Do you have a ridiculous deadline to meet, a tight budget to tally,or a seemingly impossible problem to solve? Are you known as the person who "pulls a rabbit out of your hat" and magically comes up with ideas that no one else has thought of?
People who are creative problem-solvers often brainstorm projects and then give their mind a rest.
They go for a walk, engage in a game of tennis, swim, read a book or watch a beautiful sunset. Meanwhile, their brain is working behind the scene. Sounds simple.
You've heard of sleeping on the problem!? You go to sleep asking your subconscious mind to furnish an answer. Put a pad of paper and pen on your bedside table. If you wake during the night write down ideas that come to mind. Many people do this regularly. Why not you?
Years ago I read a story about a young chemist who was given the task of developing a new type of paint for cars. Prior to this, many people had tried and failed. The company neglected to tell him this! They simply said that they needed it by a certain date. He went to sleep and imagined that the ingredients of the paint were poured into a giant funnel with the word "Answer" beneath it. During the night he precisely wrote down the formula for the paint. His superiors were astounded! How did he do it? Firstly, he never considered that failure was an option. He had possibility thinking and he believed in the power of his mind.
Your mind is just as powerful. Believe that there is a solution. Follow the process.
Here are a few suggestions to help you.
1. Do some research and find out if anyone else has ever had to solve a similar problem. How did they come up with answers?
2. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can. Write them down.
3. Meditate and see yourself reaching your goal.
4. Ask your subconscious mind as you go to sleep to give you the answer. Jot it down on a pad, or work backwards. Imagine the problem solved and ask your mind how you did it!
5. Take a break. The answer may pop into your head when you are relaxing and you'll exclaim, "Why I didn't think of that! It is so simple!"
Celebrate the process and know that there is a solution, an answer to many obstacles.
Kathleen Boucher, CEO of Great Kids & Me, http://www.greatkidsandme.com, Show your kids how to solve problems and you'll give them a skill that they'll use throughout their life. Believe, brainstorm, rest, retrieve and celebrate your results.