How do you like to solve your problems? Do you prefer to use the more creative problem solving techniques, or the systematic ones? You'll get the best of both with the add-subtract-change method.
Add, Subtract, Change
I am sitting here looking at my bicycle as I write this. To come up with new ideas in bicycle design, all we have to do is look at the elements that are there and ask three things. What can we add, what can we subtract, and what can we change?
Would pet owners like a built-in dog or cat carrier? Are 18 gears necessary? There are still six gears and one less thing to break if a shifter is removed. What if the wheels were larger or the frame made of a flexible material? What would the advantages be?
Personal Problems Too
The add-subtract-change technique is well suited to developing new products, but what if your having trouble sticking to an exercise plan? Will this kind of problem solving method work for personal issues? You won't know until you try it. Hmm...
Add: A better machine, motivation techniques, caffeine. Subtract: Distractions, unrealistic goals, uncomfortable clothing. Change: Location, time of day, type of exercise.
The key is to look at as many aspects of the current situation as you can identify, and to let your mind answer the three questions for each one. Taking notes is a good idea too, but write down everything. Don't stifle your mind - the time to pick out the useable ideas is later.
There are dozens of good creative problem solving techniques you can use. Some will work better for you, some worse, but one way to solve problems effectively is to use more than one technique. Why not add this one to your arsenal?
Steve Gillman has been studying brainpower enhancement, creative problem solving, and related topics for years. You can visit his website, and subscribe to his free Mind Power Course, at: http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com/mind-powe r.html
I had been given the task to organize a fire... Read More
One of the ways a person must advance past perfectionism... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
The constant search for Good Ideas has resulted in many... Read More
It is that time of year again. Yuletide?Christmas in the... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Who Should Read This Article?Anyone nursing a new (especially untested... Read More
We don't need to understand quantum physics entirely in order... Read More
Ideas are everywhere. Some are small and seemingly insignificant. Others... Read More
Are you a right-brainer or a left-brainer?The greatest thinkers are... Read More
Some ideas occur in the office and others occur away... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
There are a number of amazing inventions that have been... Read More
Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Weekend Seminar-Excelling in the New... Read More
It just might save your lifeThink of the many times... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
People often think that there is a creative type. This... Read More
Some are seeking love in a bottle. Others look for... Read More
Imagination is the unreal, real state of mind, where all... Read More
What determines your destiny? What predisposes your choices?It is your... Read More
"How'd they do that?" I asked myself time and time... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Innovators are opportunity-oriented.What's the hidden opportunity in that problem? Where... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
When is it right for you to rebel against the... Read More
"Nothing is accidental ... use everything." -- Keith JohnstoneEven the... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
To creatively solve problems you need to get your mind... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Do you hate to make small talk? If so, you... Read More
Do you consider your vision perfect? You may never have... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Yesterday, I went above and beyond the call of duty... Read More
Every artifact, every tool, everything ever designed or created by... Read More
Throughout History we have imprisoned our brightest stars and thinkers.... Read More
"Nothing is accidental ... use everything." -- Keith JohnstoneEven the... Read More
The world is now changing again, it appears. The logical... Read More
People often think that there is a creative type. This... Read More
Innovators are opportunity-oriented.What's the hidden opportunity in that problem? Where... Read More
How many times have you heard the phrase "knowledge is... Read More
You've probably heard it a hundred times by now -... Read More
Leaders, consultants and managers must be competent in at least... Read More
I had been given the task to organize a fire... Read More
It's Friday night, you're sitting at a restaurant, and as... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
When I first heard Jim Rohn talk about the importance... Read More
What would you say to yourself if when faced with... Read More
It was a sunny Saturday in April 2003 in Myrtle... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Basically what innovation does is making your business unique and... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Imagination is the unreal, real state of mind, where all... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
I lived for several years on the Japanese island of... Read More
Say you have an idea for something new and exciting... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Leaders, consultants and managers must be competent in at least... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Innovation |