24 Creative Problem Solving Techniques

Brought To You By

http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com
and
http://www.ProblemSolving101.com

Copyright 2005 Steve Gillman

Free Distribution Rights!
You may redistribute this e-book, share it with
others, or even give it away as a bonus with your own
products.
Restrictions:
You may not modify this e-book in any way.
You may not claim ownership.
Testimonials From The Web Sites
(E-mails on file)
"My mind feels great. Everything Ive learned so far is a step in the right
direction." - Jay J
"I love your web site! It has been a big help." - David S
"I liked your article 'clear thinking'. This is fabulous." - Surya M
"I have been enjoying your newsletter very much." - Brad R
"...your brain power newsletters have benefitted me a lot as a student." Vasundhara P

"I very much enjoy reading your brain power newsletter and the book." Annie
"I find myself more aware of how my mind is thinking... Thank you for this
course." - Nancy Parker
"I am deeply grateful... I have been exposed to many things that I did not
know before..." - Forwah E

.................
The Best Problem Solving Techniques
What are the best problem solving techniques?
The ones that work for you.
Try any or all of the techniques explained here, and you'll probably find
that two or three of them work really well for you again and again. I might
find different ones that work better for me. That's natural, as we are all
different.
One problem solving method Albert Einstein used was to "sleep on it." He
then often had his creative inspirations while shaving in the morning. He
also used the "change of perspective" technique with some success when he
imagined riding on a beam of light and came up with his theory of
relativity.
My Own Favorites?
For myself, I have the most fun with "random presentation," a technique
that has you select any object to see what it can show you about a problem,
and "concept combination," which involves combining ideas, objects and
various factors. These two techniques can give you an endless stream of new
ideas. They are a couple of the best for coming up with new inventions and
business ideas.
My best ideas however, come with "assumption challenging." Challenging the
assumption that a book has to be sold lead to this e-book. I consider this
to be the most powerful and creative problem solving technique, but that
may be because it works for me. You may find that "metaphorical analysis"
is more your style.

Some Techniques Are Just New Ways To Do The Same Thing

One thing you will notice as you read through these techniques is that some
of them are very similar. Certainly, the technique of "assuming the
absurd," in which you ask questions like, What if customers made their own
products? can be seen as another way of "assumption challenging." That's
okay. In fact, sometimes a slightly different way of expressing an idea, or
a slight twist on an existing method, is all it takes to make it
interesting and usable for you, or for me. We all operate a bit
differently.
Combining Techniques
Combining two or more techniques will become natural as you learn more. It
is a powerful way to get truly innovative ideas that work. You certainly
can brainstorm, while changing perspectives and challenging assumptions.
You can also use ten different techniques on the same problem, and then
combine the ideas you come up with to arrive at the best solution.
Now, before you start using the techniques explained here, you should
become familiar with the three basic rules of creative problem solving.

.................
Three Steps To Effective Problem Solving
1. Suspend Critical Judgement
Let anything go in the initial stages.
Think it's a stupid thought? Write it down or say it anyhow. "Bad ideas"
often trigger better ones. At one time, I'm sure that the idea "Hey, lets
get rid of the cashiers," would have seemed useless and silly to grocery
store owners. Somebody worked with it, though, and now you see selfcheckout lanes in many stores.
Apart from the possibility of a bad idea leading to a good one, there is
the issue of how we function. Tell yourself or others "That's stupid" a few
times, and any good ideas you or they have aren't likely to be spoken.
Nothing shuts down a good brainstorming session faster than an environment
where people are afraid to throw "crazy" ideas out for consideration.

Let the ideas flow. If they are useless in the end, drop them. They will
have taken only a few seconds of your time, while keeping the wheels of
your creative imagination turning.
2. Have Many Ideas
This is really easier than it sounds. For example, if you are a musician,
get in the habit of using a few of these techniques, and you'll be able to
come up with a dozen new ways to make music in an hour. If you are a
writer, you can have 30 new story ideas in an afternoon. You'll be able to
think of forty new ways to make money in a day. If you dont believe this
now, you will as soon as you spend a little time applying the techniques
found in this book. Having many new ideas is easy.
Some of your ideas will even be good ones. Some of them. Maybe only a small
percentage. Thats okay. One good idea can sometimes make all the
difference, right? The point of having many ideas is that it increases the
odds of good ones appearing. It also increases the opportunities for
productive combinations of ideas.
Just be sure to produce lots of ideas when you are working on a problem.
It helps to quickly move on once you write an idea down. You can come back
to it later to develop it more, or to see where it might take you. In the
meantime, just work the techniques and keep pumping out ideas.
3. Choose The Best Solutions
Time to invite your critical judgement back into the process. Only after
you have many creative ideas should you start the evaluation process. You
also should clearly separate this part of the process from the ideagenerating part. Finish the non-judgmental, creative part first.
When you do start critically analyzing possible solutions, you need to be
very clear on the criteria. Ask the following questions about your ideas:
How does it solve the problem?
To answer this, you may have to redefine or clarify the problem. This can
be a good problem solving technique in itself, by the way. There can also
be a lot of back and forth between the creative and analytical parts of the
process. While the analysis part of the process shouldnt intrude on the
creative part, in order not to stifle the creativity, you can certainly
allow as much creativity as you want into your critical analysis of your
ideas.

In what ways is it better or worse than the other possible solutions?

This is where you start weeding out the less useful ideas. This may also
lead to combining the more useful ones. It may help to actually use two
columns on a piece of paper, labeled better, and worse.
In what ways is it better or worse than existing solutions?
You may have to start all over if none of the possible solutions you came
up with are better than what exists. On the other hand, it may be something
you can use with what exists, instead of replacing it.
How could it be implemented, and is it worth the work or investment
required?
Time to apply real world estimates of the benefit versus the cost, and the
probability of it working. Maybe a new medicine could cure a disease, be
better than any other solution, and almost certainly work as intended.
Still, if only three hundred people in the world have the disease, a
company couldn't justify a ten million dollar investment to produce it.
Okay, maybe creating new ideas is more fun than implementing them. Let's
get started with that part. It's time to learn and use the specific
techniques for solving problems.

.................
The 24 Problem Solving Techniques
1. Assumption Challenging
2. Add-Subtract-Change
3. Brainstorming
4. Assume The Absurd
5. Cause A Problem To Solve It
6. Creactivity

7. Change Of Perspective
8. Knowledge Gathering
9. Imaginary Friends
10. Mind Preparation
11. Walk With It
12. Sleep On It
13. Concept Combination
14. Random Presentation
15. Idea Generating Word List
16. Solve The Parts
17. Let It Incubate
18. Google It
19. Ask People
20. Simplify - Complicate
21. Do What Others Have Done
22. Metaphorical Analysis
23. Redefine It
24. Mind Mapping

.................
#1 - Assumption Challenging
The hardest part about challenging assumptions is identifying all the
assumptions that we so easily and subtly make. Learn to do this, though,

and you'll have some truly creative ideas. Start with pen and paper. Let's
use an example to go through the process. You own a bicycle manufacturing
company, and you want to create a new product. How do you get some new and
really creative ideas to explore? Write down those assumptions. They may
include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Bicycles need wheels.

