how to solve the problems in life

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Using the Standard Solitaire Game to Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Abilities

In today’s fast-paced world, problem-solving skills are more important than ever. Whether it’s in your personal life or professional career, the ability to think critically and find solutions is highly valued. One way to enhance these skills is by playing the standard solitaire game. While many people may see solitaire as a simple card game, it actually offers numerous benefits for improving problem-solving abilities. In this article, we will explore how playing the standard solitaire game can help sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Enhancing Strategic Thinking

Playing the standard solitaire game requires strategic thinking and planning ahead. As you lay out your cards and make moves, you must consider various possibilities and anticipate future moves. This process encourages you to analyze different scenarios and make decisions based on potential outcomes.

Furthermore, solitaire also teaches you the importance of prioritization. You need to prioritize which cards to move first and which ones to leave behind. This skill translates directly into real-life situations where you must prioritize tasks or actions based on their importance or urgency.

By regularly engaging in strategic thinking while playing solitaire, you can develop a more analytical mindset that will benefit you in all areas of life.

Developing Patience

Patience is a virtue that can greatly contribute to effective problem-solving. In the standard solitaire game, patience is key as success often requires multiple rounds of trial and error before finding the right solution.

The process of patiently trying different moves and experimenting with various strategies teaches valuable lessons about persistence and resilience. It trains your mind not to give up easily when faced with challenges but instead motivates you to keep trying until you find a solution.

Developing patience through playing solitaire can be a valuable asset when faced with complex problems that require time and perseverance to solve effectively.

Making Skills

In solitaire, every move you make is a decision that can impact the outcome of the game. The ability to make informed decisions quickly is crucial for success. By playing the standard solitaire game regularly, you can improve your decision-making skills.

As you become more experienced in solitaire, you will start recognizing patterns and developing strategies that maximize your chances of winning. This process trains your brain to analyze information efficiently and make decisions based on logical reasoning.

Moreover, solitaire also teaches you to evaluate risks and rewards. Some moves may seem appealing in the short term but could lead to unfavorable outcomes later on. Learning to assess potential risks and rewards helps you make better decisions not only in the game but also in real-life situations where critical thinking is required.

Enhancing Concentration and Focus

Playing solitaire requires concentration and focus as you need to pay attention to every card on the table and track their movements. Distractions can lead to mistakes that could cost you the game.

Regularly engaging in solitaire can help improve your ability to concentrate for extended periods. This skill is transferable to various areas of life where focus is necessary, such as work tasks or studying.

Additionally, solitaire can serve as a form of meditation by providing a momentary escape from daily stressors. It allows you to clear your mind, focus solely on the game at hand, and recharge your mental energy.

The standard solitaire game offers more than just entertainment; it provides an opportunity to enhance problem-solving abilities through strategic thinking, patience development, improved decision-making skills, and enhanced concentration/focus.

By incorporating regular sessions of solitaire into your routine, you can sharpen these essential skills that are valuable in both personal and professional settings. So next time you find yourself with some free time or need a break from work-related tasks, consider playing a round of solitaire – it might just give your problem-solving abilities a boost.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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How to Solve Life Problems

Do you know how to solve life problems? Life is of course full of problems. In fact, it’s so full of problems that at times it seems as though solving one problem creates a new problem. But having problems is a necessary part of life. And living life in optimal ways requires understanding how to solve life problems. In fact, it could be said that those who successfully work through their problems live a happier, more fulfilling and rewarding life. But how to solve life problems? Is there a formula for solving all of life’s problems? Well, maybe not a formula, but using the following six steps can definitely bring some value.

1) TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PROBLEM

Okay, something unexpected just happened, and you now have this big problem on your hands. Yes, absolutely life is unfair. This is just such an inconvenience. In fact, you don’t even deserve this, and you certainly don’t have the time to deal with this problem. Right now, you kind of just want to crawl under a rock — hoping in your heart that this problem will just go away. But what good will that do? What good will it do to blame, complain or make excuses? You have this problem because life has something of value to teach you. With this in mind, take responsibility and use the problem as a challenge to get better.

2) AVOID MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

Having taken full responsibility for you problem, you are now in the right frame-of-mind to begin solving it. The best place to start is of course to use the lessons from solving past problems and applying them to your current predicament. Our past can certainly provide us with many valuable insights and clues to help us in the present moment. However, it’s important that we keep in mind that what worked in the past, may not necessarily work right now. Yes, certainly use the lessons from the past on how to solve life problems and try to apply them to your current problem, however stay vigilant and aware that other possibilities may also exist.

