Adventures in Creative Thinking

There is more than one way to skin a cat.

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

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.

Maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Trying to understand the problem and having a clear understanding of it, is vital in solving it. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better start towards solving it.

Try to make a simple statement of what the problem is. Try to identify the entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain and stand to lose from the situation. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.

Try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions of the problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid and needs to be addressed.

Try to solve the problem in parts. Solve it going from a general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the problem, and then come up with a one-sentence solution for it. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve it. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

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 think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for cracks in the armour of that solution.

Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem. It pays to remember that there just might be more than one solution developed at the same time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments.

Remember that old saying," two heads are better than one." It 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.

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 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. 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 strengthen your creative processes.

So, next time you see a problem you think you cannot 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.

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