Awaken Your Problem Solver from Within

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Introduction

Problem Solving, Creative and Critical Thinking go hand-in-hand helping us to see the world from several different angles and perspectives. Each of these techniques strengthen our capacity to think in flexible and adaptable ways expanding our understanding and awareness about the world we live in. This post will specifically focus on the process of problem solving, discussing how we can apply its techniques, strategies and methods to breakthrough the challenges that life throws our way in a logical, systematic and thought provoking manner.

The first branch of the IQ Matrix identifies the attitude, belief systems, habits and characteristics that are indispensable to an effective and efficient problem solver. The second branch of the IQ Matrix delves into the ideal primary problem solving method that will help you to break down and breakthrough any obstacle that stands in your way. The final branch of the IQ Matrix presents you with some ongoing problem solving tactics that will keep your mind focused and proactive when dealing with the obstacles that confront your daily way of life.

This article post is part of an Effective Thinking Series of IQ Matrix Mind Maps that are designed to help you successfully deal with the problems and challenges confronting your daily life reality. Topics within this series include:

• Part 1: Strategic Life Questioning Tactics
• Part 2: Unlocking Your Creative Genius Potential
• Part 3: Awaken Your Problem Solver from Within
• Part 4: Becoming an Outstanding Critical Thinker
• Part 5: 6 Thinking Hats: Solving Life’s Complex Problems

Indispensable Problem Solver Attributes

Becoming a proactive and efficient problem solver requires a little more than a set of effective problem solving strategies. In fact, your problem solving ability begins in the mind. If you do not take the time to fully condition your mind and prepare it for the act of problem solving, than you will simply struggle to consistently partake in the daily behaviors and rituals that are required for effective problem solving. Within this branch of the IQ Matrix we will take a look at and identify the indispensable attributes of problem solving that you MUST cultivate within your mind on a daily basis. If you fail to incorporate these qualities into your psyche, than you will struggle to effectively apply the techniques and strategies that are presented in the remaining two branches of this IQ Matrix.

A Problem Solver’s Attitude

A problem solver’s attitude effectively determines their external approach to every problem that confronts their daily reality. This attitude is displayed in their thoughts, behaviors and external actions, and it is this attitude that helps to build their resolve assisting them to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Let’s delve into the mind of an effective problem solver and identify some of the attitudes that are absolutely indispensable to their ongoing success in life:

“I will make sure to do things carefully” - An effective problem solver always strives to work through their problems in a patient, meticulous and careful manner. They fully understand that the care they give to a problem at the beginning, will help them to realize better and more effective solutions in the future.

“This problem can be solved” – An effective problem solver intuitively understands that any problem that confronts their daily reality can and will be solved, given enough time, patience and meticulous careful attention.

“I must persist till a solution is reached” – An effective problem solver knows that not all problems will be solved within the time frame they may have expected. However, they also understand that if they are persistent and hold true to their resolve, than eventually the curtain veils will open and their solution will be unveiled.

“If I don’t solve it now, I will next time” – An effective problem solver realizes that whatever cannot be solved now, will eventually be solved another time. They fully understand that due to their current level of skill, knowledge, or simply due to circumstances out of their current control, that a solution simply cannot be reached. Hence, they bide their time to acquire new information and knowledge, to develop and enhance their skill levels, and to gain insights from a variety of angles and perspectives. They completely understand that eventually the right solution will indeed come to them.

“I am going to enjoy this process” - An effective problem solver knows that unless they adopt a playful and inquisitive attitude, that as a result they will struggle to find appropriate solutions. They therefore always strive to find new and unique ways to enjoy the process of working their way through a problem.

A Problem Solver’s Beliefs

An effective problem solver has a set of undeniable and indispensable beliefs and convictions that direct and propel their thoughts, actions and daily behaviors. These beliefs are so deeply ingrained into their psyche that it would take the force and willpower of the entire world to shake these feeling of certainty. And that’s pretty much what beliefs are. They are opinions that we have about things, ourselves, others and the world around us that are injected with an undeniable sense of certainty. We will discuss the process of building strong and empowering beliefs in a future Mind Map. However, for the purpose of this discussion let’s take a look at a handful of beliefs that are critical to effective problem solving:

“There is no Failure only Feedback” – An effective problem solver believes that outcomes bring with them no failure, but rather only feedback, which must be utilized as a source of knowledge, insight and learning to enhance the decisions one makes, and the actions one takes to resolve problems successfully.

