at what the problem actually is? Understanding the problem and its workings is important to solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem by simplifying. Ex: What do you stand to gain or lose from the current problem? Now you have a simple statement of what the problem really is. 2.) Try to list all of the assumptions you have regarding this simple problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions or beliefs that obstruct your view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which these need to be addressed. 3.) Try to solve the problem in parts. Solve it by going from your general view and then chunk it down towards the more detailed parts of the problem. Write down a question. Then come up with a one-sentence solution to that. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase the specific details of your solution, little by little. 4.) Although it helps to have an open creative thinking mind as you solve a problem, you must keep a critical analytical voice at the back of your head. When a possible innovative solution becomes apparent, 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. It’s always easier to tweak a solution in the creative stage than in the development stage. 5.) It pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution. Try to keep track of all the solutions. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem. You can always refer to your solution list if needed in the future. 6.) Remember, that old adage," two heads are better than one." You can only benefit from listening to other’s ideas. This is especially true when the person you're listening to has had experience solving problems similar to yours. With access to the internet, you have instant access to others who may have some insightful experience to be shared. Always be open to new ideas. 7.) 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. It was the determination and the persistence to not give up that allows inventors to see their products completed! Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest to 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 expand your creative processes. So, next time you see a problem you think you cannot solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some analyzing, patience, and determination. After you scale enough mountains, they may start to look like mole hills to you after all!
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Cynthia A NahinI live in Southwest Michigan and am excited at being able to create and share this blog with you. I hope you return often as I will provide you with many creative concepts that I have learned and put to practice successfully to achieve my end set goals! Believe me, you can do it, too! Blog Archives
March 2012
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