People buy bicycles to get from here to there.
Bicycles need two wheels.
They have to be powered by a persons legs
We have to sell them.
They need to be made of metal.
We need a new product.

When you are done you should have a list much longer than this one. Then
you can begin challenging each assumption on the list.
1. Does a bicycle need wheels? You imagine a "bike" with skis that
hydroplanes on water when you pedal fast enough. You jot the idea down.
2. Does the rider have to go somewhere? A bike that goes nowhere? Maybe an
exercise bike that runs a TV set? You only get to watch TV when you are
pedaling. A video game that is controlled by riding a stationary bicycle?
3. Four wheels? What are the advantages? Where is the market? You write
down anything that comes to mind.
4. Why only leg power? A pedaling device for use with the hands? A new minimotor for bikes?
5. Not sell them? Maybe rent them. Maybe the water-bike from above would be
a good beach rental. Sell to vendors, who rent to the ultimate consumer.
6. What are the alternatives to metal? What are the advantages of
fiberglass or plastic?
7. Do you really need a new product? What if you drop the whole idea of a
new product? Maybe there is more money to be made marketing the existing
products in new ways. That would save the cost of re-tooling. You write
down some new ideas on marketing your existing bikes.
Notice that number seven challenges the problem itself. Challenging the
primary assumption, or the definition of the problem, can often yield the
most useful ideas. It can be tough to identify these "hidden" assumptions.
Would you normally think to add to your list the assumption "I have to

solve this?" Doing so could lead you to the realization that delegating it
to the engineers would be the best way to go. Look for all the assumptions
to get the widest variety and the most solutions.

#2 - Add-Subtract-Change
This is good systematic technique that's easy to use. It is particularly
good for use in redesigning things, but can be used for any type of
problem. You just start with the existing "solution" and ask what you can
add, subtract or change. I'm going to use the bicycle example from
"assumption challenging," just to show how different techniques will
suggest very different solutions.
Using the add-subtract-change technique to come up with our new product,
we would look at an existing bicycle and ask:
1. What could we add?
Maybe a radio could be built into the handle bars? Perhaps a map holder
that attaches to the handle bars? A pet-carrier up front, so you can bring
your cat along for the ride? (Okay, Ill stop looking at the handle bars as
I write this.) A built-in retractable lock?
2. What could we subtract?
Take away some of the gears? Ive always thought that for casual users, six
speeds is enough. Subtract some of the weight? Lighter is better. Lower the
price?
3. What could we change?
We could make the tires reflective for safety. We could put a hole in the
seat for mens comfort, or find a new type of padding. Could we make the
gears shift automatically?
Add
As you can see, looking for things to add can require a bit of imagination.
Subtract
On the other hand, looking for things to subtract can be very systematic.
Just look at everything, item by item, and ask what would happen if it was
removed or lessened.

Change
The last question - What could we change? - is where you get to be very
systematic and imaginative. Item by item you look at every aspect of the
existing solution to imagine ways in which you could alter it, replace it,
or redesign it.
This is an easy problem solving technique to use (all of them are really).
You can see that it produces different ideas than the "assumption
challenging" technique. At least it did for me as I wrote this.
Important Lesson: Try several techniques on the same problem, and I think
you'll find that each gets your mind working in a different way, and
therefore gives you different ideas.

#3 - Brainstorming
Brainstorming is using the power of many minds. A group is presented with a
problem or problems to solve, and everyone freely contributes ideas, and
builds on the ideas of others. At least that is the idea.
Often in a brainstorming session each person just defends their own ideas.
Even worse is when participants don't suggest ideas at all, for fear
they'll be attacked or ridiculed. That's no way to brainstorm. Ideas should
flow freely and trigger other ideas. How do you make that happen?
Have A Good Leader
A good leader will stop any criticisms, arguments, and even strong
opinions, at least in the first part of the session. A brainstorming
session needs to be spontaneous, open and uncritical. Bad or silly
ideas can lead to helpful ones, so suggestions have to be left un-judged at
first. Otherwise, you stifle the creative process. The leaders job, then,
is to make everyone feel free to suggest any ideas.
Good Brainstorming - An Example
A company needs to cut delivery costs. The brainstorming participants start
to suggest ideas and solutions. "Let's not deliver," one suggests, and when
another criticizes this, he is reminded of the rules. "Negotiate lower
shipping rates," is suggested, "Or just find a company with lower rates,"
another adds. Reducing package weight and charging customers more are
suggested, and lead to other ideas.

The leader keeps it civil, take notes, and eventually calls a halt to this
free-for-all part of the session. Now it's time to further develop the
ideas for whatever usefulness they may have. To keep the creativity
flowing, the leader has participants defend or develop ideas that are not
their own. This brings new insight to the ideas, and prevents the problem
of people getting "stuck in a rut" with their own ideas. (This is a really
useful technique to try at your next brainstorming session.)
For example, he asks the man who criticized the idea of not delivering to
work with that idea. "We have to deliver," he starts with, but then he
thinks about it and says, "We could deliver in bulk to central distribution
points instead of to the individual customers. The customers could pick up
their orders there. I suppose that might save us money on shipping."
Someone suggests that the customers may like the arrangement. They could
return the product immediately if they were dissatisfied, with no need to
pack and ship it. (It worked for Sears for years.) The leader assigns a
couple people to look into it, and moves on to the other ideas.
Good leadership keeps the whole process working. In the last example, a
"bad" idea was used to come to a possible solution. That's good
brainstorming.
Important Note:
A brainstorming session can be especially productive if the group is
introduced to a few new problem solving techniques. A few good techniques
and a good leader, and any group can come up with dozens of new ideas.

#4 - Assume The Absurd

The technique of "assuming the absurd" is really just a twist on the basic
assumption-challenging technique. It's advantage is that it tends to get
you thinking more imaginatively. At least it will if you play along. The
easiest way to start with this technique is with "what if" questions.
Some Examples Of Absurd Assumptions
Tired of carrying that heavy backpack in the wilderness? Ask the absurd
question, "What if the backpack carried itself?" A helium balloon comes to
mind, or wheels that can handle rough trails. Actually, that last one just
hit the market. The "Wheelpacker" attaches to your back and lets you pull
the pack down the trail behind you, using a modified bicycle wheel.

"What if we sold our cereal below cost?"

