Tired of following the same old solutions to problems? Want to reset the brain to be creative and smart? With a few easy-to-follow mental tips, you'll be able to fire up your creative nerves in no time. Being more creative when thinking involves problem-solving skills, thinking outside the box, and exercising the brain.
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Method 1 of 5: Determining the Problem
Step 1. Write down the problem
Writing problems in concrete language helps you to clarify and make it simpler. This way, the problem seems easier to solve and you can tackle it head-on. Also, simplifying the language you use can help reduce reactions, such as feeling too tired because of the complexity of a problem.
- An example of a problem is your habit of procrastinating (until the last minute) doing important tasks. Write down the specific issue you need to solve.
- Define the problem in the simplest terms. If the problem is procrastination, write the word procrastination instead of, “I always wait until the last moment to finish a project, and this causes a lot of stress.”
Step 2. Make sure the problem needs to be solved
Have you ever heard the saying, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it?”, this Mantra is also useful for identifying problems. Sometimes, we are quick to judge and identify problems when really nothing is happening.
For example, if you think procrastination is at the heart of the problem, are there other ways to determine that this isn't the case? Is it possible that something you're writing down isn't stressful and can actually help you get some work done (some people need to feel pressured to do their job)? Is it possible that other people don't like you procrastinating, but actually this habit does not cause bad consequences and does not affect the results of your work? Therefore, if the problem you are writing about has no particular consequence, it may not be the highest priority problem, or not an issue at all. In other words, you may think you procrastinate, but you really aren't
Step 3. List the pros and cons of solving the problem
Determine the pros and cons of solving the problem to help you identify whether the problem is worth addressing, or has a high priority. Loss and gain analysis involves identifying positive ways to solve a problem, in addition to the possible negative consequences if the problem is not addressed.
- Write down what might happen if a problem is not solved. In the example of procrastination, the consequence may be that other people are constantly commenting on your bad habits, or that you have trouble prioritizing tasks, stress levels increase, and your work quality decreases if you don't spend enough time to complete a project.
- Write down and identify all the advantages of solving problems. For example, the benefits of giving up procrastination might be: you're less stressed at the last minute, your quality of work will improve because you have more time, you're more relaxed when you get work done, and your boss and coworkers will be less likely to highlight your bad habits. If you identify many advantages when solving a problem, this means that the problem may be worth addressing and has a high priority.
Step 4. Determine all the components of the problem
Learn to think comprehensively. Thoroughly identify all components of the problem. Write down everyone involved, the content, and the context.
- Write down everything you know about the problem and all the components you think contributed to the problem. With regards to procrastination, this list may include: distractions, such as TV/internet, habit of avoiding time-consuming tasks, difficulty managing schedules (not enough time), and low frustration tolerance. These issues could relate to your skills in self-regulation.
- Try creating a problem tree with the main issue you are dealing with as the trunk, and the related components as the branches. This way, you can visualize the problem and all the things that contribute to it.
Step 5. Focus on one problem at a time
When defining an issue, make sure it is specific. Sometimes, a problem can have so many components that you need to focus on the specifics and details before trying to solve the big issue.
- For example, procrastination can be a small part of a bigger problem, causing quality of work to decline and your boss demanding fewer mistakes. Instead of trying to combat the issue of quality of work (which can be very complex), identify all the components that contribute to the main problem and try to address all of these components separately.
- One way of understanding this is to create a graphical “problem/solution tree” representation of the larger issues versus the smaller issues. Put this larger issue in the middle (self-regulation issues affecting quality of work) and its components as branches. Some of the components that contribute to a bigger problem may be: not getting enough sleep, paying close attention, time management, and procrastination. Note that procrastination here is only a component of a larger problem, namely regarding the quality of work and/or the ability to organize oneself.
Step 6. Write down your goals
To start solving the problem, you must understand the desired end result. Ask yourself, "What do I want by solving this issue?"
- Set goals that are specific, realistic, and time-bound. In other words, set aside time to hit a target or solve a problem. Some targets may take one week, while others six months.
- For example, if your goal is to resolve the issue of procrastination, this may be an achievable goal in the very long term, as certain types of habits may be deeply ingrained and difficult to break. However, you can make your goals smaller, realistic, and time-bound by saying, “I want to finish at least 1 project the day before the deadline in 2 weeks.” These targets are specific (1 project completed before the deadline), realistic (1 project instead of all of them), and time constrained (must be completed within 2 weeks).
