Define Your Problem Exactly
The word how is the key. For example, "How do I make a healthy, grain-filled snack?" (Granola Bar).
Research Deeply
Get into the problem. I call this the "fork" method. For instance, to sample a cake, you don't try just the frosting, you slice to the core.
Obtain Help
Call experts for assistance. You don't have to be an expert on everything to get the answers you need.
Prepare for Problem-Solving
Your brain is like a muscle. It needs exercise to stay in shape. Math and word problems are useful. Use your curiosity to find ways to solve everyday problems. Be flexible. Solutions may be totally unique and unexpected. Skimming magazines keeps you up-to-date, provides a source for ideas and stores information that may be useful later. Be observant of everything around you.
Sketch It Out
Transfer thoughts to paper, white board, or computer graphics program. Make your ideas visible. This helps generate thought as much as it records a solution.
Churn
Quantity can often produce quality. The repackaging of Band-Aids required the churning of 120 ideas for the solution.
Go See a Movie
Have you ever tried to remember a name and then remembered it when doing something completely unrelated? Your mind needs to hibernate while it works on the problem in the background. Sports, road trips, or any activity that gets you away from the problem will help your creativity and recall.
Keep Your Space Clear
Give yourself room to pace, move around, draw and plan.
Know When to Walk Away
Thomas Edison had 600 failed attempts before one became the light bulb. If a method chosen doesn't work, toss it. It's even possible you won't find the solution. There are plenty of other problems to fix. Your efforts and experience will be valuable when you approach the next proble
Stanley Mason
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