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Creative problem solving should be easier than we might think. Because we usually know more than we realize. We tend to think that work problems require a “hard-nosed” perspective, and leisure time problems require a more playful perspective.
We’re actually most likely to solve any problem when we have the widest range of solutions available. If you’re like me, you’re continually expanding your set of creative problem solving skills for on the job. Similarly, you’re adding to your set of creative problem solving skills in your leisure activities.
Don’t keep them separated. Stretch your imagination and call on both perspectives whenever you need ANY creative problem solving.
Next time you tackle a problem, either at work or while playing, pause to use some imagination and combine ALL your resources. Take a playful approach to a job-related problem. Take a “workman-like” approach to solving a problem in your leisure time.
Let me give you an example. First a story. As I described recently, I’ve challenged myself to record a 1-minute video every day in the month of September. I expect this exercise will make my little videos smoother, more natural, and more expressive. Here’s a photo from yesterday’s video, and if this isn’t natural, I don’t know what is.
Now creating a video is getting a quicker and easier every day. By October 1st, I expect to have added at least 30 new videos to my YouTube channel. Please visit my channel and watch my progress.
Today is Day #5 of my 30-Day Video Challenge, and let me show you the video I recorded two days ago. Toward the end I describe a recent benefit of this “cross-training” between my work and my leisure. In this case, I employed a computer application I use at work every day to help my wife answer a personal question.
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This is just one small example, and with a little thought I’m sure I’ll be able to describe dozens like it that occur every day. I’m always helping people plan music for their weddings and parties — for example, selecting their favorite tunes, scheduling and coordinating their musical highlights, and deciding what size band would give their festivities the best atmosphere. From beginning to end, we handle questions that require creative problem solving, big time.
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Here’s the Tip: Next time you tackle a problem, use ALL your creative problem solving skills. Shift perspectives. How would you solve it on the job? In your leisure activities?
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The Magnolia Jazz Band entertains regularly at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood. In the meantime, please join our Facebook fans, and get reminders for our public events.
Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
I see your creative problem solving coming out in your blogs–such interesting topics that swirl around your music business/experience. I love seeing the ways creativity can flow in ordinary life. Things that we might not associate with creativity really become fertile grounds. I also think problems become more fun when opened to the light of creativity. One way I get my creativity going is with free writing, where I can reflect on a problem without pressure and take my thinking in all different directions. I don’t try to force myself into one box or one solution. I let my thoughts diverge through the writing, and then I often come up with something new.
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/
Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing
Thanks, July.
Well, here we are “speaking” online as easily as if we were sitting side-by-side. Talk about a creative use of our imagination! Goes back to our accepting the notion that our computer’s “desktop” is really a desktop. Once we buy into that metaphor, everything else becomes easy, and we can banter ideas back and forth like it’s business as usual. How creative is THAT!
Writing limbers up your creativity, and music does mine. But to me the most astonishing thing is how we create our lives anew every day. Amazing. Let’s not take it for granted.
Robbie
Robbie, it’s fun watching you get more comfortable in front of the camera. As for texting your wife and giving her weather guidance—I love it. I was recently lost in Redding and called my partner who got me where I needed to go by finding it on-line. Fun and a whole new world!
Thanks, Vicki. Yes, a whole new world in SO many ways. My wife’s car is a dozen years old, and I recently learned that there’s over 60 little computers built in. What’s it like in today’s cars? Donna? You’d think pretty soon it’ll be impossible to get lost. Too bad for Redding. Anybody go there on purpose?
Robbie, you are such a natural with your videos! I like your perspective on problem solving, and being able to look at it as an opportunity to be creative and utilize a creative thinking process is appealing to me…it actually makes things more fun and less cumbersome if we can think about the challenge of coming up with a creative way to handle something in the work place or at home…I like the application you described and am curious which one it is? Would love to know!
Thanks, Donna. The little application I use is called “Snapz Pro X”, and I’m sure there are many other programs like it. Easy to use and SO handy! Check the attached image. Glad you enjoy my little videos, too, and I’m looking forward to yours.
Robbie
My business involves a lot of creativity and I love when I find ways for the “fun” parts of scrapbooking to be used for other endeavors. For instance, I can use my digital scrapbooking software to create graphics for my blog or paper marketing or even create a vision board to inspire my actions every day!