3) TURN YOUR PROBLEM INTO A QUESTION

Thinking about how to solve life problems always begins with proper perspective. However, in order to gain proper perspective you need to ask the right questions. This all of course begins the moment you decide to turn your problem into a question and start restating it in a variety of ways. This is advantageous because asking a question brings along with it possibilities and answers. It encourages us to focus on solutions rather than getting lost within the intricacies of our problem. Asking one question of course brings to mind other possible questions. And with every question asked you gain deeper insights that can help you solve your life problems.

4) SEEK ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES

While trying to solve your life problems you may at times get stuck. You will reach a point where you just run out of ideas and just don’t quite know how to proceed. This is the point where you need to look for alternative perspectives that will help shift your view of the problem. Books can of course be of tremendous value. Throughout history people have been solving all sorts of problems. Learn from them and use their stories of struggle and triumph on how to solve life problems in your own life. Likewise ask the people in your life for their input, ideas and suggestions. Their unique life experiences might help you see your problem in a more favorable light.

5) THINK IN PICTURES

If ever you’re struggling to solve your life problems, it can be helpful to start thinking in pictures. Pictures will help you to bring your thoughts to life on paper in front of your eyes. Once there, you can begin playing with your thoughts, exploring your thoughts, and even re-imagining them on paper in a variety of ways. Doing so will help you assess your problem from unique vantage points and perspectives that may lead to incredible breakthroughs and ideas. You can of course do this using doodles, mind maps, metaphors and diagrams. Just tap into your inner child and allow your imagination run wild.

6) PONDER OVER YOUR PROBLEM

Sometimes the harder we try to solve our life problems, the less progress we seem to make. If you ever reach that point, then it can be helpful to step back from trying so hard, and instead spend time pondering over your problem in a variety of ways. To ponder over a problem requires putting yourself into a relaxed state-of-mind, and then just allowing your imagination to go to work. You can of course do this while lying in bed, walking along the beach, or while meditating. Sometimes it just takes time to solve a problem. You need to give your ideas the space to manifest, to grow and expand in your imagination.

HOW TO SOLVE LIFE PROBLEMS SUMMARY

So there you have it. Those are the steps you need to take on how to solve life problems. It’s not quite a fullproof formula, but using these six steps can certainly help you work through your life problems far more effectively. Some problems will of course take a little more time and effort to solve. Just maybe you might not even be able to solve all of them. You might very well fail time and again. But within every failure there is the seed of opportunity to learn and grow from every experience that will help you to solve your life problems in better ways.

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Yes, there is such simplicity within this IQ Doodle, but of course there is a reason for that. Making positive change doesn’t need to be a complicated process. It just needs to be a consistent process where we progressively develop new habits-of-mind through repeated exposure and implementation. And that’s what these IQ Doodles are for.

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Visit the IQ Doodle Store to learn more about how to use this IQ Doodle on how to solve life problems and begin optimizing the way you live your life today.

Learn More About this Topic

Want to know more about this topic? Here are some helpful links to articles that you may find of value:

• 5 Problem Solving Techniques for Every Aspect of Life @ Fast Company
• Here is an Effective Method for Solving All Your Problems  @ IQ Matrix
• How to Solve Problems Like an Expert @ Psychology Today
• Need to Solve a Problem? Dreaming May Help @ Inc.
• The Problem Solving Paradox of Creativity @ The Creativity Post

3 thoughts on “How to Solve Life Problems”

There is no problem without a solution. All problems have enough solution to the whole scope of its being. But it must be clear that solutions won’t present itself to you and your problems. There is nothing like too BIG PROBLEM. TOO BIG PROBLEMS,there is also a too big solution to it. BIG PLUS BIG equals to BIG SOLUTION.

It’s mind-blowing writing, thank you very much for sharing this type of amazing thought.

Very powerful article, everyone should read. Thank you so much for the great information

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How to Face Problems in Your Life

Last Updated: September 2, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Trudi Griffin, LPC, MS . Trudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 266,499 times.

Having problems in your life can feel overwhelming and it may be that the last thing you want to do is face them. Fortunately though, dealing and coping with problems is a well-studied area and there are many cognitive, emotional, and behavioral steps that can be taken to effectively face your problems head on.

