Post: #1

Anyone have strong tips, techniques or resources for creative problem-solving?

By "creative problem-solving" I mean coming up with solutions to issues/obstacles in business and life that either block you from your goals or cause you pain/suffering.

Examples might be how to scale your business, get out of a tight spot financially, or grow in some way socially.

I've heard more experienced, successful business owners say that business essentially boils down to a series of problems to be solved.

I'd like to get better at this. I'm sure we've all experienced disempowering reactions in the face of difficult problems - getting overly stressed, anxious, frustrated or despairing. Or pushing the problem away and letting it get worse.

But solutions hardly ever come about from responding in those ways.

IME, a solution will sometimes come with some mix of steady determination and focus, or perhaps off-the-wall brainstorming, bouncing ideas off a friend, or maybe just letting your mind wander around the issue in a relaxed, peaceful way.

So there are obviously better and worse approaches.

I'm sure there's a wealth of information on creative problem solving... techniques, mindsets, etc.

Anyone have any particular recommendations? What works well for you?

Post: #2

My notes from many different sources

1. Arguing
2. Pretend you are solving problems for someone else
3. Use sarcasm
4. Look at Apple logo - it helps even if you see it subliminal
5. Add flowers and plants in your office/room
6. Lie down - brain solves problems easier because it thinks you are relaxed
7. Creative writing - doodling
8. Green and Blue colors
9. Think about love not sex
10. Alcohol
11. Moderate background noise
12. Think about smart creative people

Post: #3

The most accessible recommendation I can offer is get good at identifying people with useful second opinions. The second most valuable advice I can offer is learn to speak to computers using Common Lisp, at the highest levels the logic you can do is perfectly sane to an insane degree. The third still harder option is reading a lot of Greek philosophy in Greek. Later philosophers may have more sophisticated arguments, but for that you lose the connection the arguments have to... the World...

This is far iffier, but maybe pick up a nice setup for painting water colors and play with that a bunch. I've had the best creative insights with this.

Post: #4

Wow some pretty cool and unusual tips, thanks guys.

BBinger, could you expand more on the benefits of Common Lisp? So you find it's trained some sort of transferable skill, some pure-logic ability that allows you to work through situations outside of programming? Pretty cool if so.

Post: #5

If you get stuck on something theoretical like programming or strategy, maybe try an Oblique Strategies deck. They were developed to help deal with creative blocks in composing songs, though writers and non-artists have found them useful.
There's an online simulator here if you don't fancy spending £30 on a deck of cards.
Probably not great in high-stress situations where the impact of making a decision is immediate.

Post: #6

I learned an interesting method to be creative. It is called TRIZ.
It was developed by studing patents, and can be used as a methodology to problem solving.

There are plenty of free resources. Look it up.

Post: #7

One simple one I picked up years ago and I've used many times over the years is as follows. It involves "forcing" your brain activity to switch sides:

Determine which nostril, right or left, you are currently breathing through when in a resting state (most people only use one nostril at a time though you likely aren't even aware of it) by alternately closing each nostril with your forefinger. Notice which side feels more open or clearer and which one feels more closed. The open one indicates which side of your brain is currently more dominant. Example if your right nostril is clearer then your left brain hemisphere is currently more active. To make your brain switch sides just cover your more open nostril and force your less open nostril to open. This may take a few minutes and is best accomplished if your calmly, quietly sitting or laying down. Closing your eyes is good too.

Once the "closed" nostril is more "open" you've effectively engaged the other side of your brain and you should look at the creative problem again. You might just find a new perspective you did/nt have before. This has worked many times for me,

That's just one I have time for but there are many