More Than One Way to Solve Problems: Creative Thinking
Creative thinking by using some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to see your problem in a different way. And how that might be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.
How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to the problem - and that the problems that lead to a dead end? How many times have you felt confused to know that the problem laying before you is one you can not solve. Not lead. There is no choice. There is no solution.
Does it feel like you've exhausted all possible options but still before the mountain - huge, invincible, and impregnable? When facing a big problem, you may feel like you're hammering against a mountain of steel. Pressure to solve the problem as it might be overkill.
First of all, in the light of creative problem solving, you should keep an open mind to the fact that there may be more than one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be a solution to the problem you think is solved.
Now, with the optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little more creative in solving our problems.
Number one, maybe the reason we can not solve our problems is that we have not really take a hard look at what the problem. Here, trying to understand the problem and have a concrete understanding of the work is integral to solving the problem. If you know how it works, what's the problem, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.
Not trying to make a simple statement of what the problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationship to each other are. Take note of the things that stand to gain any stand to lose from the current issue. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem.
Number two, try to record all the constraints and assumptions you have the words of the problem. Sometimes the assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You must identify the assumptions hold, where assumptions need to be addressed.
Number three, try to solve the problem with the part. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed part of the problem. This is called top-down approach. Write down questions, and then come up with the solution of their sentence. The solution should be a general statement about what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase the complexity little by little.
Number four, although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve the problem, you must also maintain a sound, creative analytic in the back of your head. When someone comes with a prospective solution, tried to figure out how you can create a solution that works. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for cracks in the armor of that solution.
Number five, it pays to remember that there may be more than one solution being developed at a time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than one solution to the problem.
Number six, remember that old adage, "two heads are better than one." That one is true of sounds. Always open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas everyone has. This is especially true when the person you are talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.
You do not need to be passionate, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, would be much better.
Number seven: be patient. As long as you persist, there is always the possibility that a solution will present itself. Remember that nothing is able to create an invention the first time around.
Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest to be more creative problem solvers.
Here is one example.
Take a piece of paper and wrote every word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to mind. It can last until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and strengthen your creative process.
So, when you see the problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution may be staring you right in the face. All it takes is a little creative thinking, some planning, and a lot of work.