This is one of the most commonly encountered stumbling blocks. There is unrecognized abundance of solutions to every type of problem imagined. The real task is not finding a solution from scarcity but finding the best solution(s) from a seemingly unlimited choice deeply seated within us. Remember that any problem and their appropriate answers have been in us all this time. We do not act alone but we act as a collective unit. More heads are better than one on condition that they all have the appropriate tools and have the proper mindset.
Since a given problem can be solved in so many different ways, we can start by listing as many solutions as we can think of. Try to find out if you'll use one solution or a combination of solutions.
Never jump in and use the first thing that comes to your mind with very few exceptions such as emergencies. Anyway, our response to such scenarios have actually been anticipated and already studied before it ever happens. Thus even emergency situations are confronted with solutions that have been well thought of in advance.
Among the growing list, take note of the most obvious solution to your problem and place it aside. The brainstorming group must try to understand the problematic thing or process in question and theoretically divide the process into about three stages- if that is possible. I call this as simple deconstruction phase. Study each process and find parallel occurrences from nature or from everyday life. Play around the currently accepted concepts and list any ideas that may be placed on the table regardless if it sounds so absurd at that moment. We can find parallel ideas from nature, we can oppose, or we can exaggerate the ideas and see what will come of it. I call that phase as simple brainsuperstorming phase. Attempt to integrate the seemingly absurd ideas with the specific problematic process under scrutiny/study. I call this phase as simple integration. If you are very interested to understand this by taking an example to illustrate how it is done, write a comment and identify a problem (I will not guarantee that we will be able to solve the problem, but I can guarantee one of the best experience in problem solving you may have yet encountered).
Summarize any potential solution that may come out. Discuss what you think about it, what you feel about it and what you believe should be taken into consideration.
Discuss potential obstacles by checking what is currently available. Then shift the group's focus to determine the solution's doability or feasibility also by checking what is currently available.
Repeat the above process by picking a few more ideas from your solution list with apparent potential.
Be decisive and choose the best option for serious implementation.
Expose the infant early to the concept that there are many solutions to one problem through simple games. Expose to sounds and color of nature.
Do the same for the older child. Let her understand how nature has arranged the dynamics, behavior and structure of living and non living things to maintain harmony. Let her develop a good sense of humor which may be of great help in advanced problem solving. Talk with her about the obstacles that he encounters. Let her solve the problem herself if she has the motivation. You may demonstrate how it is done initially but be careful not to over do it such that she becomes dependent on you every time she faces a problem.
Adolescence is a time when higher centers of the brain are actively developing. Let her always take time out before implementing an obvious solution. Let her think of the many other possible alternatives and choose what is best by elimination of the weaker solutions. Demonstrate how she can deconstruct, brainsuperstorm and integrate ideas and form solutions. Initially move at the same pace with her slow development but later add speed and urgency as she enters adulthood.
For adults, do the same. Let them learn about critical or analytical thinking, lateral thinking and creative thinking. It is not a one-man show so it is not bad idea to get help in finding alternative solutions to problems. Life is not an exam or test where people should not collaborate on the best answers to question. Work in a group and actively participate in problem solving activities. Merge your minds and move as a unit at one time building ideas or at another time quality testing them. Grab every opportunity by practicing at work or in your extracurricular activities. But be ready to develop the capacity to orchestrate the problem solving activity as leader or moderator in a group. Be serious in taking advantage of such opportunities to learn since you will need it in the future where you may need to put up your own projects. Impulsive problem solving habits are hard to break in the adult, so prepare those fancy tools such as your thoughts and concepts (icons or images), feelings, beliefs, Values, etc.
We therefore should not spring to action impulsively. We need to think and feel with our Hearts, choose the best solution before we shift into ACTION.
ADDENDUM:
As an example of the brainstorming process I described above, I picked the simple example of an ordinary tool we use on the office table-the paper staple remover. A few days ago, I tried to again demonstrate how Superbrainstorming or Creative thinking or Conceptual thinking or Lateral thinking produces solutions. We all know that sometimes the staples are hard to remove and sometimes they can injure skin when not careful. In 10 minutes, I was successful in try to come up with alternative futuristic solutions to this simple gadget by just going through the process I described above. Highlight of the result was that we have a choice not to settle with the old clamping device. I was able to find doable alternatives as simple as using sticky material in the corners of papers (which is almost in existence in the form of sticky pads) to the more elaborate concepts of producing papers with corner cut out slit-like designs that will allow easy attachment and detachment using twisting or sliding motions on the paper edge to more high-tech alternatives of mixing very thin magnetic materials in the corner or edges of papers that will allow the same maneuver even without touching the papers. So this concept will then be forwarded to designers and engineers. There is more of those ideas waiting for minds that are ready to understand how superbrainstorming works.