Accepting and Understanding the Problem

• If you don’t think you have a problem, but everyone tells you there is a problem, try to see if there is truth to it.
• If you are having trouble admitting you have a problem, you might be in denial. For example, if you don’t want to accept that a close family member is involved with drugs, you might come up with other excuses for her behavior.
• While denial can be useful at times by protecting your mental health, it can in other cases lead you away from dealing with the problem head on. [2] X Research source
• In fact, avoidance often exacerbates the problem and doesn’t provide any lasting relief. Avoiding your problem will continue to create a cycle of stress for you as it will always be weighing on the back of your mind.
• That said, sometimes a little escapism can be healthy. If you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed out, take a break! Watch a TV show or read a book, or engage in some other hobby you enjoy. You could even just zone out and let your mind wander! [3] X Research source

• You can avoid catastrophizing by being cognizant of when you are doing it. This requires that you monitor your own thoughts and try to check them for accuracy.
• You can monitor your thoughts by remembering to think about them and by asking yourself if someone else had that thought, would you think they were being accurate?

• If you think you know when the problem started, think about events that happened at that time. The root cause might be related to it. For example, if your grades started slipping in school after your father moved away, maybe you’re having a hard time adjusting to this change.

• For example, your problem might be that you don’t manage to make it to school on time. By changing a few habits or making different transportation arrangements, this can be changed.
• Some things can’t be changed, such as a permanent disability or the death of a loved one, but you can learn to live with it and thrive in the wake of it. Also keep in mind that people often think negative events will make them feel worse and worse for longer than they actually do.
• Telling yourself this isn’t the end of the world doesn’t mean your problem is not really a problem or is insignificant. It just helps you internalize that your problems are not insurmountable.

• Dealing with problems and solving them can make you more competent and also more empathetic toward others who have their own problems.

Expressing That You Have a Problem

• For example, if your problem is that you don't have enough money, you could write that down. You could also write down the implications of that problem to drive home the point and motivate you to solve it. An implication of not having enough money might be that you are stressed out and that you can't enjoy the kinds of things that you would like to.
• If the problem isn't something private, put the list somewhere you see it so you don't forget to act on it. For example, you might put it on your fridge.

• If you’re going to talk to someone else who has the same problem, you will need to be tactful. Let her know that you just want to learn so you can solve it, too.

• It’s okay to feel upset, angry, worried so long as you know that being upset, angry or worried won’t help solve the problem. You will have to take action to solve the problem. Still, these emotions can help you realize you have a problem, as well as suggest its source.
• Some ways to calm down when you're feeling upset include: focusing on your breathing, count to 10 (or higher if you need to), gently talk yourself down (tell yourself "it's going to be alright," or "take it easy."). Try going for a walk or run or listening to calming music. [10] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source

• To find a mental health professional, try this website: https://locator.apa.org/

Finding Solutions

• Consider talking to people who have been through something similar or are professionals in the subject related to your problem.
• For example, if your problem is academic related, talk to your teacher about it or another student who has already done the subject or course you’re having difficulty with.
• Understanding how problems come to be might help you face them better. Refocusing your attention on solving the problem will help decrease unproductive emotional tendencies such as guilt and anxiety, which can stymie problem solving skills and capabilities.

• Make sure that when you seek out advice, it's from a licensed professional in their field, which proves they have the skills needed to help you with your particular problem.
• There are people who might claim to be an expert. If they are lacking the right credentials, chances are they aren't.

• Try asking them how they coped with and solved the problem you share. You may find yourself so wrapped up in your problem that an obvious solution evades you, but it may not evade others. [12] X Research source

• Consider the anatomy of the problem. Usually a problem is not just one problem alone - it has consequences and affects other areas of your life. Which part of the problem do you think you should address first?
• For example, if your problem is that you never get to go on vacation, sub-problems may be that it is difficult for you to get time off of work, and it is difficult for you to save money to be able to afford a vacation.
• You could address these sub-problems separately: You could cut back on eating out while simultaneously talking to your boss about how you are burnt out and could use a week off, and make a case that you would ultimately be more productive in the long run if allowed to recuperate.

• Whether the solution will, in fact, solve your problem.
• How efficient the solution is in terms of the time and other resources it will require.
• How you might feel it you choose that solution relative to another solution.
• What the costs and benefits of the solution are.
• Whether this solution has worked for others in the past.