“There is a way to make this work” – An effective problem solver believes that there is always a way to make things work. They may not see the solution at this very moment, however through the act of persistent searching, they wholeheartedly believe that they will eventually reach a satisfactory outcome.

“Choice is better than no choice” – An effective problem solver believes that it is better to have more choices to choose from, than to be limited by the choices that one has available to them. Hence they always strive to expand the possibilities, to expand the opportunities and avenues for answers, allowing for as many choices as possible to further their understanding about a problem.

“Success can be Modeled” – An effective problem solver believes that successful problem solving can be modeled. They consistently seek out other people who have successfully overcome similar problems and they attempt to model their thinking, decisions and actions in a meticulous manner, thusly helping them to effectively overcome the obstacles and challenges in their own life. We will be discussing the in-depth process of Modeling Success in a future Mind Map.

“Curiosity expands Opportunities and Possibilities” – An effective problem solver believes that one must be curious at all times if one desires to spot the opportunities and possibilities that lie along one’s path. Curiosity is an endearing characteristic that helps to expand creativity, intelligence and thinking ability over time.

A Problem Solver’s Habits

An effective problem solver has a set of daily habits and thought rituals that they partake in on a daily basis. These habits of thought assist them to think more effectively and proactively about the problems and challenges that confront their daily reality. We will discuss the process of how habits are formed in a future Mind Map. For now, let’s take a look at 3 habitual “thinking rituals” that are indispensable to effective problem solving:

Deep Probing

An effective problem solver cultivates the habit of deep probing. This involves the process of meticulous thinking taking into account all angles and perspectives about a problem, leaving nothing to chance. They fully realize that through a process of simple deduction that they will be better able to work their way through the problem in the most effective and efficient manner. The habit of deep probing can be compared to the simple act of peeling layers off an onion. Each layer that the problem solver peels off digs them deeper into the heart of the problem, and thusly closer to the inevitable solution.

Associating with the Past

An effective problem solver realizes that any new piece of information can effectively be associated with past memories, experiences and learnings, to further their problem solving ability.

Recognizing Patterns

An effective problem solver easily and effortlessly recognizes patterns within every problem or circumstance – thusly furthering their problem solving abilities. Everything within our Universe is built upon patterns and rhythmic dances that create the events and circumstances of our lives. In fact, these same patterns cause and create our daily life problems and circumstances. Through a process of identifying and learning to understand these patterns; effective problem solvers are able to decipher clues that will lead them to reliable solutions and answers. When attempting to identify patterns look for similarities, differences, rhythms, errors, future scenarios and trends that the problem is bringing to light.

A Problem Solver’s Characteristics

An effective problem solver can easily be distinguished from others by the key personality characteristics that naturally help them to break down boundaries and attain the heights of logical and constructive thought. The characteristics presented below are the primary traits we must cultivate within our personalities if we seek to successfully overcome the problems and challenges that are confronting our daily reality. Let’s take a look at each of them in a little detail:

Risk Taker

An effective problem solver understands that many problems will never fully be solved if risk isn’t involved. Risk may mean overcoming a fear, thinking outside the box beyond accepted norms and standards, or simply making the tough decisions that at the moment seem uncertain and unclear. Yes, problem solvers are risk takers, who believe that it is only through the process of risk taking that they will be able to reach effective solutions to the challenges confronting their daily reality.

Persistent

An effective problem solver is persistent in thought, decision and action. They clearly understand that there is a means and way around a problem, and that through a persistent attitude and approach, they will always find an angle that will bring about a satisfactory solution.

Enthusiastic

An effective problem solver displays passion and enthusiasm at all times. These two qualities provide them with the energy and motivation they need to help them overcome the toughest of challenges.

Meticulous

An effective problem solver is meticulous and thorough with every step they take moving towards their desired goals and outcomes. This thoroughness allows them to work through their problems step-by-step taking into account all angles and perspectives. As a result, solutions come to them easily and effortlessly at all times.

Adaptable & Flexible

An effective problem solver is constantly vigilant and aware of the changing faces of their daily life challenges. They clearly understand that problems can shift and change in a moments notice, and as a result they must adapt their approach accordingly. It is only through flexibility of thought and action that they are able to work through their problems in an efficient and effective manner.

Open Minded

An effective problem solver is always open minded to other people’s opinions and perspectives. They clearly understand that they do not hold all the answers, and that others may indeed have alternative views that will help them to see things from unique and insightful angles. Moreover, this will help open the doors to new understandings that would not otherwise have been available to them.

