Boosting creativity and problem-solving
- Karen Wilson: Family Corner
- February 16, 2018
- 1858
“OK guys, I need column ideas. What should I write about?” Our sons have heard that question a number of times over the years.
The next few minutes usually include a variety of reasonable as well as unreasonable possibilities.
However, their suggestions have often been the inspiration that gets words and ideas flowing onto the page. As a bonus, it has helped them to develop skills in choosing subjects for their own school writing projects.
So what do you do when you need to generate ideas or solve problems, writing or otherwise?
Second to quizzing my children, I often pick up pen and paper. I need to see a thing on the page to help me sort through information. Sometimes I use lists. Other times I write paragraphs. Still other times diagrams and sketches fill the pages. Just the act of getting the details on paper helps me generate ideas and solutions to problems.
Alternatively I may choose something to think about while I walk. Giving a question legs, so to speak, gets my brain moving on the problem as well. I often carry a small notebook and pen to capture thoughts before they evaporate. I’m sure I could make notes on my phone or send myself a text, but the older method seems to work best for me.
It also can help to really concentrate on a matter and then leave it alone, perhaps think seriously about it at the beginning of a walk before turning attention elsewhere. Doing so gives my brain a chance to ponder. Often ideas seem to just pop into my thoughts after a bit.
Reading also is key. I like to read very detailed, specific information about a subject of interest, but reading widely also is vital. It’s best to read material about a subject but also to read information totally unrelated. I like to look for ways to apply things from one area to a totally different area. Cross-over solutions often work amazingly well.
I often read for inspiration. Others may choose to read things that provoke a certain mood. Then they use that feeling to help create something unique.
Another possibility is to investigate how others have solved a particular problem and modify their method to fit a new situation.
Although it doesn’t appear particularly productive, napping can sometimes be the catalyst for a new idea. A clear, fresh mind may sort out a matter more quickly.
If those rather creative approaches aren’t working, a more straightforward method may be needed. The basic tactic goes something along these lines:
First, clearly define the problem. Clarify what needs to be solved.
Second, examine what information you already have that can contribute to a resolution.
Third, determine what information you still need and how to obtain it.
Fourth, use all the pieces collected to create a complete solution.
If you can pull it off, an even better approach could be to blend creative methods with straightforward problem-solving.
Big and small problems arise every day. Having a few favorite ways of dealing with them can keep you moving forward efficiently. Sharing methods with your kids will help them to become reliable problem-solvers too.