That's absurd! Then again, if the revenue was made up by selling
advertising space on the box, it might be even more profitable. "RaisinAds: Now with more advertising!" (Feel free to steal these ideas.)
"What if I just quit my job and didn't look for another?"
Hey, this question gave me the time and motivation to write this book, and
to develop an internet business that pays the bills. Maybe you could put an
ad in the paper and let the jobs look for you?
"What if lights produced sound instead of light?"
This might be a nifty product for people who are blind. Using the sounds,
they could orient themselves in a room, or follow a hallway easily.
If You Cant Think Absurdly
If it is difficult to come up with absurd "what ifs," start with opposites.
If you need to increase sales, for example, just say how could decreasing
sales be better? That might lead to the idea of dropping non-profitable
customers and squeezing more profit out of good customers.
Of course, increasing sales and getting more profit per sale is even
better. That brings up an important point: There's no need to prove that
your absurd assumption is better than existing ones.
You use these techniques to trigger your imagination, and give you new
ideas. If an absurd "what if" question, or any other technique gets you
nowhere, just drop it after a minute and move on. It's absurd to think you
can get good ideas from every question. But then again...

#5 - Cause A Problem To Solve It

Okay, you don't have to actually cause a problem. Instead, you ask the
question:"How can I make this problem worse?" Then you systematically glean
what lessons you can from each of these anti-solutions to arrive at ideas
for real solutions.
Personal Problems
This can be a great technique for dealing with personal problems. For

example, if you are having trouble with your level of motivation, list all
the ways you can think of to make it worse. These might include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sleep less.
Think about the ways you might fail.
Keep saying "This is too much work."
Think of whole project, and get overwhelmed.
Work on things that you have no interest in.

Each of these anti-solutions can teach you something. Certainly it might

help to get enough sleep, and to start thinking about the ways you might
succeed. Number three suggests that you may want to change your internal
dialog. Number four reminds us how powerful it can be to just think about
and take the next step. Number five could get you thinking about ways to
develop an interest, to create desire, or maybe even to find more inspiring
things to work on.
I once asked myself how many ways I could get more stressed out. I wrote a
long list, and learned a lot. Not only did I realize that I was doing some
of the things on the list, but others immediately suggested easy ways to
reduce stress.
Business Problems
This technique isn't just for personal problems, of course. If you need
more customers for your business, you ask "How could I scare them away?"
You might realize you're doing some of the things you come up with. In any
case, each way to chase those customers away can give you ideas for
incremental changes that will attract more business.
Any Problems
In my personal example above, before I did this exercise, I was assuming
that my stress was due to having too many things to do. As a result, my
solutions were somewhat limited by that assumption. By listing many ways to
cause more stress, I found many little changes to relieve my stress solutions I might have missed.
Thats the value of this seemingly negative approach. You see, if you
only look at a problem from the perspective of "How do I solve it?" you see
only solutions based on your current assumptions. Looking at ways to make a
problem worse breaks you away from those assumptions, so you can find more
creative solutions.

#6 - Creactivity
This isn't really a problem solving technique as much as a good habit to
develop. Of course "creactivity" is invented, so don't look for it in the
dictionary. It is the concept of creativity coming from activity. You have
to do something to create something. Obvious, perhaps, but nonetheless
there are probably thousands of writers out there right now, staring at a
blank piece of paper, waiting for ideas to come.
Don't Wait!
Whether you are trying to start that novel or looking for a new
mathematical algorithm, start working on it. Graham Green, the famous
English writer, credits a simple habit for much of his success: He forced
himself to write at least 500 words every day, whether or not he felt like
it. Yes, creative inspiration can strike at any time, but it sure strikes
more often when there is work instead of waiting.
To build a house you need tools, materials, and work. To come up with great
ideas and creative solutions to problems, you need the same. The tools are
the techniques here and whatever else is in your brain. The materials are
the things you know about the problem to be solved. The work, which can be
play as well, is what brings it all together.
The Creactivity Technique
Okay, how do you put this obvious principle into practice as a "technique?"
Like this: when you are having difficulty coming up with good ideas and
workable solutions, start producing bad ideas and unworkable solutions.
That's it. Just start playing with the problem, and eventually the ideas
will get better.
Let me repeat that:
Just Do it!
Do it badly until you can do it better. Do a minor part of the work. Get
the work ready to work on later. Write anything on a piece of paper. Then
write something more relevant. Write an explanation of why you cant find
any solutions, and then find a solution to that.
Creactivity is my new word for the day. Creation begins with activity. An
actor will be more creative after the first job than before it. A builder
can build more innovative homes after the first ten than before. Just get

to work in the area where you want creative inspiration, and it will come.
Invention is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. - Thomas Edison

#7 - Change Of Perspective
Stories can be great for providing a change of perspective. There is a
story about a man sitting on a dock fishing. A busy executive, having just
finished entertaining clients on his boat, saw the man and realized he was
always there. He stopped to ask him why he didn't get a job.
"Why should I?" the man asked in return.
The executive explained that he could make some money, and build up a
retirement fund even. The man asked why he'd want to do that. The executive
impatiently replied that the money would give him the freedom to do what he
wanted in life.
"But I'm already doing what I want," the man replied.
How To Change Your Perspective
To use a change of perspective for problem solving, we need to create
little stories in our minds. We need to ask how a child would view the
problem, for example, or even imagine looking at the problem from another
place, like the top of a building.
A change of perspective can be looking from another place, other eyes, a
different point in time, or with a wider or narrower view of the problem.
As a child I noticed that things which happened months or years ago didn't
bother me much, so I used that knowledge. When bad things happened, and I
felt hurt, I imagined how the event would seem five years from now. That
new perspective took a lot of the sting away.
More Examples
To design a new line of clothing: Imagine how a logical machine would view
the problem. A line of clothing based entirely on function, with no regard
for style? Functionality might become the new style. Shoes that give you
the maximum performance and foot protection, with no "extras." Shirts that
change color, turning darker to absorb heat when you are cold, and lighter
to reflect the sun when you're hot.
To further your career: How would your boss see the job you are doing? How

would a customer see it? How would a disinterested outsider see it? Taking
a wider perspective, you might think about how important your role would
appear to someone looking at the whole organization. That might give you
ideas on increasing your profile.
To be a better negotiator: Looking at the issues from the perspective of
the other side is a great way to arrive at a win-win solution. What would
they like to hear?
To come up with radical new ideas: Don't forget that a new perspective can
be as crazy as your imagination will allow. Einstein really did imagine
riding that beam of light to arrive at his theory of relativity.

