Every Problem Has a Solution

Rated:

, 0 Comments

Total visits: 139

Posted on: 1st Oct 2013

More than One Way to Skin a Cat: Adventures in Creative Thinking

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem

� and that problem leads to a dead end? 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.

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet you are still before the

mountain � large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems,

you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to

solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

With 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

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. 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.

Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken

a hard look at 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 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. Take note of the things you stand to gain and stand to lose from the current problem.

Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have that

inhibit 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.

Number three; try to solve the problem by 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.

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. When someone comes up

with a prospective solution,Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the

armor of that solution.

Number five; 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.

Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer

than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You 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.

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.

Number seven; 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 you think you can not solve, 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.

this Article Written by

Wallace Phillips

[email protected]

Trackbacks

TRACKBACK URL: http://www.12scblog.com/trackback/1913

Comments

There are still no comments posted ...

Rate and post your comment

Username:
Password:
Forgotten password?

Most Popular

Every Problem Has a Solution

Login