• As you engage in your plan, reward yourself for your small successes so you are more likely to stick with it when the going gets tough!
• Resist the temptation to avoid your problems if your plans don’t work. Remember not to catastrophize –just because one solution didn't solve the problem, that doesn't mean there isn't another method to solve your problem.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/headshrinkers-guide-the-galaxy/201412/7-strategies-face-lifes-challenges
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/denial
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200903/devoted-distraction?collection=95944
• ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-small-steps-you-can-take-today-to-improve-anxiety-symptoms/
• ↑ http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/ProblemSolving.pdf
• ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/talking-through-problems
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_to_calm_your_mind_in_stressful_times
• ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm
• ↑ http://psychcentral.com/lib/therapists-spill-14-ways-to-get-through-tough-times/
• ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/a-step-by-step-guide-to-problem-solving

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Dealing with a problem in your life can feel overwhelming, but by accepting that you have a problem and finding a solution, you can manage it effectively. Accept that the problem exists, since ignoring or avoiding it will not make it go away. Research your problem so you can understand it better, which will help you come up with solutions. You could also try speaking to someone who has dealt with the same issue or contacting an expert with relevant experience. Make a step-by-step plan of how you're going to tackle your problem, which will help you break it down into manageable goals. As you achieve each step, reward yourself so you feel encouraged to keep going. For example, if your problem is that you struggle to focus on your work, take an evening to relax or watch your favorite show when you complete an important task. For tips from our co-author on how to avoid catastrophizing your problem, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Problem solving

Sometimes, it is not enough to just cope with the problems – they need to be solved.

Most people engage in problem solving every day. It occurs automatically for many of the small decisions that need to be made on a daily basis.

For example, when making a decision about whether to get up now or sleep in for an extra 10 minutes, the possible choices and the relative risks and benefits of obeying the alarm clock or sleeping later come automatically to mind.

Larger problems are addressed in a similar way. For example: “I have tasks that need to be done by the end of the week. How am I going to get them all done on time?”

After considering the possible strategies, 1 is chosen and implemented. If it proves to be ineffective, a different strategy is tried.

People who can define problems, consider options, make choices, and implement a plan have all the basic skills required for effective problem solving.

Sometimes following a step-by-step procedure for defining problems, generating solutions, and implementing solutions can make the process of problem solving seem less overwhelming.

Six step guide to help you solve problems

Step 1: identify and define the problem.

• State the problem as clearly as possible. For example: “I don’t have enough money to pay the bills.”
• Be specific about the behaviour, situation, timing, and circumstances that make it a problem. For example: “I need to pay the phone and gas bills, and I don’t have enough money to cover both this month.”

Step 2: Generate possible solutions

• List all the possible solutions; don’t worry about the quality of the solutions at this stage.
• Try to list at least 15 solutions, be creative and forget about the quality of the solution.
• If you allow yourself to be creative you may come up with some solutions that you would not otherwise have thought about.

Step 3: Evaluate alternatives      

• The next step is to go through and eliminate less desirable or unreasonable solutions.
• Order the remaining solutions in order of preference.
• Evaluate the remaining solutions in terms of their advantages and disadvantages.

Step 4: Decide on a solution      

• Specify who will take action.
• Specify how the solution will be implemented.
• Specify when the solution will be implemented. For example: tomorrow morning, phone the gas company and negotiate to pay the gas bill next month.

Step 5: Implement the solution

• Implement the solution as planned.

Step 6: Evaluate the outcome

• Evaluate how effective the solution was.
• Decide whether the existing plan needs to be revised, or whether a new plan is needed to better address the problem.
• If you are not pleased with the outcome, return to step 2 to select a new solution or revise the existing solution, and repeat the remaining steps.

Problem solving is something we do every day.

Some problems are small or easily solved - others are more complicated and can seem overwhelming.

One way of tackling problems is to use a specific and systematic problem solving procedure. If you’ve tried to solve certain problems without much success, try these steps out and see if they help.

Learning to solve problems effectively will help you to minimise the level of stress in your life and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Try it out and see.

Where to get help

Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI)

• 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
• Phone: (08) 9227 4399
• Email: [email protected]
• Read more about the Centre for Clinical Interventions

See your doctor

Visit healthdirect (external site) or call 1800 022 222, mental health emergency response line (mherl).

