Too often, we approach our problems with a narrow approach that does more to hinder our progress than it does to help us find a solution. How many times have you thought to yourself that a problem has only one solution and that thinking leads us to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped believing that you cannot solve the problem?
Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're pushing a boulder uphill. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.
Using creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.
First of all, to apply creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the reality that there may be more than only one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.
Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be more creative in solving our problems.
1. Possibly, the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look to really identify the problem. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving the problem. If you sufficiently identify the problem, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships are to one another. Take note of the things you stand to gain and stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.
2. Try to take note of all constraints and assumptions you have toward problem. Sometimes these assumptions obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, which are not valid, and which assumptions need to be addressed, and in what priority.
3. Try to solve the problem in parts. Solve the problem starting from the general toward the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From there you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.
4. Although it helps to utilize critical thinking as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative voice involved. When someone comes up with a possible solution, try to think how you could make that solution work for you. Try to be creative. At the same time, examine the weaknesses of that solution.
5. It pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at the same time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.
6. Remember that old adage, "two heads are better than one." That statement is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours. You don't have to be a lone ranger, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.
7. Be patient. As long as you persevere, chances are that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one perfected an invention on the first try.
8. Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problem solver. Here’s an example. Take a piece of paper and in the center of the paper write any word that comes to mind. Now look at that word, then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills to fortify your creative thinking.
So, next time you see a problem you think you cannot solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and work.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
SELF-ESTEEM-The Begining of Self Improvement
How do you stay calm, composed and maintain self-esteem in a tough environment? Here are some tips you may want to consider as a starter guide to self improvement.
Imagine yourself as a Dart Board. Everything and everyone else around you are the dart at one point or another. These darts will destroy your self-esteem and pull you down in ways you won’t even remember. Don’t let them destroy you or get the best of you. So which darts should you avoid?
Dart Pin #1 : Negative Work Environment
Avoid the “dog eat dog” environment where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non-appreciative people usually thrive. No one will appreciate your contributions even if you miss lunch and dinner, and stay up late. Most of the time you work too much without getting help or the appropriate credit. Stay away from this, it will ruin your self-esteem. Competition is at stake anywhere. Competition is healthy. But, don’t set yourself up for failure and undue stress by contributing to unhealthy competition.
Dart Pin #2: Other People’s Behavior
Bulldozers, brown-nosers, gossip mongers, whiners, back stabbers, snipers, controller freaks, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers… all these kinds of people will pose bad vibes for your self-esteem, as well as to your self improvement scheme.
Dart Pin #3: Changing Environment
Change challenges our paradigms. It tests our flexibility, adaptability and alters the way we think. Change will make life difficult for awhile, it may cause stress but it will force us to find ways to improve ourselves. Change is forever, and we must adapt to it.
Dart Pin #4: Past Experience
It’s okay to cry and say “ouch!” when we experience pain. But don’t let pain transform itself into fear. It might grab you by the tail and swing you around. Treat each failure and mistake as a lesson. Pack that baggage and use move to a different and better place.
Dart Pin #5: Negative World View
Look at where you’re looking. Don’t wrap yourself up with all the negativities of the world. In building self-esteem, we must learn how to make the best out of worst situations.
Dart Pin #6: Determination Theory
Your psychology and behavioral traits are said to be a mixed of your inherited traits, your upbringing, and your environment e.g. your spouse, the company, the economy or your circle of friends. You have your own identity. If your father is a failure, it doesn’t mean you have to be a failure too. Learn from other people’s experience, so you’ll never have to encounter the same mistakes.
Sometimes, you may wonder if some people are born leaders or positive thinkers. Being positive, and staying positive is a choice. Building self-esteem and drawing lines for self improvement is a choice. God wouldn’t come down from heaven and tell you, “You may now have the permission to build self-esteem and improve your self.”
In life, its hard to stay tough specially when things and people around you keep pulling you down. When we get to the battle field, we should choose the right weapons to bring and armor to use. Life’s choices give us an array of options. Along the battle, we will get hit and bruised. And wearing armor ideally means ‘change.’ The kind of change that comes from within. Armor or self change means changing 3 things: our attitude, our behavior and our way of thinking.
Building self-esteem will eventually lead to self improvement if we start to become responsible for who we are, what we have, and what we do. Its a flame that gradually spreads like a brush fire from inside and out. When we develop self-esteem, we take control of our mission, values and discipline. Self-esteem brings about self improvement, true assessment, and determination. So how do you start building the blocks of self-esteem? Be positive. Be contented and happy. Be appreciative. Never miss an opportunity to compliment another or yourself. A positive way of living will help you build self-esteem.
Imagine yourself as a Dart Board. Everything and everyone else around you are the dart at one point or another. These darts will destroy your self-esteem and pull you down in ways you won’t even remember. Don’t let them destroy you or get the best of you. So which darts should you avoid?
Dart Pin #1 : Negative Work Environment
Avoid the “dog eat dog” environment where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non-appreciative people usually thrive. No one will appreciate your contributions even if you miss lunch and dinner, and stay up late. Most of the time you work too much without getting help or the appropriate credit. Stay away from this, it will ruin your self-esteem. Competition is at stake anywhere. Competition is healthy. But, don’t set yourself up for failure and undue stress by contributing to unhealthy competition.
Dart Pin #2: Other People’s Behavior
Bulldozers, brown-nosers, gossip mongers, whiners, back stabbers, snipers, controller freaks, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers… all these kinds of people will pose bad vibes for your self-esteem, as well as to your self improvement scheme.