Since a given problem can be solved in so many different ways, we can start by listing as many solutions as we can think of. Try to find out if you'll use one solution or a combination of solutions.
Never jump in and use the first thing that comes to your mind with very few exceptions such as emergencies. Anyway, our response to such scenarios have actually been anticipated and already studied before it ever happens. Thus even emergency situations are confronted with solutions that have been well thought of in advance.
Among the growing list, take note of the most obvious solution to your problem and place it aside. The brainstorming group must try to understand the problematic thing or process in question and theoretically divide the process into about three stages- if that is possible. I call this as simple deconstruction phase. Study each process and find parallel occurrences from nature or from everyday life. Play around the currently accepted concepts and list any ideas that may be placed on the table regardless if it sounds so absurd at that moment. We can find parallel ideas from nature, we can oppose, or we can exaggerate the ideas and see what will come of it. I call that phase as simple brainsuperstorming phase. Attempt to integrate the seemingly absurd ideas with the specific problematic process under scrutiny/study. I call this phase as simple integration. If you are very interested to understand this by taking an example to illustrate how it is done, write a comment and identify a problem (I will not guarantee that we will be able to solve the problem, but I can guarantee one of the best experience in problem solving you may have yet encountered).
Summarize any potential solution that may come out. Discuss what you think about it, what you feel about it and what you believe should be taken into consideration.
Discuss potential obstacles by checking what is currently available. Then shift the group's focus to determine the solution's doability or feasibility also by checking what is currently available.
Repeat the above process by picking a few more ideas from your solution list with apparent potential.
Be decisive and choose the best option for serious implementation.
Expose the infant early to the concept that there are many solutions to one problem through simple games. Expose to sounds and color of nature.
Do the same for the older child. Let her understand how nature has arranged the dynamics, behavior and structure of living and non living things to maintain harmony. Let her develop a good sense of humor which may be of great help in advanced problem solving. Talk with her about the obstacles that he encounters. Let her solve the problem herself if she has the motivation. You may demonstrate how it is done initially but be careful not to over do it such that she becomes dependent on you every time she faces a problem.
Adolescence is a time when higher centers of the brain are actively developing. Let her always take time out before implementing an obvious solution. Let her think of the many other possible alternatives and choose what is best by elimination of the weaker solutions. Demonstrate how she can deconstruct, brainsuperstorm and integrate ideas and form solutions. Initially move at the same pace with her slow development but later add speed and urgency as she enters adulthood.
For adults, do the same. Let them learn about critical or analytical thinking, lateral thinking and creative thinking. It is not a one-man show so it is not bad idea to get help in finding alternative solutions to problems. Life is not an exam or test where people should not collaborate on the best answers to question. Work in a group and actively participate in problem solving activities. Merge your minds and move as a unit at one time building ideas or at another time quality testing them. Grab every opportunity by practicing at work or in your extracurricular activities. But be ready to develop the capacity to orchestrate the problem solving activity as leader or moderator in a group. Be serious in taking advantage of such opportunities to learn since you will need it in the future where you may need to put up your own projects. Impulsive problem solving habits are hard to break in the adult, so prepare those fancy tools such as your thoughts and concepts (icons or images), feelings, beliefs, Values, etc.
We therefore should not spring to action impulsively. We need to think and feel with our Hearts, choose the best solution before we shift into ACTION.
ADDENDUM:
As an example of the brainstorming process I described above, I picked the simple example of an ordinary tool we use on the office table-the paper staple remover. A few days ago, I tried to again demonstrate how Superbrainstorming or Creative thinking or Conceptual thinking or Lateral thinking produces solutions. We all know that sometimes the staples are hard to remove and sometimes they can injure skin when not careful. In 10 minutes, I was successful in try to come up with alternative futuristic solutions to this simple gadget by just going through the process I described above. Highlight of the result was that we have a choice not to settle with the old clamping device. I was able to find doable alternatives as simple as using sticky material in the corners of papers (which is almost in existence in the form of sticky pads) to the more elaborate concepts of producing papers with corner cut out slit-like designs that will allow easy attachment and detachment using twisting or sliding motions on the paper edge to more high-tech alternatives of mixing very thin magnetic materials in the corner or edges of papers that will allow the same maneuver even without touching the papers. So this concept will then be forwarded to designers and engineers. There is more of those ideas waiting for minds that are ready to understand how superbrainstorming works.
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