Light-Hearted

An effective problem solver approaches their daily life challenges in a light-hearted and playful manner. They fully realize the overwhelming power that problems can have on their psyche. To counteract this, they approach each problem in a playful and light-hearted manner, helping them to find solutions and answers where others only see overwhelm and distress.

Proactive

An effective problem solver is proactive in nature. They understand, they just have to keep moving forward and continue to take proactive action no matter how uncertain events or circumstances may seem at any specific moment in time. The opposite of being “proactive” is being “reactive”. When we are “reactive” we become easily overwhelmed by the events and circumstances of our lives because we fail to grasp emotional control of our inner psychology.

Curious

An effective problem solver is a curious thinker. Curiosity naturally leads to a plethora of questions that need to be answered. Once answered, they can evolve into a myriad of solutions that will help you to attain your desired goals and objectives through a more efficient and effective means.

Non-Conforming

An effective problem solver does not conform to the standards and norms of mainstream society. Instead, they think out of the box, and break the rules in order to reach their desired objectives and goals.

The Primary Problem Solving Method

There are effectively many problem solving techniques and strategies that we could present and discuss here. However there is essentially only one primary problem solving method that will help you to structure and break down a problem step-by-step from the beginning to the very end – when an effective solution is finally reached. This branch of the IQ Matrix will provide you with an introduction to this method, by taking you through the 6 phases of effective problem solving. By consciously learning to apply each of these phases into every problematic scenarios in your life, you will proactively take control of your daily decision making process. Let’s now take a look at each of these phases in a little more detail:

Preparation Phase

This phase helps you to identify, define and decipher an overall picture and understanding about the problem that is currently confronting your reality. As you progress through this phase, it is important to gain as much clarity about your problem as possible from absolutely every angle and perspective. Any assumptions or misunderstandings here, could very well sabotage the effectiveness of the problem solving thought process. Therefore be very careful to clarify everything clearly and meticulously.

Identify the Problem

Your first step is to always clearly identify the problem that is confronting your reality. Many people fail to do this correctly, and as a result they discover that what they thought was a problem is in fact a mistaken assumption that now requires a dramatically different approach.

Define Problem in Writing

Once you have identified the problem, you next step is to clearly define it on paper. It is only through the process of writing our thoughts down on paper that we attain the clarity we need to effectively deal with the challenges that stand in our way.

Question the Problem

To further clarity and expand your understanding about this problem, it is recommended that you ask yourself a set of open-ended questions that will help you to define the problem from a variety of angles and perspectives. The questions you should be asking yourself must be focused on the What? When? Where? Why? Who? and How? of the problem under question. Undertaking this process with meticulous attention will open up new insights and understandings that are critical to the effectiveness of the later phases of this Problem Solving Method. It is important to understand that you are not seeking solutions or answers here, but rather gathering insights into the problem from as many different angles and perspectives you can identify. Here are a few questions to get you started:

What exactly is the actual problem that is impeding my progress?

When did this problem occur?

Where did this problem first appear?

Why is this problem impeding my progress?

Who is involved in this problem?

How is this problem influencing other areas of my life?

Determine Possible Causes

Once you have clarified the problem, your next step is to identify the possible causes that may have triggered these outcomes. Again during this stage you must continue asking What? When? Where? Why? Who? and How? questions. Here are a few to get you started:

What could be the potential causes of this problem?

When did these causes originate?

Where did these causes originate?

Why did these causes originate?

Who could have triggered this problem?

How does all this help me in identifying the causes of this problem?

Reframe the Problem

Once you have identified and defined the causes of the problem, it is important to open your mind to alternative perspectives. At this stage you are not yet seeking answers or solutions but rather opening up your mind to different perspectives that will help you to understand the problem from a variety of angles. This process involves the act of “Reframing”, which is an NLP term we will discuss in further detail in a future Mind Map. However, for the purpose of this discussion, here are a few reframing questions to get you started:

How might other people perceive this problem?

How would I perceive this problem if I was to look back on it 12 months from this day?

What if I was completely detached from this problem and its outcomes. How would I now perceive it?

What has to be true for this to be a problem?

Define Desired Outcomes

Finally, you must gain clarity by defining the desired outcomes you would like to attain from successfully working your way through this problem. These outcomes will help to direct your mind towards solutions as you progressively move through the remaining phases of this Problem Solving Method. The strategy you utilize to achieve this outcome isn’t important at this stage. The only thing that matters is that you clarify on paper the end objective and goal you are after.