My business involves a lot of creativity and I love when I find ways for the “fun” parts of scrapbooking to be used for other endeavors. For instance, I can use my digital scrapbooking software to create graphics for my blog or paper marketing or even create a vision board to inspire my actions every day!
Thanks, Pat.
It’s gotten so we hardly recognize any boundary to our imagination. Especially once we learn to inspire each other, and to be inspired in turn. Two lessons we’re all learning (as though we ever forgot them)
1. few tools have only one use (despite what we usually see)
2. “fun” is a great motivator (maybe the best)
Robbie
Good luck with your 30 day video challenge. For some reason I just can’t get myself to do a video. Probably what I need is an intensive like you are doing to force me. Your dedication is inspiring. I like how your blog has practical information that anyone can use even if you do not need your services. Creative problem solving is definitely the way to go.
Hi Meredith,
Glad you like my blog. And thanks for the inspiration! See my blog Thursday morning.
Robbie
Problem solving and creativity should definitely go hand in hand. How can they not? I love to solve problems and reach out of the box for answers. Challenging yourself to do 30 days of video is quite a feat. Good luck and I am sure you will make your goal. The more you practice, the more natural and better you will become! (not that you are not good now!)
Thanks, Laurie,
For a good example of problem solving that DOESN’T involve much creativity, look at the recent track record of our Federal Government. Actually, there’s not much problem solving either, it’s been more like crisis averting. Good thing those bozos don’t run the internet, or in a short while we’ll be back to Dixie cups and a piece of string. Oh well, I really shouldn’t talk about politics, huh?
Robbie
I never though of myself as creative in any way and I so admire those people that have that creativity in them. Your idea to use all resources to find your creativity is a great tip so perhaps if I dig deep enough inside myself, who knows, I might even find that I do have some creativity after all. I love how you are becoming more comfortable in front of the camera every time I see you.
Julie Labes: The Fun-Loving, Feisty, Fearless, Frisky, Fierce Over 50 Traveler
Hey, Julie,
I hate to tell you this (and burst that bubble), but your being here online is about as creative as anyone ever gets these days. You’re WAY above the average. Pat yourself on the back and claim your share of Philip’s inspiration.
Robbie
I love problem solving! I used to work for a company that taught people creative problem solving skills. There were some “rules” to the game of problem solving my favorites were: Begin all your sentences with “I wish” or “How to”; and instead of putting down an idea as not being feasible, phrase it as a “How to” question. I think the act of wishing sets a playful mood as you suggest, and asking How to simply invites more problem solving and stretches the brain to imagine the possibilities! Thanks for the reminder.
Tanya Boggs
http://blog.TanyaBoggsPhotography.com
Thanks, Tanya,
Great suggestion! Whatever it takes to make our imagination more receptive will aim us in the right direction. Seems counter-intuitive, though, to follow rules in order to become more creative. But it makes good sense in this case!
Robbie
I love the idea about being playful when you need to find a creative solution. I think it gives you the opportunity to think outside the box then! I tend not to need this in my line of work but it helps in everyday life!
Julieanne CaseAlways from the heart!Blog: http://www.julieannecasefromtheheart.comReconnecting you to your essence, joy, vitality, youth.| Healing you from the Inside Out |Reconnective Healing | AgeLoc Skin Care | Pharmanex Supplementswww.thereconnectivehighway.com
30 days of video — Go Robbie!! I need to employ some of these creative problem solving skills to get me to my first video. One of these days! I love being creative and thinking outside the box for my crafting, but I find it stalls when I go to put it into my business, at least in some ways. Thanks for reminding me that I need to use it in all aspects of my life.
Thanks, Brenda. One of these days we’ll all enjoy seeing your first video. Really! And until that happens, for a kick in the pants, see my current blog https://magnoliajazz.com/force-yourself-to-grow.
Robbie
Hi Robbie,
Good point that some people think that creative problem solving is only needed in the workplace. Good reminder of the plain old problem solving that we perform at an everyday level. Just think
about all those everyday situations that we solve at home and job/business. Without a pinch of creative problem solving, it would be difficult to
hold an off-the-cuff speech, to deal with an emergency, to cook from
scratch or to come up with play ideas for our bored kids.
