Every day, we have to face a lot of problems from multiple things in work, family and life. If you have good problem-solving skills, life will be simpler. It is important to enhance your abilities in problem-solving. Here are a few suggestions to help you improve your problem-solving skills:
Open mind
Let’s try all possible solutions to solve the problem, even if they seem odd. It is important that you maintain openness to increase your ability to think creatively, thereby finding the most appropriate solution. No matter how you act, don’t be shy that they are stupid or silly solutions, because no idea is a bad idea. Reality has a lot of solutions, the successful result sometimes comes from crazy ideas.
Focus on solutions
Neuroscientists have shown that your brain cannot find a solution if you only focus on the problem. Emphasis only on who having fault, the consequences will increase the negative emotions in the brain, thereby limiting the thinking of potential solutions. Of course, that does not mean that you should ignore the problem but try to calm down, look at the problem wisely, then think about possible methods.
Look at the problem neutrally
To increase your problem-solving skills, do not consider the problem you are having as an insurmountable obstacle. Just think simply that there is a factor or something that doesn’t work well and you need to find another way. Then try to approach the problem neutrally without comparing too much. Do not make a decision based on the multidimensional opinion of people around you. You can listen to their suggestions, analyze the problem thoroughly and follow your instincts.
Overturned the problem
Sometimes familiar methods or workarounds can make you ignore many other possible solutions. Therefore, you should try to change the approach and see things in a new way by overturning the issue, finding a different solution than what you used to do. Even if your solution seems stupid, but with a new, unique approach will stimulate you to see the problem in a more multi-dimensional and creative way. Moreover, when there are many choices, you will know what the best solution is.
Use positive words
One of the best ways to increase your problem-solving skills is to use positive words and have a positive attitude. You can lead your positive thoughts with phrases like “What if …” and “imagine that …”. These phrases expand the brain to think creatively and encourage solutions. You should also avoid and limit negative words like “I don’t think …” or “This is not true …”
Use mind maps
A mind maps can help you to break down a big problem into sub-problems. Then you can focus to solve each sub-problem and after all, sub-problems are solved, you finally solve that huge problem. You can also list all possible solutions and write steps to take actions. By writing down your thoughts on paper, you can easily have an overview of your problem and approach the solutions as quickly as possible.
Simplify things
We often tend to make things more complicated. Do not pay attention too much on the details and forget the important parts. Try to simplify the problem by looking at the whole picture and eliminating the scraps. Let’s find a simple, clear solution and you may be surprised at the unexpected results.