#8 - Knowledge Gathering
This is more of a preparatory step than a problem solving technique. If you
know nothing about construction, you probably won't get many good ideas for
new roofing tools with any technique, until you learn more of the basics.
The point?
Be sure to gather the information and knowledge necessary before working on
a problem.
The reason I include this as a technique, is that you can often come upon
solutions for problems just by getting more knowledge and information. For
example, when you see that grocery stores are starting to use self-checkout
lanes, you might immediately adapt the idea to your bookstore. Discovering
that other stores like yours have higher profit margins can change the
focus of your make more money problem from increasing sales to looking at
costs and prices.
Here are a few of the things youll want to look for and do when you are
gathering knowledge and information to solve a problem:
1. Jot down any information you think may be relevant.
2. Write an outline of the current situation.
3. List any potential solutions you've already thought about.
4. List solutions that others have used for similar problems.
Always Take Notes

Once you've done this, look at each item and make a note of anything else
you may need to learn to effectively solve the problem. In the example
above, for example, the solution others are using is self-checkout
registers. In that case, you would want to make a note to find out how much
these machines cost initially, and maybe how they are maintained.
At some point, you have to decide whether to gather more knowledge and
information, or start working on the problem. If you dont get any good
ideas when you try, it may mean you need to do more information-gathering
again. Sometimes it can be beneficial to go back and forth between
gathering information and brainstorming or using other creative problem
solving techniques.
Continuing Education
If the problem or problems you are working on are recurring issues, or part
of your job or business, you should keep your head full of the latest
information and relevant knowledge. In other words, if you have a
construction company, and you want to more easily solve your regular
problems, subscribe to the relevant trade magazines, and spend time with
others in the business. The more you know, the more creative your potential
solutions can be - as long as you maintain an open mind.

#9 - Imaginary Friends
Sometimes we're at our most creative when interacting with others. We sit
talking to friends and each feeds off the other's ideas. Plus, a discussion
can really clarify things. But what about when you're alone, or don't want
to share your ideas yet? How can you stimulate creativity and find elegant
solutions to problems?
Try talking to Albert Einstein.
Talk to Andrew Carnegie or Lee Iacocca if your problem has to do with
making a factory more productive. Questions about love can be addressed to
the Dalai Lama. The idea is to have conversations in your head with anyone
who can help. Why do this?
Imagination Needs Form To Function
You already have a powerful imagination, whether you know it or not. What
you may not have, is enough powerful ways to use it. That's what you get
with a conversation in your head - access to the creative power of your
mind - a way to use your imagination.

Start by imagining someone you respect and know something about. This is so
you can easily imagine what they might say. It can even be a fictional
character. Explain your problem to this person, and listen to what they
have to say.
You'll be surprised how often an imaginary Einstein comes up with an
interesting idea, or a question that produces something useful. Just ask
anything you want. If that is too difficult, just imagine two other people
having a conversation about the problem you want to solve.
All the ideas they come up with are yours, of course, but youll notice
right away that what one imaginary person says will be very different from
what another says. Thats the whole point - these other voices are other
ways for your imagination to produce good ideas.
What Would Jesus Do?
Have you ever seen those "WWJD" pins and stickers? The WWJD stands for
"What Would Jesus Do?" Some young people wear these pins as a source of
guidance. Whether or not you are a Christian, you can see how, in times of
confusion, this simple question can immediately clarify things and allow a
right decision. The information necessary may be there in a young man's
head, yet there is confusion. Then, he imagines what Jesus would do or say
and he quickly "sees" the answer.
Just Try It!
Start talking with your imaginary friends (in your head please). You can
use this technique for help with personal, business, moral and any other
problems. It's a powerful way to draw on the power of your unconscious
mind, and it will work if you give it a chance.

#10 - Mind Preparation

This is another preparation technique. Gathering all the information and
knowledge you need is a great preparatory step, but what if there is too
much "brain fog" for you to process it? The solution is to get your mind
ready for a problem solving session. Here are ten ways:
Tips For Clear Thinking
1. Have a place that is conducive to good thinking. This can be a clean
desk, a conference room, or even a coffee shop, if that works for you.

2. Gather mental materials you'll need. This can include a list of problem
solving techniques, especially if they havent become a habit for you yet.
This can also include a list of ways to get motivated, and other personal
reminders that help you.
3. Think about why you want to solve this problem. Imagine how things will
be better when youve succeeded. Building your anticipation and enthusiasm
creates physical changes that speed up your thought processes.
4. If you have no inherent interest in the project, try talking about
something that is interesting to you just before you start working on the
problem. The enthusiasm won't directly transfer, but the increased energy
and enhanced brain function it created will continue for a while.
5. It may help to clear your mind with a basic mindfulness exercise. Close
your eyes, pay attention to your breathing, and relax for three minutes.
Just watch your breathing, and start to identify all the little "mind
irritations" you notice while doing this. Make notes afterwards, put things
on to-do lists - do whatever you have to do to set these distractions
aside.
6. Have a cup of coffee or other beverage with caffeine if this helps you.
In my experience, caffeine is better for analytical thinking than for
creative problem solving.
7. Ginkgo Biloba may help. In studies, it has been shown to increase blood
flow to the brain. You can buy it in capsules, tea, or just eat a couple
leaves if there is a Ginkgo tree nearby (common in parks).
8. Have water, and maybe light protein snacks available (nuts are good).
This is just to keep from being distracted by thirst or hunger.
9. Avoid sugar. If you really don't understand the concept of brain fog,
eat sugary cake on an empty stomach and try to do math problems twenty
minutes later. You'll get the point. (This is called the "sugar blues.")
10. Stop occasionally to stand up, stretch, and sigh. This relaxes your
body and mind. There is some evidence that tension in the shoulders, neck
and head can decrease blood flow to the brain.
You probably won't want to take the time to do all of these things before
you sit down to solve a problem (then again, maybe you will). In any case,
keep this list available so you have some quick remedies when your brain is
feeling sluggish.

#11 - Walk With It

Walking gets the blood pumping, but without the effort and stress of
heavier exercise. More blood pumping through your brain means more oxygen
and better function. There is also something about the rhythmic nature of
it that makes walking very conducive to clear thinking. Many people report
that they get their best ideas when taking a walk.
Carry A Recording Device
Always walk with a tape recorder or other recording device if you want to
solve problems and generate new ideas. Smaller is better. It is ideal if
you can put it in your shirt pocket, even though much of the time you will
want to hold it in your hand. The point is to have a device that is light
and easy to use when walking. Of course, be sure there is a tape and
batteries in it before you leave.
A Gentle, Non-Distracting Walk
Walk in a park if you can, or alongside a road that isn't too busy. If you
are self conscious about talking to your recorder, it is best to find
someplace more isolated to walk. Walk where it is fairly level, so you
don't exert yourself too much or get out of breath. You want your focus to
be on your problem solving, not on catching your breath.
Once you start walking, dictate into the recorder what the problem is that
you are working on. Redefine it and re-state it a few different ways, and
just start thinking of ideas as you walk. It normally takes several minutes
to get into your rhythm. Because of this, you'll probably want to walk for
twenty minutes or more, so you have at least ten minutes of "optimal
thinking" time.
Record Everything
Just record whatever comes to mind. Later, at home or at the office, you
can listen and take notes if anything useful comes from it. For an
interesting twist, and to get more creative ideas, use the "random
presentation" technique on your problem as you walk, using objects you see
around you. (There will be an explanation of that technique coming up.)
You'll at least get some good exercise, and hopefully some great ideas.
When I used to write short stories, a walk around a nearby pond, with my
tape recorder in hand, was a sure way to get at least a dozen good ideas
for new stories. Walking really works for some of us.