Kudos to you for taking on a video challenge. Wishing you all of the best.
Thanks Rachel. You must understand tons more about creativity than I do, so I’m glad you enjoyed my blog. By the way, I haven’t seen Chrystal in quite a while. I think she’s discontinued those Biznik sessions, in favor of spearheading a women’s “consciousness-raising” networking group that seems quite successful. Nothing quite like the thrill of hearing a roomfull of people repeating your own affirmations, in deed if not in voice. Anyway, I hope to see you again one of these days.
Robbie
Its cool when you find a way to use your everyday gadgets and programs in a more fun personal way….love that you were able to send her a pix and show her out of bad weathers…….bet she thought that was pretty cool too:) Way to go onm your 30 day challenge, fabulous! You can see your getting more comfortable with it all….keep it up! I might have to join you…when I find my camera or buy a new one, lol!
Thanks, Rita. Glad you’re enjoying my blog. When you get some spare moments (hahaha), please join the video quest. Get a damn camera already. You’ll be so glad.
Robbie
Love technology! Couldn’t she have looked at the map online on her iPhone or no data? Anyway, congrats on doing the 30 day video challenge! I did one once and it did me loads of good. Thinking of doing another…..
Louise Edington
Breaking Through Online Frontiers
http;//louiseedington.com
Thanks, Louise.
Glad you’re enjoying my blog. I’m loving my self-imposed video challenge so far, and if you’d like to repeat yours, go for it! Set your own terms — after all, you’re your own best motivator. As for my wife in the Iowa rainstorm, driving was so treacherous she barely had time to pause to check email. Visiting “maps” and diddling around there was out of the question, but as you suggest, it would have answered her questions right away.
Robbie
I’m doing a 30 day writing challenge and in my second 30 days of that but I’ve never done a 30 day video challenge. Don’t tell Ann! Next thing I know I’ll have that on my plate too. I like the idea of creative problem solving and looking at things from a different perspective. How would my client see this? How would my son see this? Can shed a whole new light on things.
Susan Berland
A Picture’s Worth
http://www.susan-berland.com
Thanks, Susan.
We’re in the midst of such an enticing banquet here, that whatever we put “on our plate” has to be wonderful. Whenever we make more room, just pile some more on. It’s all up to you. Intriguing to hear a photographer speak about “shedding a whole new light on things”. With all your background and experience, I wish I could imagine what’s on your mind when you say that.
Robbie
Work can be fun and bringing “all of you” to the table keeps it that way 🙂 Congrats on the 30 day video challenge – that might put me over the edge as I struggle with video – LOL! Right now I’m working on the writing challenge and my own “Top Speaker, Top Form” Challenge. I think being an entrepreneur is an on-going calling for awareness, self-improvement and exploration… Brandy 🙂
Hi Brandy,
Thanks for your note. Whenever the time is right for you, I’m sure you’ll end the struggle and solve the video challenge. We all have a boatload of challenges, and we’re dealing with them all, one by one. BTW, I’m with you on what it means to be an entrepreneur.
Robbie
Looking good Robbie, you are shining through in your video. I am seeing you in how you articulate your thoughts and video brings them to the world. I like to think I am a pretty good problem solver as my day job is an electrician/electrical contractor so I am ofter repairing my customers electrical problems which require a fair amount of problem solving skills. I love gadgets that make technology easier to use and helpful in everyday life. Keep up the videos I SEE YOU.
Thanks, Kirk. Enjoying your videos, too. And I’m thinking when you’re a SNCC coach, you’ll REALLY have to wear your “problem solver” cap. Any way I can help, please let me know.
Robbie
Robbie,
The video challenge was a great way for me to get over the inner perfectionist and to get the videos up! Good for you and best of luck in your journey. I like the idea of being creative in facing challenges and obstacles. I encourage my health coaching clients to be playful in making lifestyle changes when they often struggle.
Blessings of health.
chris arcucci
Who says a woman can’t cultivate her super powers in a dress?!
http://www.MindfulLivingArts.com
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your comment. What a great expression — “inner perfectionist”. I don’t remember ever hearing that before, and it captures perfectly the dilemma we all face whenever we start something new. BTW, LOVE your videos.
Robbie