Generation Phase

This phase allows for free association and exploration of wild and crazy ideas that must not be judged, criticized or condemned for any reason. The greater flexibility of thought you incorporate into this phase, the more effective the later phases will become. It is important throughout this phase that you literally overwhelm your brain with as many solutions as possible. The greater the variety of solutions and strategies you come up with, the more insightful and effective the Incubation Phase will become.

Recall Past Learnings, Experiences & Mistakes

Recalling your past life experiences will help you to gain better perspective about your current predicament. Many people constantly need to deal with the same ongoing problems and challenges in life because they simply fail to learn from their past experience and mistakes. It is only through a process of self-reflection and understanding that we will gain the necessary insights to move through our current problems efficiently and effectively. Also keep in mind that any past experience – even if not directly related to your current problems – could potentially help you find the solutions you are after.

Explore Strategies & Solutions

Having brought your past learnings and mistakes into the present, you are now ready to brainstorm solutions and strategies that will help you to successfully overcome the challenge confronting your current reality. There are many means and methods of brainstorming that we will discuss another time. Please take a look at Strategic Life Questioning Tactics and Unlocking Your Creative Genius Potential for some further insights.

It is important here, as you are brainstorming that you do not judge or criticize your solutions. Your thinking must flow effectively and efficiently from one idea to the next like water gently trickling off a leaf. All you are doing is generating possible and potential solutions that will help to expand your thinking and awareness about the problem you are currently experiencing. Lightly consider the drawbacks and obstacles that may be attached to these solutions, however primarily spend your time on the benefits of each strategy and how it could potentially lead you to the outcome you outlined within the Preparation Phase. As a final thought, keep in mind that the “How” isn’t important here. Instead it is the “What” that matters.

Incubation Phase

This could very well be called the “Resting Phase”. Your goal and objective here is to simply allow the solutions and ideas you came up with during the Generation Phase to harvest and grow within the recesses of your mind without ridicule or judgment. The key here is to basically separate your mind from the problem so completely that it simply becomes irrelevant and insignificant. Flowers cannot sprout and grow if weeds are dominating your thought process.

Indulge in Brainstorming Naps

Brainstorming naps are short 15 to 30 minute breaks you take throughout your day where you close your eyes and open yourself up to potential solutions. Before you take these brainstorming naps, it is important that you partake in a good 30 to 45 minutes of intense thought and reflection about possible solutions to your problem. As you lie back in a comfortable position and close your eyes, ask yourself the following questions:

How can I solve this problem in the most effective and efficient manner?

What must I do to attain my desired outcome?

Once your questions have been asked, simply settle down and observe your thoughts as though you are watching clouds drifting across the sky. Within these visual images you may very well find the answers you are after.

Sleep on Problem

Simply put your problem to rest and go to sleep. As you are nodding off, pose yourself insightful questions that will stimulate the thought process and encourage your brain to search for answers. As you awaken the next morning, immediately reflect on your thoughts and dreams – they may hold the answers you have been longing for all this time.

Change Your Environment to Improve Incubation

Stepping out into nature or simply into an inspiring and energetic environment will separate you from your problem and help you to think more effectively about potential solutions. However, since we are in the Incubation Phase, it is important to simply let go of the process of intense meticulous thinking. Instead, simply enjoy your surroundings, and the answers you are after will eventually reveal themselves to you. Just in case, have a piece of paper and pen ready to write down inspiring solutions as they come your way.

Evolution Phase

Now that your ideas have had a chance to incubate within the recesses of your mind – you are now ready to take your thinking to the next level and become your worst and best critic. Your goal throughout the Evolution Phase is to break down and clarify all your potential solutions progressively and meticulously allowing for deep insights and all round perspectives. The more thorough you are while undertaking this process, the lesser challenges you will face throughout the Implementation Phase that follows.

Prioritize & Evaluate Solutions

Collate all the solutions you brought forward throughout the Generation and Incubation Phases and evaluate them accordingly. Evaluate the viability of these solutions by looking at them from a variety of different angles and perspectives. Also take into account the time and energy you have on hand that will allow you to bring these solutions into the real world. Once completed, effectively prioritize your solutions to help you better decipher which ones could best assist you in overcoming your problems most efficiently.