#12 - Sleep On It
"Sleeping on it" has been a proven problem solving technique for thousands
of years. It doesn't always work, but its one more way to get the
unconscious mind working for you. Even when you don't get an answer in the
night, or in the morning, it can help you disengage from any unproductive
efforts or "thinking ruts" and start fresh.
Incubation
The technique of "incubating" ideas in the subconscious mind is used in
other ways too. You can drop a problem for a while, for example, and if you
have been working hard on it, the wheels will still be turning below
consciousness. Days later you might have an "aha" moment at any time, or in
response to some stimulus.
To incubate an idea or problem overnight, so you can hopefully get an
answer by morning, you should work on it consciously at some point during
the day. Intense or concentrated effort for a short time is better than
staring at your notes groggily for hours.
When you are about to go to sleep, remind yourself that you are looking for
solutions. Define the problem in your mind, preferably in a couple
different ways. Review what ideas youve already had, but only for a minute
or two. Then consciously drop the problem, so you can sleep.
Have Pen and Paper Ready
Have a notebook and a pen next to your bed, for use in the morning, or in
case of a middle-of-the-night idea. Alternately, keep a small tape recorder
available. This may be better, because you won't need to turn on the light
to leave a quick message if an idea wakes you in the middle of the night.
Just quickly dictate your thoughts into the recorder. You can more easily
go back to sleep if you dont turn the light on.
Does it work?
Sometimes. While working on this e-book, I woke up from a dream in which I
was explaining the "add-subtract-change" problem solving technique (#2) to
somebody. I am sure that it has been thought of by many people in one form
or another, but it was unknown to me until that moment, and I've found it
very useful.

Lucid Dreaming
Another way to solve problems while sleeping is to work on them
consciously, in your dreams. Can you be conscious in your dreams? Many
swear by it. Lucid dreaming is beyond the scope of this book, but I
thought Id mention it briefly, as it could be useful to creative work of
many types.
You may have had the experience of dreaming and realizing you were in a
dream. Lucid dreamers can make this happen more or less at will. One
technique to train yourself for this, is to have trigger objects. If,
while awake, you ask yourself, Am I dreaming? every time you see a clock,
until it is an automatic question, then when you see a clock in a dream,
you will be prompted to ask, and to become aware that you are dreaming.
Then, with practice, you can control the course of the dream to some
extent. You could even put this time to good use working on creative
solutions to problems.

#13 - Concept Combination

Here's a fun one. It may not be one of the most productive ways to solve
well-defined problems, but the "concept combination" technique can be used
to create endless new ideas. The basic idea is to just put any two things
together to see what results.
Great For New Inventions and Businesses
Motorcycle plus ski will make most of us think of a "motor-ski" of some
sort. The concept of "delivery" combined with "pets" could lead to a doorto-door pet supply store, or the delivery of goldfish and small pets.
"Phone" and "alarm clock" makes me wonder if people might pay for wake-up
calls, like they have in hotels. Radio and phone could lead to a headset
that is also a phone. The music stops when a call comes in, and you dont
even have to reach for your phone.
The initial ideas are just the start. Then you can work with them, expand
on them, and change them. As I write this, my mind is running with the
"phone-alarm clock" combination, and I'm imagining an automated service
that wakes you up with a phone call, which delivers a recording of a
different motivational and energizing thought each day.
As you can see, this technique is ideally suited to creating new products,
services and inventions. It is also just great fun to play with when you
are driving a long distance, or waiting for a dentist appointment. How do

you use it for particular problems though?

Concept Combination For Specific Problems
Combine the elements of the problem with other concepts. For example, I
once bought a roll of polyester batting to make a sleeping bag. I was
sitting there thinking of ways to lighten the weight of my other
backpacking gear, so I started combining things in my mind.
When I combined the polyester insulation with the concept of "vest," I
realized I could make a very light vest using the batting. A 2-foot by 6foot piece with a hole for my head, worn like a tunic. Done. It's fragile,
but since I wear it under a rain jacket, it doesn't need it's own shell
material. By the way, it weighed four ounces, and kept me warm for years,
including at the top of a 20,600 foot glacier-covered mountain.
I took the idea of separating shell fabrics from insulation, and combined
it with "sleeping bag." I realized that just a shell would keep me warm if
I used a pile of leaves over and under it as insulation. That was the
origin of my 5-ounce sleeping bag.
If your problem was to make an original movie, you would start combining
the genres, stories, settings, techniques, actors and anything else that is
relevant. Maybe you would come up with a movie set in space and filmed in
the style of "The Blair Witch Project." Or a western comedy done as a
cartoon. (Aren't you glad I'm not in the movie business?)
Try this technique. Its one of the easiest techniques to learn and use. If
you get nothing else from it, you can bring it out at parties, as a game to
see who can use it to come up with the wildest new invention.

#14 - Random Presentation

This is another fun one to use while you are driving or sitting in a
waiting room. You just randomly pick an object, and ask what it can teach
you about your problem. It is similar to the concept-combination technique,
but it's more open-ended. You aren't trying to necessarily combine the
object with your problem, but to use it to trigger any ideas that can help.
To demonstrate the process, we'll pretend you're a city planner trying to
find ways to get people to use the bus system. Until it reaches a certain
level of use, it can't be self-sustaining, and tax payers complain about
the cost. Its important to the city; it's needed by non-drivers, reduces
pollution by reducing the cars on the roads.

You start with a tape recorder ready, perhaps as you drive to work. The
first object you choose is a tree. What can a tree teach you about the
problem? Hmm... a tree has a strong trunk... branches can be lost, but the
tree survives. This gives you the idea that you could concentrate on the
main routes (the trunk), maybe even put up signs that say "This route
crosses town every fifteen minutes." It might be more efficient to
concentrate on the primary routes and grow the others (the branches) later.
After recording your idea, you see a swimming pool. Hmm... swimming pools
are fun... could riding the bus be fun somehow? Play music? Have a TV? You
record a few ideas, and move on. A house, a cat and a cloud give you no new
ideas, so you let them each go after a minute.
You see a parking ticket on a windshield. Hmm... What if instead of a fine,
the ticket gave the driver the option of buying a monthly bus pass? It
solves their parking problem, and hopefully gets them in the habit of using
the bus. You note the idea and make a note to explore the general idea of
punishments and incentives further.
A billboard for the lottery makes you think of having a bus-pass lottery.
Every month a couple random lucky riders win a hundred dollars when they
swipe their pass through the automatic reader. The other riders see this
and are encouraged to buy the passes instead of paying by the ride. (You
can only win with the pass.)
A cloud of smoke makes you think of ads with "before and after" photos of a
city with fewer cars. The air will be clearer in the "after" photo, which
will make the non-riding taxpayers feel better about the money spent.
You next choose a restaurant, and ask what it can teach you about the
problem. You get a few ideas and record them, then you remember your
"discount card" you paid for that you use at area businesses, including
restaurants. Maybe you could talk area businesses into giving a discount
when patrons show their bus passes.
How Well Does It Work?
Try it and see. All of the ideas above came to me in fifteen minutes, as I
wrote this. I chose the objects by imagining what I would see if driving.
They may not be great solutions, but then I don't know a thing about
running a bus service. The important point is the quantity of ideas this
can produce. Quality comes when you develop them further, and when you know
more about the problem.

