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If you're
suffering from post problem-solving jitters, we've
got creative solutions to coach you through!
There
Is a Method To Problem-Solving Madness
By Feona Sharhran Huff
June 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- You may
think the summer is a time that should be solely
devoted to relaxation -- where you can kiss the
cares of solving problems and other teen-related
challenges goodbye. Perhaps that's true. Then
again, you could be wrong.
That's why there's no time
like the present to get yourself in gear for the
inevitable problem-solving situations you're bound
to encounter when school resumes. And, Fred B.
Chernow, author of The Sharper Mind: Mental
Games For a Keen Mind and a Foolproof Memory
(Prentice Hall, 1997), has penned some creative
methods to help you prepare.
Here are five to consider:
Change Direction. One of the best ways
to problem solve is to think of several possible
solutions, offers Chernow. For instance you English
professor may assign your class to write a 12-page
type-written paper. Instead of panicking, you
could decide to do the following: 1) Do the research
the first week, write the paper the second week,
and type it the third week; 2) Write the paper
as you gather the research during week one and
week two type the paper; or 3) Do the research,
writing, and typing all in the same week to get
it over with. This will ultimately increase your
chances of being a successful problem solver and
student.
Be Flexible. It's just that simple,
assures Chernow. "Allow your brain to flex
its muscles just as your limbs do when you're
at the gym. Don't get locked into a pattern that
is fixed. Instead, stay loose and flexible."
Suspend Judgement. The buck stops here,
says Chernow. In other words, he's urging you
to shut your inner voice up so that you can solve
your situation without negative distractions such
as "it can't be done" or "it was
never done that way before." You're almost
at the point of working things through... don't
let your mind interfere with the progress.
Incubate. This is a time to mediate
on the situation at hand. That means you shouldn't
stress yourself out. Simply relax, relate, and
release. That way, the ultimate solution can come
to you naturally -- instead of being forced out!
Realize. At this stage, your mind is screaming,
"Bingo!" In other words, by allowing
yourself time to let the solution come to you,
it will arrive -- rest assured -- and quite to
your delight!
By the time school starts back up, you'll be
a pro at problem solving and will be able to let
seemingly challenging class work take its course!
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