Speculate Potential Future Outcomes & Negative Consequences

Future Pace each solution and see it clearly helping you overcome your problem. Identify the possible drawbacks, weaknesses as well as the strengths and potential opportunities that may result. The greater clarity you gain here, the easier it will be to settle on an ideal and clearcut solution to your problem.

Settle on Solutions

Having accumulated a thorough and comprehensive list of solutions throughout the Generation and Incubation Phases, and having outlined the possible consequences of each of these outcomes, you are now ready to select one primary desirable solution that will help you overcome your problem in the most effective and efficient manner. Take everything into consideration and decide which solution will best help you to achieve your end goal and desired outcome.

Implementation Phase

Your goal throughout the Implementation Phase is to progressively and meticulously work through the solution to your problem in a step-by-step manner via a process of logical decision making and action. You are basically bringing everything you have thought about and outlined on paper into reality. Many people will struggle to get through this stage successfully because of the dreaded Procrastination Bug. In order to avoid this trap have a read of From Procrastination to Instant Motivation IQ Matrix – it will help instill characteristics and traits that are essential for inspired proactive action.

Clarify Your Personal Vision of Outcome on Paper

Having settled on your ideal solution to this problem, take some time now to clarify this vision on paper.

Clarify the Personal Resources at Your Disposal

Identify the support, skills, knowledge and tools you currently have at your disposal that will help you to successfully overcome this problem. If you find that you are lacking in some of these areas, than you may need to regroup and update your skills or knowledge to help you deal with this problem more effectively. Or you may simply need to obtain the help and support of a new group of people who can guide you through this problem in a more proactive and efficient manner.

Create 3 Alternative Plans of Action

Now that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, support and tools you need to overcome this problem successfully, your next step is to draw up your plan of action. As previously discussed, it is important to be flexible with your actions and to take into account all the drawbacks and potential pitfalls of these steps. In order to minimize the possibilities of getting stuck, it is critical that you outline at the very least 3 alternative plans of action. If Plan A works out, than that’s great. However, if it fails miserably, than you still have Plan B and C at your disposal. We will discuss the intricate process of Effective Planning in a future Mind Map.

Set Clear Defined Deadlines for these Actions

Clear and defined deadlines will motivate you into action, while providing you with a time sensitive goal and objective to work towards. This process is discussed in great length within the Keys to Smart Goal Setting IQ Matrix.

Take Action Committing Yourself to the Result

Take proactive action focusing on the process of your actions and not on the problem or your end objective. Only through process orientation are you able to cultivate the flexible mentality you need to alter your course if unexpected events and circumstances come your way.

Learning Phase

This is an important phase that is very often overlooked. It will help you to clarify your thoughts, including the methods and strategies you utilized throughout the problem solving process. The learnings you gather from this kind of reflection will provide you with indispensable insights and understandings that will put your problem solving methods into perspectives, thusly furthering the effectiveness and efficiency of your approach as you tackle similar challenges in the future.

Monitor Your Outcomes

As you progress along your journey towards implementing your solution, pay attention to the outcomes that result from every thought you make and every decision and action you take. This awareness will help you to better understand your personal traits and tendencies, which will likewise assist you in bettering your problem solving methods in the future.

Reflect on the Problem Solving Process

Once you have successfully overcome your problem, spend some time thinking and reflecting about the problem solving process. Here are some questions to get you started:

What did I do well, and what am I proud of about the way I conducted myself throughout this process?

What problem solving traits did I cultivate and bring to the forefront throughout this process?

What problem solving traits did I neglect?

What mistakes did I make as I worked my way through this problem?

What have I learned from these experiences?

What could I have done better… more effectively and efficiently?

How can I utilize these learnings and experiences to further my problem solving abilities in the future?

Ongoing Problem Solving Tactics

Becoming an effective problem solver involves an ongoing process of conscious thought and action that opens new doors of opportunity to solutions and answers. These solutions and answers will simply not come to us through the process of sporadically applying the Primary Problem Solving Method. Instead they only come to those who instill into their psyche habitual patterns of behavior that are consistent and aligned with a problem solver’s mentality. Becoming an effective problem solver is not a Part Time career, it is rather a full time habitual process that one grows within their daily thoughts and actions. This branch of the IQ Matrix will present you with a number of effective ongoing problem solving tactics you can utilize consistently throughout your day to keep your mind primed and ready for any challenge that may come your way.