As you use this problem solving technique, you'll have silly ideas pop into
your head. Don't dismiss them too quickly, as they'll sometimes trigger a
thought that's more useful. You can use this creative technique anywhere,
and it's great for putting driving time to good use.

#15 - Idea Generating Word List

For more creative solutions to problems we need to get our minds looking in
new directions. A systematic way to do this is to use a list of ideagenerating words - primarily adjectives - to create "what if?" scenarios.
Begin with the question, "What if it was..." and insert a word from the
list. "It" can the problem you're trying to solve, or the situation or
solution that exists at the moment.
For an example of the technique in action, we'll pretend you want a better
job, and that you are a clerk at a bookstore. You aren't satisfied with the
work, and it also doesn't pay well. You pull out the word list and ask
"What if it was..."
Larger. That makes you think of a better position perhaps. It also makes
you think of a larger store, where you might be paid more, or have more
opportunity for advancement.
Smaller. The problem could be smaller if you got a raise, and found a few
ways to make the work more interesting. Maybe a smaller store would pay
even less per hour, but be open to your ideas for increasing sales, and pay
you a percentage of profits.
Farther away. This make you realize that you have been too narrow in your
search. It could be worth driving a little to get a better higher-paying
job. Maybe it's even time to move to another town.
Closer. Could you get a job nearby and sell your car? The money saved would
be like a large raise.
More difficult. Selling magazines by phone like your friend does would be
more difficult, but he makes $5 an hour more than you. If you hate the job
anyway, why not make more money?
Take notes as you do this exercise, and develop the ideas later. Most words
won't give you useful ideas, but don't dismiss them without a few seconds
of thought. Creative solutions can begin with unrelated thoughts. "What if
it was hopeless?" may seem useless, but it could also bring you to the
useful realization that you need a business instead of a job.

The "What If" Word List

The list here is a basic one. Use it as is, but remember that there are
hundreds of idea-generating words you could add to it. Any adjectives,
descriptive phrases, or words that can change your perspective can be
potentially useful.
What if it was...
larger
smaller
farther away
closer
sooner
later
easier
more difficult
softer
harder
poorer
richer
wetter drier
higher
lower
longer
shorter
white
black
certain
uncertain
newer
older
calmer
more exciting
boring
interesting
more casual
more serious
divided
combined
subtle
extravagant
more common
less common
faster

slower
better worse
hotter
colder
added to
subtracted from
left alone
hopeless
stickier
happier
relaxed
imaginary
cheaper
more expensive
nothing

#16 - Solve The Parts

Problems are often really collections of smaller problems. One of the
surest way to solve them without getting overwhelmed, is to solve these
smaller problems - the "parts." This is as simple as listing all the
various elements of your problem, and then applying any of the techniques
here to find solutions for each of these.
To demonstrate this technique, we'll
developer. You have a large company,
with the cheapest housing ever seen,
You also want to make a lot of money

pretend you're a builder and

and you want to put up a development
so anyone can afford to buy a home.
doing it.

You start with a list of all the factors involved. Some of these might be:
material costs, interest rates, down payments, labor costs, land costs,
paving costs, and closing costs when selling the homes. You work on ideas
for each of these, then assign tasks to yourself and others.
For material costs, you make a note to research cheap building materials.
You consider cutting waste with more efficient procedures, which means less
spent on materials and on hauling away the waste. Interest rates seem to be
out of your control, but you make a note to see if a bank will reduce the
interest rates if you send most of the buyers to them. Maybe you can pay
the mortgage insurance or "points" for buyers to get the rates lower.
The down payment problem and the labor problems might be helped by letting
buyers work on their new homes. Their wages could be paid at closing,
towards the down payment. You note the idea, and also make a note to check
into FHA "gifting" rules, to see how much a foundation funded by your

company can give a buyer towards a down payment.

For land, you decide to look into the cheapest useable land, setting aside
almost all other criteria. You also make a note to check into the smallest
lot size allowed by the township.
Paving driveways, you decide, isn't necessary. Buyers can pave them later
when they have the money. You make a note to look into these later add-ons
as another profit source.
To reduce closing costs, you note that your lawyer might discount for a
large volume of easy and similar closings. You also make a note to see if
the bank providing the financing will forgo the appraisal on most of the
homes if they are all almost identical.
In the end, finding ways to solve a hundred parts of the problem can be
more productive than looking for a "big" or "radical" solution. This
technique is ideally suited to personal problems, by the way. Imagine where
you would be if you "solved" one bad habit every month for a couple years.

#17 - Let It Incubate

This is just the "sleep on it" technique on a longer time scale. Our minds
work on things below consciousness all the time. To make them work more
productively, try the following: (As an example, we'll assume you are a
lawmaker, and you want to work on the problem of reducing crime.)
1. Gather lots of information.
Try to get all the facts and figures necessary to understand and solve the
problem you're working on. Which crimes are most common? Where are they
most common? Which crimes are most
destructive of civil society? What do most criminals have in common? What
measures have previously reduced crime?
2. Work on the problem intensely.
Even if it isn't for a long time, try to really concentrate on the problem.
This clues the subconscious in to the fact that this is an important
matter. Think of several new ideas for preventing crime. Consider how
individuals can be prevented from becoming criminals. List the most
effective police forces and what they do.
3. Explain the problem to yourself.

Define it in your mind as you do this, and redefine it, so it can be

approached from different perspectives. "Preventing crime," might also be
seen as "protecting individuals for criminals," and "getting rid of
criminals."
4. Tell your mind to go to work.
Literally, say to yourself, "Okay, go to work on this problem now. I need a
solution soon."
5. Do something else.
Just drop the whole thing for a few days or even a few weeks.
If you follow this routine, you may get ideas popping into your head as the
days go by. Even if you don't, you'll often find that when you do start
working on the idea again, you'll have new ideas. Things you have seen or
heard about in the meantime have been making connections with the ideas in
your unconscious mind. A documentary you saw about a summer camp might
resurface as an idea for a "penal camp," where thieves are trained for
civil life, with a doubled jail sentence awaiting if they fail.
Occasionally, you may even get that "AHA!" inspiration.

#18 - Google It
This is a quick way to gather information, but it has become so useful that
it deserves consideration as it's own technique. To "google it," means to
look for information on something using the Google search engine. Use other
search engines too, of course. MSN will display quite a few different
results than Google.
For an example of how to use Google to find new solutions, we'll start with
the problem of expensive medical care. How do we spend less? I just typed
"cheap medical care" into Google.
First Browse For Ideas
The first
Asia." It
two hours
why it is

result was an article, "Westerners Seek Cheap Medical Care in

reminds me that dental care is 70% cheaper in Mexico, less than
from where we live. In a larger context, it makes me want to see
so cheap. Maybe there is something to be learned there.