Method 2 of 5: Doing Research and Imagining Solutions
Step 1. Identify ways you can resolve similar issues
Chances are, you've encountered similar problems in the past. Keep that in mind as you work through this problem. What are you doing? Did you succeed? What other steps might help?
Write down all these thoughts on paper or a computer
Step 2. Find other ways to solve the problem
If you haven't had this problem in the past, it's helpful to identify how other people solved it. How do they find a solution? Are their solutions straightforward or involve multiple aspects and components?
Observe and ask questions. Pay attention to how other people behave. Ask about how they have managed to solve a similar problem
Step 3. Identify the various options available
After doing some research on options or solutions to the problem, start putting together ideas, organizing them, and evaluating.
Compile a list of all possible solutions. Write down all the ways to solve the problem you can think of. In the procrastination example, this list might involve setting a tight schedule, prioritizing tasks, writing daily reminder notes of important matters, carrying out a realistic evaluation of the time it will take to complete the project, asking for help when needed, and starting a task at least. a day earlier than necessary. There will be many ways to resolve the issue you are facing. You can also identify other behaviors that reduce the likelihood of procrastination, such as getting enough sleep, practicing stress management, and eating a healthy diet (to improve and maintain general health)
Step 4. Think about the problem in an abstract way
Thinking about a problem or question in a different way can open up new thought pathways in the brain. The mind can get a fresh starting point for spurring memories and connections in the brain. Try to think more broadly or abstractly about the issue you are dealing with. For example, if the problem is procrastination, another way to think about it might be to realize that you have to feel pressured to get things done. With this in mind, you should address the need for stress rather than the procrastination problem itself.
Consider the philosophical, religious, and cultural components of your issue
Step 5. Approach the situation from a different angle
Think of potential solutions, as if you were a child just learning about the world.
- Try freewriting or thinking to get new ideas. Write down everything you think about a possible solution to an issue. Do an analysis of this list and consider some options that you would normally not think about or think would not work.
- Consider alternative views that are not usually an option. Accept foreign suggestions from others and at least consider them as an option. For example, if procrastination is a recurring problem, maybe getting someone else to do your job is a solution to the problem. This may sound silly, but even the most unconventional ideas can contain a bit of truth. For this idea, perhaps asking for help with difficult tasks isn't something you'd consider due to its impractical nature. However, help can still be very useful.
- Don't limit yourself. Consider all the absurd things. The answers you get may go against traditional rules.
- Take the risk. Open-mindedness can be linked to taking appropriate risks and learning from mistakes.
Step 6. Imagine the problem is solved
This useful technique is called the “magic question”, which is an intervention technique used in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Imagining the effect of a solution can help people think about the possibilities of achieving it.
- Imagine that a miracle happens at night, so that when you wake up the next morning, the problem is gone. How do you feel? What will happen?
- Start thinking from the solution and imagine what it might take to solve the problem.
Method 3 of 5: Evaluating Solutions
Step 1. Perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine a solution
After identifying all possible solutions, list the pros and cons of each idea. Write down all the solutions and identify the pros and cons as part of finding a solution. If the results outweigh the downsides, the solutions you're considering may come in handy.
Try searching for profit-and-loss charts online and filling in them
Step 2. Assess each solution
Based on a list of pros and cons, rate it from 1-10, with 1 being the least useful and 10 being the most useful. The most useful solutions will have the greatest effect on minimizing the problem. For example, this solution to dealing with procrastination might be to maintain a tight schedule, whereas getting enough sleep every night is a less effective solution. Thus, the most useful solutions are those that directly affect the problem.
After developing a score system, write 1-10 on paper or on a computer. This way, you can refer back to it after determining your preferred solution. If the first solution doesn't work, revisit the list and try the second solution and so on. You can also run multiple solutions at once (instead of one at a time)
Step 3. Ask for input
Social support and guidance is an important component of problem solving. However, research shows that we may tend to underestimate the willingness of others to help. Don't let the fear of not being helped keep you from asking for help when you really need it. If you can't come up with a solution or aren't familiar with something, you may have to ask other people who have worked through similar problems for input.
- Talk to a friend who shares an issue or has resolved it in the past.
