There are so many times in our life that we plainly admit defeat and say that there is just no other solution to a problem! So many problems lead us down blind alleys in life, and we just hit ourselves on the head with the realization that there is nothing else to do. While we are lying there defeated, clueless about what to do, what we must actually know is that everything in life has several solutions. Yes, even those things that we think are unsolvable. The solutions are just hidden; we need some creative thinking to bring them out.
If you feel that you have finished all your possibilities of solving the problems that are looming large in front of you, then you need to do a rethink. Even if the problem in front of you seems extremely insurmountable, you might have a passage through it if you look at the right spot. The trick lies in searching at the right place.
Yes, there is hope if you look hard.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Analyze the situation that sprawls itself in front of you. Look at the problem in a different perspective. Probably, you will find the little crack through which the sunlight is pouring in. Sometimes, a small germ of an idea can go a long way in solving a huge problem. And that is the basic premise of creative problem solving.
What is creative problem solving after all? This is an awareness of the fact that there can be more than one solution to a problem. Creative problem solving also means accepting the fact that some of the solutions that appear to be quite ridiculous may be actually good solutions at the end of day. In simple language, creative problem solving is about finding out solutions with an optimistic frame of mind.
Look Hard Enough
Sometimes, we are not able to find solutions for the problems we are facing because we are not looking hard enough. We need to learn about the problem properly, see what all aspects it entails and then make an attempt at trying to solve it. When you know what the problem is all about, you will be in a much better position to solve it.
The Many Facets
There are always many parts of a problem. It is like many things that go wrong and make a whole. You have to identify these components. Be cognizant of the relationships that exist between these different components and then try to seek out solutions. Often, understanding these relationships goes a long way in bringing out effective solutions to things in a sequence.
In most cases, we assume things. We have certain preconceived notions of why the problem will not be solved. It is very important to weed out these assumptions, because they will not allow us to reach the solutions. If, upon closer thinking, you think that the assumption is justified in a way, you must try and circumvent the issue.
Divide and Conquer
If a problem is not possible to be solved at once, then you must try to disintegrate it into parts and solve it. Take the problem as a whole, break it into fragments and attempt at solutions. This is called as the top-down approach. It is like eating food; you break it into smaller fragments and eat. That is what you should do here. Take the whole question, then derive small solutions for each step. This will make the problem seem less complicated. Begin with the most basic answer, and then work your way upwards till you find a solution to the problem.
Be serious and critical in your thinking. When you think a solution is accurate, ask yourself whether it is really so. There must be a voice somewhere within you that analyzes the rights and wrongs of the solutions you are coming at. While being creative, you have to see that you are not going astray.
Do not restrict yourself
And, remember that there could be other solutions. Even you might be developing a few solutions alongside each other. If you are doing that, then you must keep track of all the solutions.
If someone is giving you a good and whole-hearted idea for solving a problem, incorporate it. You might make this idea a part of the solution you are aiming at. This is especially beneficial when the person who is contributing to the solution has had a similar problem in the past. It is not necessary to be a soloist when solving problems. You can enlist other people’s help.
Maintain a Cool Head
Is very important to have a cool head on your shoulders when you are solving the problem. You will have to write and scratch out things. There will be trial and error. Do not lose hope. This is the way great minds work.
There are creative thinking exercises too, if you want to take this the professional way. Here’s an example of such an exercise:-
On a blank piece of paper, write any single word you can think of. Then around it, write two more words. Then two more, and go on. You will be building a web of words that apparently have no connections between them. But try and think of a relation. This helps to build your creative powers.
No problem is unsolvable. Sometimes the problem is so close to us that we cannot see it. But if there is creative thinking, the problem can certainly be solved with planning and effort.
