Creative Problem Solving

Brainpower Newsletter

Are you ready to get creative and solve those problems? Here's a simple plan that will work if you follow it.

A Plan For Creative Problem Solving

A. Learn how to use several good problem solving techniques. I have covered many here in the newsletter and will write about others soon.

B. Use them until doing so is a habit. This takes a couple weeks usually. Carry a card to remind you to use a given technique each day.

C. Mentally prepare for each problem-solving session. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Have a place that is conducive to good thinking. This can be a clean desk, a conference room, or even a coffee shop, if that works for you.

2. Gather mental materials you'll need. This includes a list of problem solving techniques, especially if they aren't a habit yet. This can also include a list of ways to get motivated, and other personal reminders that help you.

3. Think about why you want to solve this problem(s). Imagine how things will be better when you have succeeded. Building your anticipation and enthusiasm creates physical changes that speed up your thought processes.

4. If you have no inherent interest in the project, try talking about something that is interesting to you just before you start working on the problem. The enthusiasm won't directly transfer, but the increased energy and enhanced brain function it created will continue for a while.

5. It may help to clear your mind with a basic mindfulness exercise. Close your eyes, pay attention to your breathing, and relax for three minutes. Identify all the little "mind irritations" you notice while doing this. Make notes afterwards, put things on to-do lists - do whatever you have to do to set these distractions aside.

6. Have a cup of coffee or other beverage with caffeine if this helps you. In my experience, caffeine may be better for analytical thinking than for creative problem solving.

7. Ginkgo Biloba may help. In some studies, it has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain. You can buy it in capsules, tea, or just eat a couple leaves if there is a Ginkgo nearby (common in parks).

8. Have water, and maybe light protein snacks available (nuts are good). This is just to keep from being distracted by thirst or hunger.

9. Avoid sugar. If you really don't understand the concept of brain fog, eat sugary cake on an empty stomach and try to do math problems twenty minutes later. You'll get the point. (This is called the "sugar blues.")

10. Stop occasionally to stand up, stretch, and sigh. This relaxes your body and mind. There is some evidence that tension in the shoulders, neck and head can decrease blood flow to the brain.

Keep this list available so you have some remedies when your brain is feeling sluggish.

Word Play

1. What is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt"?

2. Name the only four words in the English language that end in "dous."

3. Name at least two words that have "uu" in them.

(Here is another recent article from the "Better Life" section of the website)

Words Of Inspiration

Maybe you've heard these words of inspiration:

"What does it profit a man to have gained the whole world, and to have lost his soul?" - Jesus Christ

Words of inspiration, whether sayings from the present day or centuries past, can inspire and instruct us. It is true regardless of the religious, spiritual, or even non-spiritual tradition they come from. In fact, quotes that strike at the truth of the matter can come from scoundrels, saints, and ordinary people. They help us "program" our brains for a better life.

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old. Seek what they sought." - Basho

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit" - Aristotle

Logical arguments and philosophies often attempt to "capture" truth in a net of words to build systems of knowledge, or to satisfy egos. Logic is important, but when mis-used it leads to confusion. Inspirational sayings cut through the fog and point at the truth, so you can see it for yourself.

Suppose you are trying to decide whether to do what you love now...

Continued at:
http://www.IncreaseBrainpower.com/words-of-inspiration.html

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Until next time,

Steve

Word Play Answers:

1. Dreamt.

2. Tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.

3. Vacuum, residuum, or continuum.

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