Most of us really want to, and expect to, live happy, productive and useful lives. But there seems to be some overarching law of physics or nature that works to ensure that our happiness is balanced with a degree of angst and frustration. Depending on the severity of each episode of this opposing force, we perceive concerns, irritations or problems. Thus we sometimes feel we have to spend a disproportionate fraction of our existence just solving problems, at the expense of progressing in our being.
I spent most of my working years as a problem-solver, but, alas, I never became a true “expert”. However, I was exposed to world-class problem-solvers and even got to meet and work with a few. I will remain in awe of these remarkable people and their aptitudes, talents, gifts or expertise—however we might characterize their problem-solving abilities.
Perhaps a couple of things about problem-solving that did stick with me may provide a clue, or trigger your innate talents, in solving or coping with a problem. One, without a good definition of a problem, any result is a gratuitous solution that may or may not actually address the causes of that undefined problem. Two, there is no conflict between adhering to simple principles in the solving of a problem and the implementation of a very complex solution. As Dr.Gene Woolsey, a world-renowned problem solver said (in my paraphrase language) “try the dumb-bunny approach before you get bogged down in a smart-alec one”.