- If the issue is work-related, discuss it with a trusted coworker if he or she has experience dealing with your problem.
- If the problem is personal, talk to a family member or partner, who knows you well.
- Get professional help from an expert to solve your problem.
Method 4 of 5: Train the Brain to Improve Problem-Solving Ability
Step 1. Find new experiences
Exercising the brain through new experiences can help improve creative thinking and problem-solving skills. With learning and experience, creativity will be formed.
- Learn something new. Watch a movie, read a book, or see the latest artwork in a genre and style that doesn't usually appeal to you. Learn more about all these things.
- Try learning to play a musical instrument. Studies show that playing a musical instrument can help children achieve academic success. Learning how to play an instrument may help train the parts of the brain that control important functions, including: attention, coordination, and creativity.
Step 2. Play
Some research shows that games like Super Mario can increase brain plasticity. As a result, memory abilities, performance, and overall cognitive function also improved. Games that use planning, math, logic, and reflexes can also be very useful for training brain power.
- Some types of brain games you can try are: logic puzzles, crossword puzzles, trivia, word search, and Sudoku.
- Try Lumosity, a brain trainer app on a mobile phone.
- Try playing on Gamesforyourbrain.com or Fitbrains.com sites.
Step 3. Read and learn new vocabulary
Reading is associated with a broad range of cognitive functions. A richer vocabulary is also linked to success and higher socioeconomic status.
- Go to dictionary.com and search for "Word of the Day". Use the word several times as you go through the day.
- Reading more often will also improve vocabulary.
Step 4. Use your non-dominant hand
Perform tasks that you would normally do right-handed, left-handed (or vice versa if you are left-handed). This trick can form new neural pathways and diversify the capacity for reasoning, as well as increase creativity and open-mindedness.
Try simple tasks first, such as combing your hair or using a cell phone, before engaging in other activities
Method 5 of 5: Developing Creativity to Improve Problem-Solving Ability
Step 1. Expand the point of view
Creativity is defined as a combination of imagination, knowledge, and evaluation. Increasing creativity can help strengthen general problem-solving skills.
To exercise your creative side even more, try new activities like: drawing, painting, dancing, cooking, playing music, writing in a diary, writing stories or designing/making anything you can think of
Step 2. Try the free association method of writing
This method, also known as brainstorming, is useful for creating new ideas in solving problems.
- Write down the first things that come to mind when you think of the word creativity. Now, do the same with the phrase solve the problem.
- Write down your problem and all the words that immediately come to mind that relate to the problem, including feelings, behaviors, and ideas. The results for procrastination may be: anger, frustration, busyness, task, distraction, avoidance, boss, disappointment, worry, lateness, stress, and emotional exhaustion.
- Now, think about the solutions to the problem (what might be done and how you feel). For an example of a procrastination habit, the results might be: less distractions, quiet place, clean desk, tight schedule, stay calm, happy, relaxed, confident, understanding, stress free, free from other things, sense of peace, cleanliness, relationships, timing, and self-organization.
Step 3. Determine the solution
Graphic representation is able to develop creative problem solving skills in children. Art is a creative way of thinking about problems and solutions in a different way.
Try doing art therapy exercises. Take a piece of paper and draw a line in the middle. On the left, describe your problem. For example, if the problem is procrastination, picture yourself sitting down to do errands and files on your desk, but instead you're playing on your cell phone. After describing the problem, draw a representation of the solution on the right side of the paper. For example, this solution might be a picture of yourself with a clean desk and phone far away so you can work in peace
Step 4. Forget it
If you're stressed about a decision or problem, it can hold back your productivity, your ability to think clearly, and reach a conclusion or solution. If this is the case, you may need to take a break. Often times, we will be more refreshed and able to re-open our minds through a relaxed attitude and do something unrelated to the problem we are facing.
Try distracting yourself with a fun activity like reading, then come back to the problem when you feel more refreshed
Step 5. Get some sleep
Research shows that the brain continues to process and solve problems while you sleep. Your dreams may even help solve problems.
Try to remember your dreams after a problem has occurred and identify all the possible solutions your subconscious has to offer
Tips
- Be patient. Thought patterns take time to change.
- Maintain interest by rewarding yourself.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Get rid of solutions that are not appropriate in terms of time and resources.
