Some Great Problem-Solving Techniques
Would you like a few great techniques that will increase your
brain power? Do you ever run out of good ideas, or go around
in circles trying to come up with a solution for a simple problem?
Find one or two of the problem-solving techniques below that
you like, and get in the habit of using them.
Using Your Unconscious Mind
Let your unconscious mind do your problem-solving, using one
of several techniques. First, try outlining a problem in your
mind before going to sleep, and telling your brain to go to work.
Einstein had good luck with this technique, sometimes getting
the "ah-ha" insight while shaving the next morning.
Next, instruct your mind to keep working on the problem while
you are doing other things. There is more than we know going
on inside our heads. Finally, work on problems when you are in
a drowsy state. This can result in more creative solutions.
Systematic Techniques
Challenge your assumptions. For example, if you aren't
making enough money and you assume you need another job, ask
"do I really need a better job?" Maybe you can get
a raise, or you can make the job that you already have better.
A business on the side might be another option. Don't let your
assumptions limit your possible solutions.
Break big problems down into smaller ones. Buying a
house is a big move that is really a bunch of small steps. This
is true of many problems. Start by addressing all of the components
of a problem individually, and it may not seem so overwhelming.
This makes it easier to motivate yourself.
Ask three people for their opinions and/or advice.
They may have good ideas, but in any case this helps you be sure
that you are not overlooking anything obvious.
Write down the problem. Then find another way to express
it and write that down. Continue with all the possible solutions
and any ideas that come to mind. Write EVERYTHING, then come
back to it later to pick the diamonds out of the dirt.
Change your perspective. Pretend you are very rich,
very poor, a child, a visitor from another planet. How would
you see the problem from this new perspective. Einstein imagined
riding on a beam of light to come up with his theory of relativity,
so this technique has been known to work.
More Techniques
Here's a fun one. As you drive along in your car (or sit in
your chair), randomly pick an object. Now ask what this object
might teach you about your problem. If you are looking for a
way to fire a bad employee, for example, a mailbox might make
you think of writing him a letter (and a billboard might make
you laugh). A tree might give you no ideas, and a skinny road
worker might make you think, "maybe he is just in the wrong
position, and he can do a good job elsewhere in the company."
If you use this technique, you will have many silly ideas
pop into your head. Don't be too dismissive of them, as they
will sometimes trigger a thought that is more useful. This is
a creative technique that you can use anywhere. It is also great
for putting driving time to good use.
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