Have you ever caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem and that problem leads to a dead end? Have you ever felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve? No leads. No options. No solutions.
Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unrecognizable, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you’re hammering against a steel mountain forever. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming for many of us.
But rejoice! There might be some hope!
There are some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions for you.
First of all, 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, got it? And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable now or before.
Now, apply this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.
Number one: maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at the core of what the problem is. 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 core problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.
We are not just trying to make the simple statement of what the problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are, look for patterns. Take note of the things you stand to gain and any stand to lose from the current problem you’re trying to solve. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem you’re trying to solve is.
Number two: try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of your current problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions for your problem. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed and which you need to eliminate.
Number three: try to solve the problem by parts, one part at a time. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem as much as you can. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from your generated ideas. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the current problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little, one thing at a time.
Number four: although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head as much as possible. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think about how you could make that solution work for your problem. Try to be creative to solve your problem.
Number five: it pays tremendously 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 as you work through the problem. It’s important to remember that there may be more than just one solution to the problem.
Number six: remember that old adage,” two heads are better than one.” I experience this truth frequently through both of my personal as well as professional life. Always be open to new ideas and suggestions. You have nothing to lose and can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you’re talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours in the past.
You don’t have to solve the problem by yourself. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.
Number seven: try to be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself when you least expected. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around in our history.
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, don’t think too hard. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind; again, don’t think too hard. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words to help you to solve your problem. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes for good.
So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. You never know, 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; I know it’s not easy but try to practice it one step at a time.
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Copyright @ 2019 by Dr. KT Health Coach https://www.CatholicExecutiveCoach.com
