The ancient Greek scientist Archimedes, directed by the king to determine if a golden crown was pure gold or an alloy, worked real hard on the solution. But he solved the problem when he took a break and stepped into his bath. Then, the story goes, he ran naked down the streets screaming, “Eureka!” the Greek word for “I found it!”
Archimedes Method
1. Understand the problem.
2. Think real hard.
3. Take a bath.
4. Realize the solution.
5. Run down the street screaming, “Eureka!”
The kind of problem-solving inspiration Archimedes got from stepping into his bath, provides the clue needed to solve a particularly perplexing problem. Amazing inspiration often comes from seemingly unrelated, random stimulation. Unfortunately you never know when or where such clues will appear to aid you in your problem-solving challenges.
That’s why, if you’re focusing all your attention on one or more expected or obvious lines of investigation, you may not see the unexpected clue, even if it presents itself. But if you put the problem out of your conscious mind and let your free-wheeling unconscious have a go at it, you’re much more likely to recognize a solution when it does appear.
Research by David Rock of Results Coaching Systems indicates that “as much as a 500 percent improvement in having insights can be reached by following a few simple rules.” Below I summarize David’s problem-solving findings.
Be Quiet
Some insights come from memories filed away long ago. If you’ve ever had something on the tip of your tongue, you know the thought you were looking for often pops up after you give up trying to remember it. When you quiet your brain, it’s easier to notice the faint murmurs of a distant memory.
Look Inward
The solution you seek, a memory or a fresh insight, is more likely to appear when you can look inside yourself rather than focus on external stimuli. It’s also easier to manipulate, play with, and transform ideas than real things in the world outside.
Be Happy
Plenty of work in the field of neuroscience shows that when you’re happy, as opposed to anxious, you’re much more likely to solve problems and be more creative. Typically you’re also open to more suggestions when you’re in a happy mood. Happiness helps you feel open, curious, and optimistic.
Don’t Try So Hard!
Finally, the most counterintuitive advice of all. If you want bright, breakthrough insights, then literally stop focusing on the problem. Follow Archimedes’s footsteps into the bath, take a walk, listen to your favorite music. Let the solution come to you.
All four of these problem-solving steps take your mind off the problem. When you or your employees get stuck on a problem, you will find that you have come to a number of dead ends. Admit that you haven’t found the solution rather than dig in the exhausted territory.
The solution to tough problems always lies somewhere unexpected or somewhere you’ve overlooked. So be patient. It may take all four steps to get you out of your thinking rut.
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