Mindset Oriented Tactics

The following is a list of Mindset Oriented problem solving tactics you can utilize on a consistent basis to keep your mind primed and ready for the challenges that come your way:

Visualize Your Desired Outcomes

It is said that we can only achieve our goals and objectives if we are able to clearly visualize them first in our mind’s-eye. That which we are unable to visualize, we will likewise not be able to comprehend and realize within our physical reality. When we were babies our motor skills developed over time through a process of observation and visualization. Only once we were able to successfully visualize in our mind’s-eye the process of picking up physical objects, were we able to bring that same ability successfully into our physical reality. Thusly, it is important to regularly spend time visualizing your outcomes along with the possible scenarios and strategies you will utilize to overcome your problems effectively.

Ask Questions Searching for Solutions

Questions are the keys that will unlock doors of opportunity and answers to even the most pressing of problems. If you ask the ideal solution focused question, you will essentially receive the right answers to help move you forward through your challenges in the most effective and efficient manner. For further information, please click through to Strategic Life Questioning Tactics IQ Matrix.

Always See Opportunities for New Learnings

Problem solving is essentially built around the concept of “opportunity”. Effective problem solvers don’t actually see “problems” as others do. Instead they see only opportunities for new learnings, insights and understandings that will help them to keep moving forward towards the attainment of their goals and objectives. You must train your mind to look at every event or circumstance as an opportunity for you to grow and become more of what you seek to be. The challenges you face in life are there for a reason to help you attain your highest potential as a human being. Perceive these “problems” as opportunities and you will move through them more effectively and swiftly than ever before.

Think Critically

By thinking critically about every problem and circumstance in your life, you will essentially break down the walls of “assumption” that naturally tend to hinder a mind and trap it within the limitations of its own making.

Think Creatively

Whereas problem solving is very structured and logical, creativity on the other hand is unstructured and imaginative. These two forms of effective thinking are in many ways tied together and will work in conjunction to help you breakthrough the obstacles that are standing in your way. We have already discussed how to Unlock Your Creative Genius Potential, hence we will not delve into any further details here.

Think is Solitude

In order to think more effectively about the problems in our life we must first clear the clutter from our mind. This process essentially begins by immediately removing ourselves from the physical distractions that could impede our thinking ability. Within solitude you will find peace, harmony and a sense of connection with your body, spirit and mind. This will effectively release built up tension while opening up the channels to intuitive, creative and logical thought – helping you to overcome your problems with less effort and greater ease.

Let Go of Fears

Your fears will rob you of the ability to think effectively and problematically. Effective problem solvers don’t allow their fears to control their thoughts, decisions and actions. Instead they usurp their fears and focus on the pleasures that will bring them the outcomes they desire to experience within their life. For more information about fears, please click through to Steps for Overcoming Your Fears IQ Matrix.

Let Go of Judgments & Criticisms

Effective problem solving requires us to let go of ill-fated judgments and criticisms. The ideal solution can only be reached if we take time to harvest and cultivate it within the recesses of our minds for an extended period of time. This process thusly requires us to let go of the Devil’s Advocate role and milk our ideas for all their worth. It is only towards the end of the problem solving process that the Devil’s Advocate card should be played.

Let Go of Biases & Assumptions

For the same reason as mentioned above, we must let go of all biases and assumptions that may hold us back from successfully finding a solution to the problem at hand. This is usually easier said than done because in many instances our assumptions and biases naturally color our reality every single moment of the day. If we mistakenly assume something, than we may redirect our thoughts, decisions and actions down paths that we did not want to tread. The solution is to ask insightful and carefully structured questions that will help us to break down the biases and assumptions we are holding onto at any one moment in time. This process is encapsulated within the framework of Critical Thinking.

Allow for Fantasizing

Fantasizing can be an effective form of creative problem solving. Take time each and every day to simply remove yourself from physical reality and simply fantasize about creating a perfect life where everything you imagine becomes your reality. This process will help to loosen your mind, and may very well open the doors to a set of clever ideas that will assist you in overcoming your problems more effectively.

Allow for Playfulness

Playfulness is another endearing quality that you must cultivate every single day. Perceive each and every problem as an intriguing game that you must win at all costs. Play with this game, have fun, and enjoy the experience to its fullest.

