Alternatives: Look for different ways to solve problems Focus: Train your brain to think more clearly Challenge: Think in nontraditional ways Random entry: Be open to different lines of thought Provocation: Turn a provocative situation into something useful Harvesting: Choose the best of your new ideas Treatment of ideas: Alter ideas to fit different scenarios
Take time to wonder. Don’t just pass by a construction site, for example. Stop and think, “I wonder what they are building here. I bet you have to have a lot of different permits to build in this neighborhood. " Try making a list of things you are curious about. You can keep a small notebook on you and jot down thoughts when you are out and about.
For example, if a friend tells you that they are voting for a certain candidate, ask questions. You can say, “What factors are you basing that on? What is your opinion on climate change?” You can question things you read, too. For example, if you are reading an article about the decline of the bee population, ask yourself some questions like, “How could this impact the environment? What are some ways I could be part of a solution?”
Certain types of puzzles, such as brain teasers, are great for helping hone your problem solving skills. You can find puzzles online, or buy a book full of them. Logic puzzles are also great!
Identify the problem Define the problem Examine the options Act on a plan Look at the consequences
First, ask questions. You might say, “Why is my dog acting this way? Has something in his life changed? When did this start?” Then, apply the IDEAL method. Make sure to use creativity when brainstorming options!
Work on clarifying the problem. For example, maybe you and your partner have not been getting along lately. Clarify the problem by examining what is really going on. Ask yourself questions such as, “Is the other person under a lot of stress at work? Is either of us focusing on our relationship?” Once you clarify the problem, you can further your critical thinking by gathering information and looking at the issue from all sides.
Brainstorm. For example, maybe you want to find money in your budget for a great vacation. Make a list of all of the ways you could save money or make more money. Be open to alternatives. [11] X Expert Source Mary Church, PhDResearch & Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 6 August 2021. Be willing to try some of the nontraditional ideas you come up with when you brainstorm. Ask for input. Have your friends and family help you come up with new ideas. Don’t be afraid to try a new solution!
Choose a time each day to write in your journal. It could be in the morning, or right before bed. Make note of any challenges that you faced throughout the day. Write down the different approaches you used to solve the problem. Once a week, take time to read through your journal. You might be surprised at how much progress you are making!
Approach with this method. For example, if you are in sales, try asking, “What if a similar product comes on the market? How will we promote our product?” You could also try, “What if our sales drop? How will we adjust our approach?” By approaching problems with questions, you are opening yourself up to view all possibilities and options.
Maybe your company is growing and you need new office space. You can think outside the box and come up with some great ideas. Start brainstorming. Write down anything that comes to mind such as, “New neighborhood? Build our own building? Share space with another company?” Flesh out the ideas that could work–and remember to be open to change!
Maybe you work for a non-profit. If you need to raise more fund, prove that you are up to the challenge. You could say, “How can we meet more members of the community? What if we all use our professional networks and reach out to new potential sponsors. "
For example, you could try saying to your boss, “I notice our third quarter numbers are great. Do you have time this week to listen to some ideas I have about how to make them even better?” Use your meeting to show that you have thought critically and creatively about your plan.