Dart Pin #3: Changing Environment
Change challenges our paradigms. It tests our flexibility, adaptability and alters the way we think. Change will make life difficult for awhile, it may cause stress but it will force us to find ways to improve ourselves. Change is forever, and we must adapt to it.
Dart Pin #4: Past Experience
It’s okay to cry and say “ouch!” when we experience pain. But don’t let pain transform itself into fear. It might grab you by the tail and swing you around. Treat each failure and mistake as a lesson. Pack that baggage and use move to a different and better place.
Dart Pin #5: Negative World View
Look at where you’re looking. Don’t wrap yourself up with all the negativities of the world. In building self-esteem, we must learn how to make the best out of worst situations.
Dart Pin #6: Determination Theory
Your psychology and behavioral traits are said to be a mixed of your inherited traits, your upbringing, and your environment e.g. your spouse, the company, the economy or your circle of friends. You have your own identity. If your father is a failure, it doesn’t mean you have to be a failure too. Learn from other people’s experience, so you’ll never have to encounter the same mistakes.
Sometimes, you may wonder if some people are born leaders or positive thinkers. Being positive, and staying positive is a choice. Building self-esteem and drawing lines for self improvement is a choice. God wouldn’t come down from heaven and tell you, “You may now have the permission to build self-esteem and improve your self.”
In life, its hard to stay tough specially when things and people around you keep pulling you down. When we get to the battle field, we should choose the right weapons to bring and armor to use. Life’s choices give us an array of options. Along the battle, we will get hit and bruised. And wearing armor ideally means ‘change.’ The kind of change that comes from within. Armor or self change means changing 3 things: our attitude, our behavior and our way of thinking.
Building self-esteem will eventually lead to self improvement if we start to become responsible for who we are, what we have, and what we do. Its a flame that gradually spreads like a brush fire from inside and out. When we develop self-esteem, we take control of our mission, values and discipline. Self-esteem brings about self improvement, true assessment, and determination. So how do you start building the blocks of self-esteem? Be positive. Be contented and happy. Be appreciative. Never miss an opportunity to compliment another or yourself. A positive way of living will help you build self-esteem.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Powerful Positive Thinking is Better For Your Health and Wealth
Listen to your thoughts. What thoughts fill your head? Are they positive or negative?
Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you what’s on your mind?
The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you are feeling.
Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.
Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance too.
And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you.
The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.
Positive thoughts have a filling and invigorating effect. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude.
Negative thoughts on the other hand have a draining effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.
A positive attitude attracts people, a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.
We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.
You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. Studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. People with positive attitudes also have more friends. Projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.
A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.
A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.
If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is positive. This is truly a saddening thought.
If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude.
Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good things, the positive things in life.
And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.
If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong, feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to mourn.
As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome.
You have nothing to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.
Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you what’s on your mind?
The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you are feeling.
Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.
Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance too.
And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you.
The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.
Positive thoughts have a filling and invigorating effect. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude.
Negative thoughts on the other hand have a draining effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.
A positive attitude attracts people, a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.
We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.
You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. Studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. People with positive attitudes also have more friends. Projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.
A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.
A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.
If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is positive. This is truly a saddening thought.
If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude.
Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good things, the positive things in life.
And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.
If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong, feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to mourn.
As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome.
You have nothing to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Inspiration-Can Woody Allen Help?
Life poses so many challenges that sometimes we must seek the help and inspiration of others. Sometimes we need to just walk it off. What's really interesting is that how do people go through the usual part of life when faced with vein-popping stress? Zen or yoga is one of the good things and it actually works. Is there room for the intellectual side of people who can actually smell the roses-in-a-can while on the move? It kind of had me thinking that there really must be something in this 'mind-over-matter' thing.
Other times humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what's been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it's better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he's bound to mock the subject and you'll end up laughing rather than being upset about it. Then there is Woody Allen.
Woody Allen has this to say:
1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn't have to take an arm and a leg to get it. 2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government." 'Nuff said.
3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life's little problems isn't all that bad, until 'he' shows up.
Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you're talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.
4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions." And if you want more, just keep on asking!
5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no'." It sounds, 'practical', I think.
And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn't involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.
6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats." I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.
7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." If it rains, it pours.
8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." It could get worse when you're guzzling on beer… or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!
9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." At least he doesn't smite us with lightning, and I'm thankful for that.
And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can't seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we're religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.
And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go by… however, whenever, and wherever we may be.
10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."
Other times humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what's been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it's better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he's bound to mock the subject and you'll end up laughing rather than being upset about it. Then there is Woody Allen.
Woody Allen has this to say:
1. "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons." It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn't have to take an arm and a leg to get it. 2. "I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government." 'Nuff said.
3. "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?" This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life's little problems isn't all that bad, until 'he' shows up.
Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you're talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.
4. "Love is the answer, but while you're waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions." And if you want more, just keep on asking!
5. "A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said 'no'." It sounds, 'practical', I think.
And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn't involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.
6. "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats." I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.
7. "I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." If it rains, it pours.
8. "I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." It could get worse when you're guzzling on beer… or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!
9. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." At least he doesn't smite us with lightning, and I'm thankful for that.
And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can't seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we're religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.
And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go by… however, whenever, and wherever we may be.
10. "The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don't have."
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