Have You Thought About How Did You Solve Problems?

Thinking is a cognitive process that we usually only become fully aware of when we use it to solve problems. However, our brain thinks all the time, even if we are not currently aware of any problem. Thinking is basically nothing other than processing information, establishing order and gaining new information from it. It takes place with every perception and also with every movement that we make and with every word we say.

Since thinking is usually an extremely fast process, psychologists have developed a wide variety of tasks to extremely challenge our thinking skills. Only in this way can thinking be practically examined.

How is a problem defined?

One assumes an initial state of objects, available information and situational conditions, which is to be changed into a desired target state. In order for the whole thing to become a problem, obstacles must be added that are responsible for the problem-solving being not immediately obvious.

In real life, some problems are easier to deal with, others more difficult. In psychological research, a distinction is therefore made between simple and complex problem solving. Often, however, even the so-called simple problems are quite difficult to deal with.

Characteristics of simple problems

- number of variables is significantly lower

- no or only simple relationships between

- problem is transparent

- it has no momentum of its own

Simple problems can be solved in two ways. Firstly, through the correct application of already known solution strategies, through reproductive thinking. This is the case, for example, with school assignments that can be worked on immediately once you have overcome the obstacles that made problem solving difficult.

Second, productive thinking can solve problems. In this case, we do not have any solution strategies that we could reproductively access, and we have to tread new, previously unknown paths in order to achieve the desired target states despite all obstacles.

Steps to systematically solve problems

Describe your problem

Think about answers to the following questions.

What exactly is burdening you or preventing your success?
Who is involved?
What exactly is happening?
What are the consequences of the situation for you?
How did it come about?
What do you want to achieve?
Who could help you achieve this?

If the problem is too complex, split it up. Then analyze the sub-problems one after the other. This makes it much easier for you to tackle complex problems.

Collect ideas for solutions.

Collect all the ideas for action that come to mind. What could you do to change the situation and overcome the obstacle? Let your imagination run wild. Friends or colleagues who are similar to you can also take part. Let your ideas inspire you. Refrain from criticizing your own ideas or those of others. Then you can think of a lot more.

The focus is on the topic at hand. Keywords and ideas are arranged in a circle around it and linked to the main topic. After that, more and more associations and sub-items can be added. The further you get away from the main topic, the more unusual the connections may become - but the more exciting they also become and they can lead you to solutions that would never have been possible before.

Evaluate the ideas

Only now do you take a critical look at your ideas. What are the short-term and long-term consequences for yourself and for the others involved? Check the pros and cons and choose the most viable strategy.

Make a plan

Plan how you want to implement your idea. When, where and how do you want your solution to become a reality? Do this in a systematic manner and consider whether your steps are realistic.

Implement your plan

Now make your plan a reality. It is best to try it out in a simple situation first. Take your time and reward yourself for small successes.

Check your success

After a while, check whether your plan has worked. If not, try the problem-solving method again. Sometimes work colleagues or friends also help develop new ideas and perspectives.

The Headstand Technique

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to name negative things than to find constructive solutions to a grievance? The so-called headstand method, also known as the flip-flop method or reversal technique, makes use of this phenomenon. She just turns the problem around and asks: What would I have to do to make it much worse than it is now? The actual solutions are only developed in the second step.

Let's say you were dissatisfied with doing most of the housework almost every day. Your children and your partner, however, will let you serve them.

With the headstand technique, you do not ask: "How do I manage that the housework is distributed fairly among everyone?", But rather: "What do I have to do so that I do all the housework as much as possible and the others nothing?"

You will probably come up with solutions like: Do everything without asking. Plan more time for housework. Forbid others to do housework. Lock away all cleaning supplies, brooms and vacuum cleaners. Tidy up all rooms several times a day. Under no circumstances ask the others to take on a task.

Turn the ideas you have just worked out into their opposite. In this way you can come up with solutions that can actually help you. Only do chores when someone asks you to. Allow a maximum of one hour per day for housework. Show the children how to use abrasives, sponges and vacuum cleaners. Just tidy up your own room. Make an appointment with your children and your partner about who does what and how often.

Why are some problems just impossible to solve?

We all face problems that need to be solved every day, especially at work. Some of these are easy to master, while others are more persistent. Most of the time, the creative ideas come to you exactly when you don't expect them. But if they are urgently needed, there is a pause in transmission in the brain. How you can now easily find better and more creative solutions and what you can learn.

Mental Contrasting

Positive thinking is out. At least if you limit yourself to it. Mentally contrasting desire and reality is now the method of choice in order to achieve goals with renewed energy.

Mentally contrasting desire and reality is more helpful than just thinking positively. We not only intensely imagine the positive effects it will have when we have achieved our goal, but we also make it clear to ourselves which obstacles stand in our way and develop a plan for how we can overcome them.

Studies show that those who do this are more committed, are more likely to make the necessary efforts and are more successful in the end. Children, adolescents and students improved their grades at school or exams, managers worked more relaxed and completed more projects. People who wanted to live healthier were more successful in changing their diet or doing more exercise. Mental contrasting is therefore now a natural part of many health training courses.