Another result is for a medical supply company. I recall selling some

crutches at a rummage sale once, and wonder where things like wheelchairs
can be bought used. That could be a real money saver. An ad for low cost
insurance plans makes me wonder how many ways there are to save on medical
insurance.
Then Dig Deeper
After you get a few ideas, dig deeper. When I actually click through to the
article on medical care in Asia, I find that it's about a retired Oregon
apple farmer who doesnt have insurance. He was told it would be $35,000
and a six- month wait for surgery on his torn knee ligaments. Instead, he
had it done in India for a third of that, including airfare to Bombay.
Now that's a solution! Save over $20,000 and have it done sooner. Right
away, I start to think of a business based on charter flights to the best
surgical centers of India. Would you like a seat on the heart surgery
express? Half price for heart surgery!
Use the search engines for information on how others have solved your
problem, and for new ideas.
After the initial search, I clicked through to the article, but I also
could have explored "insurance." The ad for prescriptions and supplements
had me thinking about how much I could save if I ate well and never needed
medical care.
Use search engines as personal brainstorming tools.

#19 - Ask People

This is in some ways an obvious technique. Just ask several people for
their ideas about your problem. You might think that you have to ask people
who know something about the topic, but this isn't necessarily true.
Much of the value of asking others is in getting a new perspective, and in
letting you clarify the problem.
I used to ask people what type of business they would start if they were
ready to start one. I was never thrilled by the businesses they told me
about, but the reasons they chose this or that business were instructive.
It always helped me to refine my own criteria. In the end, that helped me
choose an internet business.

An Example
Suppose you are developing a new video game. Talking to regular players is
one place to start, but don't limit yourself to that. Ask people who don't
play video games why they don't, and what would motivate them to. That is
more likely to get you some new ideas.
I find video games to be boring, tedious, and a waste of time, by the way.
I've never thought about what would motivate me to buy a video game until
now. I think I would have to learn something from it or feel that it was
truly good for my brainpower. Any ideas?
Basically, you get three things when you talk about your problem with
others:
1. You clarify your own thinking by explaining it.
2. You get other perspectives.
3. You possibly get solutions and ideas.
Another benefit of asking others, is that they will be more helpful to you
in the future. You see, people love to be asked for their opinions and
ideas. Doing so can also help you if your ego is getting in the way of
solving the problem, as when we cling to solutions just because they are
ours.

#20 - Simplify-Complicate
Simplify a problem and it is easier to find solutions. Complicate a
problem, or rather recognize the true complexity already there, and you can
find more workable solutions. Do both, and you get the best of both.
Over-Complicating
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. It's easy to
understand this rule from mathematics, but we sometimes forget to apply it
in our problem solving. NASA, for example, spent years and millions of
dollars to develop a pen that would function in zero-gravity. The soviets
just used pencils - the straight line approach.
Over-Simplifying
It is common to over-simplify solutions to problems too, though. The

straight-line simple solution to losing weight is to eat less, for example.

That will fail as a solution for most people, though, if they don't also
consider the complicating factors of body-type, nutrition, motivation and
unconscious thoughts.
How To Simplify and Complicate Your Way To A Solution
To use the simplify-complicate technique, then, you want to define a
problem in simple terms and also define it more fully. Then work it both
ways, to see what ideas you get. You can also simplify it, and then adapt
the "simple" solution to the more complex reality afterwards.
For an example, we'll say that Jack wants to use his Saturdays to make more
income. He's tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck. There are, of course
other factors that are involved, which we will get to in a moment.
The simple solution is to work at his present job on Saturdays. He likes
the idea of getting paid time-and-a-half, and he can get a Saturday shift
most weeks. This solves the simplified problem.
Then he looks at the problem again, and realizes that he not only wants
more income, but he wants to eventually be less dependent on his job. The
solution fails in this respect. In fact, he hopes to someday have enough
income from other sources to leave the job altogether. He realizes that
what he needs is some type of investment or business income.
He had thought about a business or real estate investing before, but the
time and money just weren't there. Now it occurs to him that he can use the
simple solution to arrive at a better long-term solution. He decides to
work Saturdays when he can, and set aside the income from those days for a
future business or investment. In the meantime, the Saturdays he doesn't
work will be devoted to researching those income possibilities.
Simplify, complicate, and get the best of both.

#21 - Do What Others Have Done

Perhaps this is the most obvious and easiest way to solve problems. Just do
what others have done with a similar problem. Obvious, sometimes easy, and
also very effective.
Copy The Success Of Others
If you want to open the first vegetarian self-serve restaurant in your

town, it might be tough to find another in the entire state that you can
learn from. However, you can find other "new concept" restaurants that have
opened in town. Find out how they marketed their new idea, how they knew
there was a market, how much rent they pay, and anything else relevant.
Franchises are so consistently successful because each new owner is copying
a formula that has worked many times before. This idea isn't limited to
stores and restaurants, of course. You can do the same with anything from
problems of theoretical physics to relationship issues. Just find what has
worked for others, and modify it only as much as you need to for your
particular circumstances.
For another example, suppose that Mary can't get her children to do their
homework. Books about child rearing may help, but she could also just talk
to friends with kids that do their homework, to see what they are doing
right. She can ask them how they have raised their kids, but more
importantly, she can watch to see what they actually do.
To improve your chess game, you could read books, but which ones? Find the
nearest chess master and ask him which ones he has read. Watch him to see
what he actually does to prepare for a game. If he'll review one or more of
his games with you, ask about what he was thinking when he made certain
moves, so you can learn to think the same way.
Be careful about advice from successful people in any field. Often, people
really dont know what the true reasons for their success is. Watch what
they DO, and not what they SAY.
Copy - Then Modify
Want more creative solutions? Modify what you learn from others. Starting
with what has worked is a good start, but doesn't have to be the end of the
process. It just increases the probabilities that your solution will be a
good one. Albert Einstein started out learning how to add and subtract,
just like everyone else.
Copy at first. Once you understand better why something works, you can
isolate those elements that are necessary, and those that are not. At that
point you can take a good idea and make it even better and more creative.