• Metro callers: 1300 55 788
• Peel: 1800 676 822
• Rural and remote areas 1800 552 002
• Most people engage in problem solving daily.
• Sometimes following a step-by-step process to define problems, consider options and make choices can make problem solving less overwhelming.
• You can always talk to your doctor or mental health practitioner and ask for help.

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

• Centre for Clinical Interventions
• Unhelpful thinking styles
• Depression – reversing the vicious cycle
• Anxiety – reversing the vicious cycle

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How to Solve Problems in Life

Problems, problems, problems! How to solve problems in life? Guess what? Even kids have problems. It is part and parcel of life. Without problems how would we ever find success or be happy. If there is a problem, only we have the power to solve it.

The ability to solve problems in life can make a huge difference and it gets easier when you realize that problems are simply choices.

Once we find out the way to solve it, we will be happy. How to solve problems in life? As we say, problems are persistent and that makes it worse.

But, every problem also has a solution. Right? Then why don’t we find them? The answer is simple: it is difficult and time-consuming. People want to take it easy in life and when a problem hits, they just want to ignore it.

How to solve problems in life?

To be an effective problem-solver, you need to be systematic and logical in your approach. Most people believe in evading the problem or even trying to wish it away. This never happens and like cancer, it will eventually spread and reach a point where it is difficult to control.

It is the negative attitude of a person towards problems that make them enormous. Accept problems as they come and try helping yourself by looking out for the ways to find solutions.

Another thing is whenever a tricky or problematic situation strikes and you try to tackle it, you might be saving yourself from a huge problem in the future. For instance, when you know that the house may catch fire, you will get a fire extinguisher. You wouldn’t let the house catch fire! The point is that problems can also be taken as opportunities that will help you solve bigger problems.

However, if you are a lazy person, then of course problems will always remain a problem no matter how small it is.

Problems need to be looked at it in different ways so that you do not feel their burden. Now let us see how to make the problem look like solutions.

Know the problem

Basically, the initial step will be to know what the problem is and then get to the root of it. After understanding the problem, you will know its intensity and size. Whatever the size, you have to go about gathering the facts and work it out to solve it. Success lies in your approach to handling and solving the problem. Finding a way out helps you keep emergencies at bay and stay composed in chaotic times.

Think Rationally

There are bound to be problems in life. Accept that. Now, you have the perfect mindset to think rationally. Although (not always, but most of the time), it is important that you share your thoughts about the problem with someone close or the person who can really help with it. If you are flexible in looking at a problem, you can view it from many different perspectives.

Some people need guidance in life and they can achieve greater things. So let your mind be open to suggestions and advice that will help to make life a little easier.

Of course it all depends on the type of problem—whether it is personal or anything else. Another aspect is the root of the problem that is why the particular problem is there.

Learn from the past

You can analyze your mistakes and then solve them. Problems can even be solved by checking out past mistakes. Learn from your mistakes and you will be set on the right path. Be confident. Making an attempt to solve the problem is your responsibility towards your life and from which you cannot shy away.

Ask for help

What’s wrong with that? You are human, right? So what if you are an achiever ? You can still ask for help. That will not lower your esteem. Instead, you can get plenty of solutions from all kinds of people and you can choose what suits you the best.

You cannot solve a problem with the same level of consciousness that created it ~ Carl Jung ( Tweet this )

Anger will not help

Yelling at everyone because of a problem will make the situation unpleasant. Keep a smile on your face and see how people react. But with an angry face, people will only create more problems for you.

Conclusion – how to solve problems in life

Everyone has problems in life. “How to solve problems in life?” is the question that everybody needs an answer to. The problem is the result of not accepting something that is not fine and not solving it at the right time. However, one thing is sure, ignoring a problem means aggravating the situation and on the contrary, grabbing it right in the beginning definitely has some hope for a solution.

It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail. ~ Abraham Harold Maslow ( Tweet this )

Solve your problems in life carefully. Some problems just have to be managed. There’s no simple way to solve, avoid or minimize them. The problem isn’t a cover for a larger issue. It’s just a problem. You have to deal with it.

When people know what to do, they don’t get upset. It’s when they don’t know what to do that they get overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. ~ Anon ( Tweet this )

So Solve, Avoid, Cut, Address, Cope and try to solve problems in life!

• personal skills
• problem solving

About the Author

Vandana singhal.