Allow for Idea Incubation

No idea will fully evolve and grow to its fullest potential if you fail to incubate it within the recesses of your mind for a period of time. Sometimes brilliant ideas can come to us very easily and effortlessly. We revel in so much excitement, that we immediately take action in an attempt to bring the idea into physical reality. However, later we realize that the idea was incomplete or simply didn’t work out as expected. In instances such as these, it is easy to get disheartened. Our idea was great, but for some reason it just didn’t evolve because little did we know at the time, that this “iceberg” idea was only the “tip” of a much larger, complete and comprehensive thought pattern that was never brought to the surface. We thusly learn from this experience and take time to incubate our ideas as we move forward into the future.

Explore Funny & Foolish Ideas

No idea should ever be ruled out. Every idea is valid and useful no matter how foolish, crazy or funny it might seem on the surface. In fact some of the most foolish ideas have indeed earned people millions and others billions of dollars. Hence, don’t discount any idea until you have taken it through the entire Problem Solving cycle discussed within the 2nd branch of the IQ Matrix. We will discuss the process of Brainstorming and Cultivating our Foolish Ideas in a future Mind Map.

Explore Alternative Perspectives Using Lenses

Lenses are a form of creative problem solving that will help you to expand your understanding and awareness about your circumstances from a variety of unique and interesting perspectives. Each lens will help you to see the problem from a new point of view – assisting you in identifying creative solutions you may not have thought of before. The following list presents you with just a few lenses you can utilize to help trigger creative solutions for your problems:

Childhood Lens

Look at your problem from the perspective of an inquisitive and curious child. See your problem as an innocent circumstance that isn’t tinged with pre-conceived biases or assumptions. Ask yourself seemingly foolish, funny and creative questions that open up new ways of thinking about mundane circumstances and problems.

How would a child approach this problem?

What kinds of questions would they ask?

Athlete’s Lens

Look at your problem from the perspective of a motivated and determined athlete. See your problem as a mountain that you will tame and conquer. Ask yourself questions focused on persistence and determination that will expand the possibilities of your solutions and help you to breakthrough your problems more effectively?

How would an athlete approach this problem?

What kinds of questions would they ask?

Artist’s Lens

Look at your problem from the perspective of a creative and imaginative thinker. See your problem as a work of art that progressively takes shape. Ask yourself questions built around metaphors, stories, visual concepts and ideas that will provide you with a unique perspective about your problem.

How would an artist approach this problem?

What kinds of questions would they ask?

Scientist or Inventor’s Lens

Look at your problem from the perspective of an analytical scientist or crazy inventor. See your problem as an experiment that you must test and perfect. Ask yourself questions that are built around logical thinking and experimentation.

How would a scientist or crazy inventor approach this problem?

What kinds of questions would they ask?

Politician’s Lens

Look at your problem from the perspective of a confident, confronting and ambitious politician. See your problem as a political campaign that you must win at all costs. Ask yourself questions that help you poke holes in your problem, thusly bringing its weaknesses to the forefront – much like what politicians do to their opponents during television debates.

How would a politician approach this problem?

What kinds of questions would they ask?

Action Oriented Tactics

The following is a list of Action Oriented problem solving tactics you can utilize on a consistent basis to keep your mind primed and ready for the challenges that come your way:

Persistently Write Out Questions

Questions are the keys that will bring forth the answers and solutions to your problems. Sit down for 30 minutes per day with two sheets of paper and a pen. Write out your problem in a question format on top of both sheets. Take your 1st sheet of paper and spend 15 minutes writing out as many questions as you can think of that will help expand your thinking and awareness about this problem. When your 15 minutes is up, take out the 2nd sheet of paper and write out as many solutions as you can think of that will answer the questions you posed on the 1st sheet of paper. By undertaking this process consistently each and every day, you will effectively develop a problem solving knack that will help you breakthrough any obstacle standing in your way.

Read Broadly

Sometimes the answers to our problems can come from the most unexpected sources. Simply keep your problem in mind as you read a book, magazine or newspaper and observe your brain in overdrive searching for new pieces of information that it can associate to old memories and experiences. Within every piece of information you read, picture you see and sound you listen to, lies the solution to your problem. This awareness will get you halfway to your answer.

Update Your Skills & Knowledge

Our problems can only overwhelm us when we feel incapable of dealing with them in an effective and timely manner. The solution for this is to update specific skills and knowledge (pertaining to the problem) that will allow you to better handle and manage these types of challenges in the future.

Utilize Positive Language

A pessimist will naturally have a very difficult time finding solutions to even the simplest of problems. On the other hand, an “optimistic realist” – who utilizes positive language – will bring forth a great array of solutions that will further expand their thinking ability and creative potential.