#22 - Metaphorical Analysis

Metaphors are powerful tools for understanding things. "Tools," of course,
is a metaphor. I could have said "way of understanding things," or

"method." Each word or expression conveys a slightly different meaning, and

gets you thinking in different ways. Use this power of metaphors to solve
problems more creatively.
If youre an "employee," you'll think about your job in a certain way. An
"associate," might feel more important and think differently about his
duties. If youre a "business," selling your labor, then your "boss"
becomes just a "customer." You can raise your prices, change your service,
or look for other customers to contract with.
The Power Of Metaphors
Use a metaphor to solve a problem, and you'll get some ideas. Use another,
and you'll get different ideas. Why not use as many as you can think of, to
get the widest, most creative selection of ideas?
An example. Mike wants to design, build and sell a new type of swimming
pool. He starts with his pen and paper, and writes down as many metaphors
as he can.
A swimming pool is a toy. A pool is a status symbol. A pool is a
playground. It is a park. It's a job. It's entertainment. It's an aquatic
gym. It's a decoration. It's a deathtrap. It's a personal lake. It's an
oasis.
Then he lists some metaphors for the activity of swimming. Swimming is
exercising. It's vacationing. It's playing. It's therapy.
Then he lists some metaphors for selling. Selling is a business. It is
teaching. It's showing. It's a contest. It's talking. It's advertising.
It's sharing."
Finally, Mike works with each metaphor, to see what ideas they produce:
As a "toy," pools for kids come to mind. As a "status symbol," Mike
considers brass railings, liquor bars and other ways to make a pool seem
"rich." "Deathtrap" reminds him to make it safe, and he imagines an alarm
system triggered if a child enters the pool without supervision. "Oasis"
gives him ideas for creating a tropical environment as part of the pool.
Swimming as "exercising" has him thinking of pools with a current.
"Vacationing" Makes him wonder if more visual separation from the house
would make the swimming "vacation" more relaxing. "Therapy" gives him some
marketing ideas for older customers.

Selling the pools is a business, of course, but "teaching" has Mike

thinking of ways to educate customers about the benefits of swimming.
"Talking" makes him ask "Who will do the talking?" and leads to the idea of
distributing videos to sell his pools. "Showing" generates several ideas
for ways to display his pools, like free "pool parties" during summer.
As you can see, the application of new metaphors isn't limited to the
original concept. It can be used on any part of the problem as well. Break
a problem into a few components (the pool, swimming and selling, in the
above example), find as many metaphors as you can for each, and note the
ideas you get when using each.

#23 - Redefine It
This is a powerful problem
assumptions, and gives you
redefining the problem, to
Use pen and paper for this

solving technique. It helps you to challenge

new perspectives. You just have to keep
see what ideas come from each new definition.
one.

We'll use a common "life" problem to demonstrate the technique. We'll

pretend that John is tired of his expensive apartment rent and wants a
solution. He doesn't have much money saved, but he's willing to do what he
has to.
"Rent is too high," is the first definition he writes on the paper. Moving
to a smaller apartment or one further away comes to mind, because these
might be cheaper. He jots down some possibilities.
"Apartments are expensive" is his second definition. He remembers that a
friend is renting out a room in his house. He wonders if mobile homes rent
for less. After a few notes he moves on.
"I don't want to be a renter" makes him think of buying a house, of course.
He also remembers seeing an RV for sale cheap. He makes a note to explore
low down payment housing options.
"Rent takes too big a percentage of my income." This makes him realize that
he really wouldn't mind the rent if he made more money. Maybe he could
focus his efforts there.
"I just don't want to pay for a place to live!" Now he's getting creative.
Some hotels and apartment buildings give free rent in exchange for
management, maintenance or other duties, he notes. He also remembers his
friend mentioning that the rooms he rents in his house pay all the

expenses. Maybe he could do the same.

"My rent is too much for me to handle" makes him realize that the landlord
once said it was okay to have two people live in the apartment. He could
split the rent.
Three Simple Steps
1. Define the problem as many ways as you can.
2. Work with each definition a little.
3. Develop you ideas further and follow up on them.

#24 - Mind Mapping

Mind mapping organizes our thoughts on paper in a way that is closer to our
natural thinking process. We speak in a very linear fashion, with one word
at a time leading logically from one thought to the next. We make outlines
with "Item number 1, followed by a, b, and c."
Working The Way Our Minds Do
Our minds, however jump all over, gathering input from the analytical left
side of the brain, and the more creative right side. Our thinking goes off
on tangents when there is reason to. Our thinking is in pictures, words,
and even sensations.
Mind mapping recognizes and uses this natural way of thinking.
To use mind mapping for problem solving, write the main problem or concept
in the middle of a sheet of paper. As you think about the components of the
problem, you write these down, radiating out from the center. Connect
things with lines wherever you want, depending on the relationship between
two components.
Be Playful
As ideas come to you, just write them near the most appropriate component.
The connections will mean that there will eventually be lines going all
over. Thats okay. This exercise isnt about neatness.
Make doodles and drawings too. Add colors and you may remember ideas

better. You can use different colors to indicate the importance of each
idea too. Use stars, or underline, or do anything else that feels right.
If an idea starts to produce many thoughts and other ideas, put a note,
like "see page 2" next to it. Then start another mind map for that idea.
Be very open to silly ideas and thoughts. Just write them down. The whole
mind mapping process should be somewhat playful. Later, you can get more
analytical about digging out the gems and polishing them.

Finding The Best Technique For The Problem

How do you know which technique is best for your problem? You could just
try them all. That will certainly give you a lot of new ideas. However,
some techniques really are better suited to certain types of problems than
others. Here are what I consider to be the top three techniques for various
types of problems:
_____
Creating New Services And Products
#1 Assumption Challenging
#2 Add-Subtract-Change
#13 Concept Combination
_____
Personal Problems
#11 Walk With It
#1 Assumption Challenging
#9 Imaginary Friends
_____
Business Ideas
#1 Assumption Challenging
#13 Concept Combination
#21 Do What Others Have Done
_____
Personal Money Problems
#1 Assumption Challenging

#21 Do What Others Have Done

#4 Assume The Absurd
_____
Scientific Questions
#7 Change Of Perspective
#8 Knowledge Gathering
#22 Metaphorical Analysis
_____
Logic And Mathematics
#10 Mind Preparation
#23 Redefine It
#12 Sleep On It
_____
Puzzles
#1 Assumption Challenging
#6 Creactivity
#23 Redefine It
_____
Relationship Problems
#7 Change Of Perspective
#19 Ask People
#20 Simplify-Complicate
_____
Philosophical Questions
#1 Assumption Challenging
#22 Metaphorical Analysis
#7 Change Of Perspective
_____
Poorly Defined Problems
#23 Redefine It
#24 Mind Mapping
#6 Creactivity

_____
Whatever "type" of problem you are working on, with an open mind you can
use almost any technique to get some new insight or idea. Use the best ones
for the type of problem you have then, but don't forget the others.
Remember too, that the best technique for solving any problem is the one
that works best for you.
As you use a given technique often enough, it will become a habit. You'll
be using it unconsciously and automatically. Train your mind to use
several, and you'll have a powerful creative problem solving machine.

24 Creative Problem Solving Techniques

Copyright 2005 Steve Gillman
If you haven't already, go get your free creative problem solving course
at:
http://www.ProblemSolving101.com
To increase your brainpower, improve your memory, and think more clearly,
visit:
http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com
(The End)