Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 5: Define the problem
• Method 2 of 5: Investigate and come up with solutions
• Method 3 of 5: Evaluate solutions
• Method 4 of 5: Training your brain to improve problem-solving skills
• Method 5 of 5: Cultivate creativity to improve problem-solving skills
• Tips

Are you sick of finding the same boring solutions to your problems over and over? Do you want to rewire your brain to get more creative and smarter? With a few easy-to-follow mental tips, you can connect all of your creative neurons in no time. Being more creative in your thinking involves using creative problem-solving skills, thinking outside the box, and exercising your brain.

To step

Method 1 of 5: Define the problem

1. Write down the problem. Writing down the problem in concrete language helps to clarify and simplify your problem. This can make it more manageable and move you forward to tackle the problem head-on. Additionally, simplifying the language you use can help you feel less overwhelmed by the complexity of a problem.
   • An example of a possible problem is that you postpone important tasks until the last moment (procrastination). Write down what your specific problem is that you want to have solved.
   • Define the problem in the simplest terms. If procrastination is the problem, just write down procrastination instead of "I always wait until the last minute to finish projects and this is stressful."
2. Make sure the problem needs to be resolved. Have you ever heard the saying "if it ain't broke, don't go fix it"? This mantra also applies to problem determination. Sometimes we can quickly judge and see problems when they are actually not there.
   • For example, if you think procrastination is the problem, are there ways it isn't a problem? Could it be stress-free and help you focus on getting your job done (some people need the pressure to work)? Is it possible that others might not like your procrastination, but it doesn't hurt anyone and doesn't seem to have an effect on getting your job done? If the problem doesn't seem to have any identifiable consequences, then it may not be a high priority problem, or it may not be a problem at all. In other words, you may think you procrastinate, but you don't.
3. Make a list of pros and cons for solving your problem. Writing down the pros and cons of solving a problem can help you discover whether the problem is worth solving and whether it is a high priority problem. A cost-benefit analysis involves finding the positive sides of solving the problem, but also the negative sides of not solving the problem.
   • Write down what will happen if the problem is not resolved. In the example of procrastination, the consequences could be that others may continue to comment on your procrastination, that you may have difficulty prioritizing tasks, that you may be more stressed, and that the quality of your work may suffer if you not giving yourself enough time to complete a project.
   • Write down and accept the benefits of solving the problem. The benefits of solving procrastination may include: less last-minute stress, quality of work will improve because you have more time, you have more time to finish the work, and supervisors and colleagues will be less concerned about the procrastination. If you see that there are many benefits to solving the problem, then it is probably worth fixing and it could be a high priority problem.
4. Determine all components of the problem. Learn to include everything. Determine the components of the problem in their entirety. Also include the people involved, the content and the context.
   • Write down everything you know about the problem and any components you think are contributing to the problem. With regard to procrastination, the list could look like this: distractions such as television / internet, avoidance of tasks that take a long time, scheduling problems (not enough time), and a low frustration tolerance. These problems can be associated with organizational skills.
   • Try to create a problem tree with your main problem on the trunk of the tree, and the related components on the branches of the tree. This way you can visualize what your problem looks like and how the other problems contribute to the main problem.
5. Focus on one problem at a time. Make sure you define your problem very specifically. Sometimes a problem can have many components, so it's important to focus on a specific and detailed problem before trying to solve the big picture problem.
   • Procrastination, for example, can be a small part of the bigger problem that the quality of your work suffers and that your boss wants you to make fewer mistakes. Rather than trying to combat the quality of your work problem (which can be very complex), identify all the components that contribute to the problem and work on each component separately as a problem in its own right.
   • One way to understand this is to create a graphical representation or “problem / solution tree” of the larger problem versus the smaller problems. You can put the bigger problem in the middle (organizational problems that affect the quality of the work) and the components of the problem extend from the middle.Components contributing to the larger problem can include things like getting enough sleep, paying a lot of attention, time management, and procrastination. Note that procrastination is only one component of the major problem of work quality and / or organizational problems.
6. Write down your goals. To start solving a problem, you need to understand the final outcome you want. Ask yourself "What do I want to achieve by solving this problem?"
   • Make your goals specific, realistic and time bound. In other words; give yourself a specific amount of time it takes you to achieve the goal or solve the problem. Some goals take a week, while others take six months.
   • For example, if your goal is to solve your procrastination problem, this may be a very long-term goal because some habits can be deeply rooted and difficult to end. But you can make the goal smaller, more realistic and time-bound by saying “I want to finish at least 1 project a day before the deadline in the next two weeks”. This goal is specific (to finish a project early), realistic (one project instead of all projects) and time-bound (in the next two weeks).

