One of the keys to problem solving, is to learn how to stick with the challenge for long enough to find the answer you need.
Einstein famously said: “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
I think we can all agree that Einstein was one of the greatest minds in history, however, his decision to stick with a challenge and work on it for a long time is something we can all benefit from.
Creative thinking requires effort
When I talk about creative thinking to young adults, one of the most common phrases I hear is a variant of; ‘It’s not as easy as it sounds’. Many people seem to be programmed to seek the easy or lazy answer by default. Then, if the answer doesn’t come easy, they quit. This places a very low ceiling on their potential, as there’s only so far someone can go if they are not prepared to think deeply, when required.
If I have a challenge that’s proving a tricky nut to crack, I employ a few creative strategies before I decide it’s beyond me.
- I take the problem for a walk, ensuring I have a way to record any answers that come to me. As I am a divergent thinker, I need to capture ideas fast or I’ll lose them. Walking with a puzzle in my head is the best thing I have ever found for developing creative answers and ideas. Almost every tricky challenge I have is resolved this way.
- I clearly define the challenge at the top of a sheet of paper, then write as many answers as possible. I allow my mind to flow and write down everything that comes to me. I also make sure the question is written correctly.
- I talk to someone with expertise in the area where my challenge resides, with one massive difference. For example, if it’s a design problem I’ll talk to a designer, but to feed my mind with the least obvious, great answer, I’ll seek out a designer who works in a totally different field of design.
- I talk to someone whose opinion I respect, yet who has no expertise on that area. This outside perspective has proven to be a goldmine of creative feedback, as their response directs me to look for answers in a new, often fertile direction.
- I then give the challenge as long as required, before deciding the answer is beyond me. No matter how creative you are, if you’re unaware you lack a certain part of the problem (usually when a client or customer forgets to tell you), you’ll be wasting your time.
Some challenges come with a hard deadline, so there is a set timeframe within which the answer is needed. However, in most cases the deadline is more flexible than that.
In short: For us to stand the greatest chance of getting an above average answer, the best possible solution, we should persist for longer than the average person.
Photo by Collab Media