Vandana Singhal writes extensively on science, technology, health, and travel. Vandana has a degree in science and is artistic in nature.

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Here is an Effective Method for Solving Your Life Problems

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer. – Albert Einstein

Life is an Endless Barrage of Problems

From the moment we are born it seems as though life is constantly testing us. As babies we see adults walking up on two feet while we lie there helplessly on the floor. This is, of course, unacceptable, and so we are challenged to eventually try walking for ourselves. Although it isn’t easy and as expected we stumble and fall. However, after many failed attempts and mistakes we eventually get it right and start walking like adults. Walking soon becomes easy and we feel on top of the world; proud of our new ability. Life is awesome, and everything will be a piece of cake from this moment on for the rest of our lives, right? 😉

Well, as we know the problems and challenges we face don’t stop after we have learned to walk. There are always new challenges around the corner such as learning to talk, learning to write, learning to dance, learning to interact with others, and so forth. Then of course as the years go on we are challenged with tests, examinations, unexpected emotional upheavals such as anger , frustration , anxiety , stress , and then there’s of course heartbreak.

When in a relationship we are challenged constantly and bombarded with a plethora of problems that must be dealt with. These problems can come in the form uncooperative in-laws, financial struggles , health concerns, and a plethora of other day-to-day problems that put a strain on our relationships. However, we don’t necessarily need to be in a relationship to experience these problems. In fact, single people experience exactly the same but must deal with these problems without the accountability or support from their partner; which of course can make things even more challenging for some.

Other typical problems we might need to deal with include:

• Not able to lose that extra five pounds of weight.
• Not able to pay off your bills, taxes or credit card on time.
• Not able to get a work project completed by the due date.
• Not able to help someone who needs your assistance.
• Not able to reach an agreement within a negotiation.
• Not able to apologize to someone for a mistake that has been made.
• Not able to pass a critical exam that threatens your future career prospects.
• Not able to get the pay rise you were expecting.
• Not able to resolve a dispute between you and another person.
• Not able to afford something that you desperately want to buy.
• Not able to overcome the guilt you feel about something you did or failed to do.
• Not able to start the business that you’ve been dreaming of for years.
• Not able to effectively discipline your kids.
• Not able to deal with the barrage of work you have to do in the little time you have to do it.
• Not able to control your anger, anxiety, frustrations and a plethora of other emotions that make you feel absolutely miserable.
• Not able to figure out how to work that new gadget you overpaid for.
• Not able to get a refund on that new gadget you just can’t seem to figure out. 😉

I, of course, could go on-and-on listing all the kinds of typical life problems that we all tend to go through each day of our lives. But that’s not the purpose of this article. You already know that problems are an unavoidable part of life. In fact, they are a part of every journey, and especially prevalent when we venture into uncharted territories; for that is when we are challenged to the highest degree.

Problems Lead to Growth

Many people see their problems as unwelcome aspects of their lives. Problems are like an uninvited stranger coming into our home and settling down on the couch. We just feel uncomfortable in their presence. In fact, we just wish that they would leave us alone, but the reality is that they will continue to linger around your place until you figure out a way to get them back out the front or back door.

For most people, this is a very uncomfortable process having this stranger in their home. What makes things worse is that this stranger is consistently getting in their way. They want to go to the bathroom and there’s the stranger taking a shower. They want to go to bed, and the stranger is already sleeping on their pillow. This person is just so infuriating and they want nothing more than for them to leave. However, the stranger (as with many of our problems) tends to linger around until the moment we decide that “enough is enough”.

Unfortunately, most people don’t tend to deal with problems in this way. They will instead try to ignore their problems. But the stranger is still there eating your cereal on your favorite seat first thing in the morning. No matter how much you try and ignore them, it doesn’t change the fact that sooner or later you will need to deal with this “elephant in the room”. This is, of course, a saying that something is lingering around that must be dealt with sooner or later.

What typically happens is that people just don’t want to deal with their problems. However, by allowing their problems to linger around in this way they are actually making things worse. Before they know it the uninvited stranger will be wearing their clothes and drinking all their beer. Suddenly in a blink of an eye, the stranger has taken over their entire life; just as many problems typically do.

Things, of course, don’t need to be this way. However, we must first acknowledge that having this uninvited stranger in our house isn’t such a bad thing. Just maybe they aren’t so much a problem as we make them out to be. Just maybe this is an opportunity to learn something new. Just maybe they are here in your life today to help you grow and develop into the person you desire to be. And just maybe you can use their presence in your life to actually help you accomplish a goal you have been working towards for some time now. But you will of course never fully capitalize on this opportunity if you resist the stranger’s presence.

