One-Handed Problem Solving

THE JUSTIN TIMES
A Journal For Personal & Business Development
by
Tom Justin

In This Edition:

Creative Problem Solving – The One-Handed Technique

How To Find Previous Editions AND Take Advantage of Expired Offers

Private Line Coaching


One-Handed Problem Solving

Have you ever been able to help someone sort through a difficult problem and even solve it? Have you wondered why it can sometimes be so frustrating when it comes to solving some of your most difficult problems, especially when it seems so easy to be able to do it for others?

It’s not uncommon that we can see other’s difficulties and potential paths more clearly than we can see our own. That’s one of the reasons that I’ve loved both giving and receiving personal coaching. It’s often easier for others to help us and for us to help others.

But this article is about when you’re alone and need an easy-to-use technique for more creative problem solving.

Information comes to us through a variety of sources. One of the solution techniques is through creative questioning. Because of objectivity this is best done through a third party who has no prejudice or agenda. However, that’s not always possible, especially if you work alone. Here’s a proven technique that you can begin using right now to help solve your problems.

The One-Handed Creative Problem Solving Technique

Choose the problem you want to begin solving.

Imagine your hand as the problem. Bring your arm up, wrist bent, arm fully extended and hold your hand palm facing you. Focus on your palm. Your peripheral vision allows you to see what else is going on around it too.

Now, move your hand up to your face, right at the tip of your nose. Focus on it again. Your peripheral vision is blurred because your complete focus is on your hand with no other clarity surrounding it.

This is called problem conscious. A solution is very hard to come by when the problem is so intensely scrutinized. The challenge is to shift from being problem conscious to solution conscious. Once you’re aware of the problem, the more closely you continue to scrutinize it, the more likely you are to miss the potential solutions.

The reason that it is so difficult to focus, especially alone, is because you don’t have a solution yet. So, all there is the problem, ever present, and therefore the only thing to readily focus on. Problem solving in groups can be equally challenging.

But let’s just bring it down to us, individually. The same closed mindset can overwhelm the first stage of your solving your problem. So, you have to open your mind creatively. This is a manual and easy-to-use process.

Here are some creative solution techniques when you’re working alone:

Clarify the problem and write it into one or two sentences. Be very specific. Write it out. I’ve found that my brain works better when I write it out by hand.

Use a separate piece of paper or 3X5 card. Read it over a few times to make sure it’s what you want. If you don’t like it or ever want to change it, do so. If later, during the solution process, it doesn’t quite fit, throw it away and rewrite your new, clearer version.

Set it aside. You are fully aware of the problem so you don’t need to look at it any longer. Remember the hand/focus analogy.

Now, write out question # 1. What would my life (or business or relationship) look like if I didn’t have this problem? Write this out as clearly with as much space as it takes.

2. List the people who could help you solve this problem; dead or alive and even if you don’t know them.

3. Pick out one person on the list that you don’t know. It could be anyone from Donald Trump to Mother Teresa. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine what they might say to you. Then write it out. Don’t edit, just write what comes to mind.

I’m frequently amazed by what comes out of this exercise. This was best illustrated as the mastermind technique in Napoleon Hill’s book, “Think And Grow Rich.”

4. Choose one living person whom you personally know from the list who could help the most. Do the same process as #3.

5. Is there any reason you can’t contact this person? If not, do so. By now you will have a clear frame around your problem and might even have some ideas to brainstorm with him/her.

6. Write out the things that you think are holding you back from solving this problem.

7. For example, if one has to do with money, you may be dealing with a problem within a problem. You may want to go through the process for this too.

One client told me that she came to the realization that it was just plain laziness on her part. She didn’t think that before, but that’s what she realized. She kicked into gear and got it off the ground.

Problem solving outcomes with others may be determined in how vested they are within their own agendas. If you are in business and can do a true brainstorming session with your associates, you may be solving problems quickly. However, it’s not uncommon for people to simply present their points of view based only on the knowledge known to them and not seek other information or to easily reject other information, simply because of personal prejudice.

There’s the closed approach; “We’ve never done it like that before.” Or, “We’ve tried that, it didn’t work.”

I’ve seen this closed behavior in billion dollar corporate boardrooms as well as small partnerships. The difference with the former is that they have enough assets and access to last longer in solving their problems, though their efficiency suffers greatly, which bleeds time, money and even morale.

The open approach is, “We’ve never tried that, let’s take a look at how it would work.” They examine it, what are the risk/reward ratios, etc. If it’s been tried before, a short examination or review of why it didn’t work might be in order. Being open minded is a key to all problem solving.

Hint: If you have a meeting coming up with a known problem, use the One-Handed Technique in advance. You might look like a genius. In case you don’t, by reading this you absolve me of all liability. Okay?

Even though you may find sub-problems to deal with, you’re on your way to solution. Quick fix? Maybe not. I can guarantee that you will find plenty of AHAs by using this technique. Play with it.

Previous Editions And Expired Specials

There is a bonus item here too. Each one usually has an offer, which is withdrawn after a stated period of time. However, for now, each of those specials is alive and will be good for a limited time. So pick out what you like.

You can choose from the previous titles at the main blog site or you should be able to see them in the left column of this page. Just in case the site is; http://www.tomjustinnews.blogspot.com

My $12,500 Lunch
HBO & Polygamy

F.E.A.R.(less) – First Evaluate According to Risk

How To Get Larry King To Invite You To Lunch
And Other Networking Secrets

Bouncing Reality Checks

My Coaching Services

As of now I have no spots for individual coaching clients. Time and space permitting, I’ll notify you all as soon as there are openings. If you’d like to be considered for a spot, please send an e-mail to info@tomjustin.com and put “Coaching” in the subject line.

Another Recent Interview

Here’s the link to recent interview that I think you'll find helpful. It with Heather Vale, a terrific interviewer and was sponsored by HBO.


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