Utilize Concept or Mind Maps

Mind Maps are extraordinary problem solving tools that will allow you to easily brainstorm effective and creative ideas. Mind Maps mimic our brain’s natural capacity to think, manage and organize large chunks of information in an proactive and efficient manner. They will help you to put your problem into perspective, while giving birth to new connections and associations that may not have been evident to you before.

Utilize Diagrams

Because our brains think in pictures and not words, it just makes sense that diagrams would help us conceptualize our ideas in a much more thorough and creative fashion. You may be surprised with the insights you will garner from simply drawing up your problem and solutions in a diagrammatic picture format.

Create & Utilize a Problem Solving System

Finally, it is important to understand that our problems will never evaporate completely. Such is life, that it constantly and continuously tests our resolve in order to help us grow and achieve our most desired goals and objectives. Those people who don’t seem to experience any problems in life, have simply mastered the illusion of hiding their problems from others through sensible decision making, management and by utilizing a – potentially unconscious – systemization processes. Every time you successfully work through your problems, it is important to draw up a systematic management plan that will help you to deal with these types of problems – and any problems for that matter – in a more effective and efficient manner in the future. We will discuss the intricate details of this process in the future.

Final Thoughts

It has been said that…

It’s not what happens to us that determines our fate, it’s rather what we do with what happens that determines our destiny.

The problems and challenges that confront our everyday reality are drawn to us for a reason and purpose – teaching us life lessons that help us grow and attain new levels of insight, awareness and understanding. Without problems we would never grow, we would never mature, we would never fully develop, and we would never experience the joy and satisfaction of attaining our most inspiring goals and objectives. Yes, problems are indeed blessings in disguise for some, while for others they become steppingstones for misery, stress, mayhem and dissatisfaction. These people just don’t get it…

It’s not what happens to us that determines our fate, it’s rather what we do with what happens that determines our destiny.

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have utilized any of these problem solving strategies, or would like to share some of your own, than please feel free to comment below.

Spotlight on the MasterMind Matrix

The process of Problem Solving is an important and indispensable component of the MasterMind Matrix.

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The MasterMind Matrix is a Psychological Chart of Personal Success and Achievement. It is used as an effective Self-Coaching tool that will help guide you through the personal obstacles, setbacks and limitations that may stand in your way as you progress towards the attainment of your goals and objectives in the field of academics, business, career, sports, or life in general.

Each IQ Matrix Mind Map that is available through this website represents a single cell fragment of the MasterMind Matrix. For more information and images, visit the MasterMind Matrix page.

4 Problem Solving Steps

Visit Brian Tracy’s website to learn more about his personal development and business courses, books, and programs.

Free Articles & Online Resources

Here are a number of highly recommended free articles and online resources that will further help expand your understanding about this topic:

• The Art of Complex Problem Solving @ iDiagram
• Einstein’s Secret to Amazing Problem Solving @ Litemind
• 16 Practical Tips for Solving Your Problems More Easily @ Positivity Blog
• 10 Timeless Lessons on Better Thinking @ Life Optimizer
• Your Guide to Get Spinning in the Idea Tornado @ Think Simple Now
• How to Find Creative Solutions to Non-Creative Problems @ Scott H Young
• Problem Solving Toolkit – 33 Tricks to Answer Tough Problems @ Scott H Young
• Solve Tough Problems by Using Lenses @ Scott H Young
• 10 Characteristics of Effective Problem Solvers @ Realty Times
• Silva Mind Control for Problem Solving @ Attraction Mind Map
• Solving Problems Effectively @ Brian Tracy
• Square Watermelon Problem Solving @ Dumb Little Man
• Ready-made Thinking Guides @ ExploraTree
• Solve Problems Like an Air Force Pilot @ Schaefer’s Blog
• The Incredible Problem Solving Power of Intuition @ Yin vs Yang
• The Best Way to Solve a Problem: Give Up @ Illuminated Mind

Recommended Books

• The Thinker’s Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving by Morban D. Jones
• Becoming a Problem Solving Genius by Edward Zaccaro
• The Art and Craft of Problem Solving by Paul Zeitz
• Rapid Problem Solving with Post-It Notes by David Straker
• Solving Tough Problems: An Open Way of Talking, Listening, and Creating New Realities by Adam Kahane & Peter M Senge

If you would like to download a copy of this IQ Matrix, it is available from the IQ Matrix Shop.