The Art of Problem Solving

child approaches a problem with an open mind. That is probably not something you do. You probably approach a problem with some preconceived notions about how it is all going to end. You probably come at it with a negative attitude and look at the problem as an annoyance. A child, on the other hand, looks at it as a challenge. They think of a problem as a great mystery and are excited about solving it.

Give up the Negative
One of the keys to becoming a good problem solver is to give up the negative. You have to approach problem solving in a positive way or you will never get anywhere. Many times people approach a problem with their mind already made up that they will never solve it. If you think you cannot do something, chances are you will fail when you try. You have to think positively. You have to go at a problem, thinking “I can solve this, no problem”.

Again, sometimes simple problem solving techniques just are not going to work because some problems require more problem solving skills. You run into problems every day, from flat tires to saving a failing product line. You are a problem solver and you probably do not even realize it. You should pay attention to your problem solving skills.

It is common for people to take problem solving for granted. We do it so much that it is not hard to believe that it becomes second nature. It is this familiarity with problem solving that leads up to take it for granted and to not be creative with our problem solving anymore. If you think about how you solved problems when you were a child, chances are that you were much more creative then. Now you likely go straight to the tried and true methods instead of trying new things.

The problem with this is that taking problem solving for granted can make you a lazy problem solver. You may no longer spend time trying to solve a problem but rather go to a tried and true solution. It may not be the best solution but since you are a lay problem solver, you do not take the time to actually use your problem solving skills to try to come up with a better solution.

Problem solving can be an amazing process, but it is up to you to make it that way instead of just something you do because you have to. You have the ability to become a great problem solver, but you have to begin looking at it as an art.

Problem Solving from a Child’s View
As mentioned, children solve problems much differently from adults. That is because children have less skill in problem solving and far less experience with problems and problem solving. The way children solve problems can teach you a lot.

A child approaches a problem with an open mind. That is probably not something you do. You probably approach a problem with some preconceived notions about how it is all going to end. You probably come at it with a negative attitude and look at the problem as an annoyance. A child, on the other hand, looks at it as a challenge. They think of a problem as a great mystery and are excited about solving it.