Method 2 of 5: Investigate and come up with solutions

1. Think of ways you have solved similar problems. Chances are you've encountered a similar problem in the past. Recognize times in the past when you've worked with this issue or similar issues. What have you done? Did it work? What could also have helped?
   • Write all these thoughts on paper or on the computer.
2. Find ways others have solved the problem. If you haven't had this problem before, it will be helpful to find out how others have solved the problem. How did they go about finding a solution? Was their solution straightforward and simple, or did it involve multiple aspects and components?
   • Observe and ask questions. Look at how others are performing. Ask others how they solved such problems.
3. Identify possible solutions. Once you have explored possible ways or solutions to the problem, you can bring these ideas together, organize and evaluate them.
   • Compile a list of all possible solutions. Write down any way you can think of to solve the problem. For the example of procrastination, your list could include keeping a strict schedule, prioritizing tasks, writing down daily reminders of important tasks, making realistic estimates of time to complete projects, asking for help when needed, and a task start at least a day earlier than necessary. These are organizational and time management skills that can be learned. There will likely be many ways to work on the solution to the problem. You can also find other behaviors that reduce procrastination, such as getting enough sleep, exercising to deal with stress, and eating healthy (to improve and maintain overall health).
4. Think about the problem abstractly. Thinking about the problem or question in a different way can open new paths in your brain. Your brain can get a new starting point to follow your memory, or make connections in your brain. Try to think in a broader or more abstract way about the problem. For example, if the problem is procrastination, another way to think about it might be that you need stress to get things done. In this line of thinking, you will have to solve the problem of the need for stress to perform, rather than the procrastination itself.
   • Think about philosophical, religious, cultural, and other components of your problem.
5. Approach the situation from a different angle. Think about possible solutions as if you were a child discovering the world for the first time.
   • Try to write freely or brainstorm to get new ideas. Just write down everything that comes to your mind regarding possible solutions to the problem. Analyze your list and consider some of the options that you wouldn't normally consider, or think don't work.
   • Consider alternative viewpoints that you wouldn't normally consider. Think about bizarre suggestions from others and at the very least see them as options. For example, if procrastination is a constant battle, then someone else can get your job done to solve your problem. This may seem silly, but even the most bizarre ideas can have some truth to them. With this idea, asking for help with difficult tasks has not occurred to you because asking for help seems impractical. On the contrary, asking for help can be very helpful.
   • Don't set any restrictions. Look at the impossible. The answer could go against the normal.
   • Take risks. Openness can be associated with taking appropriate risks and learning from your mistakes.
6. Imagine that the problem is solved. This is a useful technique called the “miracle question,” which is an intervention used in solution-focused therapy (SFBT). Fantasizing about the effects of the solution can help people think about the possibility of finding a solution.
   • Imagine if a miracle happened in the night and you wake up in the morning and this problem has magically disappeared. How would that feel? How would it be?
   • Work back to the solution and imagine what must have happened for your problem to go away.

Method 3 of 5: Evaluate solutions

1. Make a cost-benefit analysis to decide on solutions. Once you have determined all possible solutions, you can make a pros and cons list for each idea. Write down each solution and consider the pros and cons of using it as part of your solution. If it has more advantages than disadvantages, it can be a useful resource.
   • Try to find and fill in a cost benefit schedule online.
2. Assess each solution. Based on your pros and cons list, rate each solution with a number from 1-10, with a 1 being the least useful and a 10 the most useful. The most helpful solutions will have the greatest effect on reducing the problem. For example, for procrastination, a very helpful solution can be to keep a strict schedule, while getting more sleep at night has less overall effect on the problem. The most helpful solutions will directly affect the problem or tackle it.
   • Once you've graded them, write them down from 1-10 on paper or the computer. This way you can refer back to it once you implement the solution of your choice. If your first solution doesn't work, you can review the list and try your second solution, and so on. You can also enter several solutions at the same time (instead of one at a time).
3. Ask for input. Social support and counseling is an integral component of problem solving. But research indicates that we may tend to underestimate how willing other people are to help us. It's important not to let your own fear of not being helped keep you from asking for help when you really need it. If you can't decide on a solution, or if you're just too unfamiliar with the field, it can be helpful to get help from others who have solved similar issues.
   • Talk to a friend who has the same problem or who has solved the problem in the past.
   • If the problem is work-related, discuss it with a colleague you trust if he or she has experience handling your problem.
   • If the problem is personal, have a conversation with a family member or partner who knows you very well.
   • Seek professional help from someone who is an expert in solving the problem you have.

Method 4 of 5: Training your brain to improve problem-solving skills

1. Seek new experiences. Training your brain through new experiences can help you improve your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. With learning and experience comes creativity.
   • Learn something new. Watch movies, read, or view artwork in genres or styles that you wouldn't normally watch. Learn more about it.
   • Try to learn to play an instrument. Studies show that playing an instrument can help children achieve academic success. Perhaps learning to play an instrument will help train parts of your brain that control important functions, such as: attention, coordination, and creativity.
2. Play games. Some studies show that playing games like Super Mario can increase brain malleability. This result has consequences for increasing your memory, performance and overall cognitive functioning. Games that require skills such as planning, math, logic and reflexes can be especially helpful in training your brain power.
   • Some types of brain games to try include logic puzzles, crosswords, trivia, word searches, and Sudoku.
   • Try Lumosity, the brain training app for your mobile phone.
   • Try Gamesforyourbrain.com or Fitbrains.com.
3. Read and learn new words. Reading is involved in a wide variety of cognitive functions. A larger vocabulary is also linked to more success and a higher socio-economic status.
   • Look at dictionary.com and search for it word of the day on. Use the word several times during the day.
   • Simply reading more will often increase your vocabulary.
4. Use your non-dominant hand. Perform tasks with your left hand if you normally do them with your right (or vice versa if you are left-handed). This can create new neural pathways and broaden your reasoning capacity, as well as expand your creativity and open mind.
   • Try simple tasks like brushing your hair and using your phone before attempting other activities.

Method 5 of 5: Cultivate creativity to improve problem-solving skills

1. Broaden your horizon. Creativity is defined as a combination of imagination, knowledge and evaluation. Improving your creativity can help you improve your problem-solving skills in general.
   • To get your creative side more involved you can try new activities such as: drawing, painting, dancing, cooking, making music, writing diaries, writing stories or designing or creating something else!
2. Try free association. Free association writing, also known as brainstorming, can be useful for forming new ideas or ways to solve problems.
   • Write down the first things that come to mind when you hear the word creativity. Now do the same with the word problem solving.
   • Write down what your problem is and any words that come directly to your mind and relate to your problem, including feelings, behaviors, and ideas. A procrastination brainstorm might look like this: anger, frustration, pressure, tasks, distraction, avoidance, boss, disappointment, worry, late, upset, and overwhelmed.
   • Now start brainstorming solutions to the problem (what might be involved and what would it feel like). For procrastination it can look like this: reduce distraction, quiet place, empty desk, tight schedule, calm, happy, relaxed, confident, understanding, no stress, free, peace, cleanliness, relationships, on time and organized.
3. Draw solutions. Graphics are used to develop creative problem-solving skills in children. Using art is a creative way to think differently about problems and solutions.
   • Try doing an art therapy exercise. Take a piece of paper and make a line in the center. Draw your problem on the left. If procrastination is the problem, you can, for example, draw a picture of yourself at a desk with piles of papers and tasks on your desk, while you are sending a message on your mobile on the drawing. Once you have drawn the problem, draw a picture of what the solution might look like on the other side of the paper. This could be a drawing of you with your empty desk, telephone away, working quietly at your desk.
4. Put it out of your mind. If you are stressed about a decision or a problem, it can hold you back from being productive, thinking clearly, and reaching a conclusion or solution. If so, it may be helpful to take a break. Often times, we can freshen up and open our mind just by relaxing and doing something unrelated to the problem.
   • Try to distract yourself with a fun activity, such as reading, and then return to the problem when you feel fresh again.
5. Sleep on it. Research shows that your brain continues to process and solve problems while you sleep. Your dreams may even try to help you solve your problem.
   • Pay attention to the dreams you have after a problem and look for possible solutions that your subconscious brain may have found.

Tips

• Be patient. Thought patterns take time to change.
• Encourage your interest with a reward.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Eliminate solutions based on time and resources.