We typically experience the most problems when we are venturing into uncharted territories or while making progress toward a goal . However, these are also times when we can experience the most growth because problems often help us to see the world and our circumstances from a new perspective. In fact, they can even help us see ourselves in a new light.

But life’s problems are overbearing and inconvenient. I mean, who really wants problems? It’s easier to just live a carefree life without having to deal with problems, right? Well on the surface it might seem that way, however, without any problems you would live a very mundane existence. In fact, life might be rather dull and boring . And because there would be no problems to deal with, you wouldn’t learn and grow as quickly from your experiences. After all, we learn most from failure and mistakes, and these are often a result of our attempts at trying to solve problems.

The truth is that problems are an essential part of the human experience. In fact, having problems and learning how to solve them successfully are the keys to long-term happiness and fulfillment .

Problems have of course been around since the dawn of time. Think back to the caveman doodling on the walls. They certainly had problems. In fact, our problems today seem pale in comparison when we think about all the wild and dangerous animals that threatened their lives each and every day. Our problems today are a little more mellow and certainly less life-threatening, but many people do still make them out to be larger than life.

But what are problems really? Well, problems are nothing more than decisions that need to be made. Mind you, they might not be simple decisions, and you may very well need to make a chain of decisions to get your desired outcome, but nevertheless, they are still nothing more than decisions.

Making effective decisions , of course, can take some research, support and other resources. It may even require that you become a little more resourceful in certain situations in order to reach the right decision moving forward. However, it still doesn’t change the fact that solving problems requires nothing more than making a set of effective decisions leading to a solution to the problem you are facing.

If we see problems in this light, then just maybe you will eventually figure out how to invite the uninvited stranger back out of your home. 😉

A Deeper Understanding of Our Problems

When it comes to handling our day-to-day life problems, many people unnecessarily exacerbate these problems with their thoughts and imagination.

Going back to our previous example of the uninvited stranger, it’s just too easy for us to allow our frustrations to get the better of us. As a result, it makes the situation worse than it should be.

For instance, we do clearly understand that this uninvited stranger has taken residency within our home, however, we might exaggerate this fact by thinking that they have started impersonating us and that sooner or later they will, “ Convince my partner that they are me and will therefore progressively take over my entire life “.

The interpretations you make of any situation determines your perspective of that situation. Therefore if you make poor interpretations of the problem you are currently facing, then you will see it in a very negative and limiting light that will actually hold you back from finding an effective solution to that problem.

What many people maybe don’t realize is that problems can present a multitude of opportunities that they have actually been longing for. But because these opportunities aren’t presented to them on a platter, they don’t recognize them for what they are. They instead see opportunities as these wonderful things that will immediately improve their lives and circumstances. However, this is rarely if ever the case.

Success from Point A to B is never a straight line. Moving from Point A to B might require many loops, twists, and turns. And at times there will be forks in the road where one path might be more optimal than the next. And that is of course where making effective decisions comes into the picture.

No matter where you are on your journey, it’s important to understand that it’s all about the journey. We learn, develop and grow from every experience. In fact, looking back on your life you will typically have fonder memories of your journey and all the obstacles you faced , then you will have of achieving your desired goal. You will typically feel this way because of the growth you experienced by overcoming all those challenges along your path. And this is really all that matters in the end.

All-in-all, your problems make your life more meaningful; they make the journey you are traveling on more meaningful. In fact, they make achieving your goal more meaningful.

Have a think about all the goals you have achieved over a lifetime. I would bet that the goals that have been most meaningful you have had to work the hardest for; overcoming a tremendous amount of problems and adversity along the way. That is in essence where we gain the most satisfaction from life: when we surmount all the odds faced against us. Yes, that is when true happiness and fulfillment comes into the picture.

However, for the most part, we really don’t need to complicate things too much when trying to solve our problems. Oftentimes, many problems have a very simple solution and we potentially don’t require as much effort to overcome them as we might imagine. However, we do need to become a lot more resourceful in order to solve these problems most effectively.

In a nutshell, when faced with a typical life problem, it should immediately alert you to the fact that a something is not working. You possibly made a poor decision somewhere along the line, or you’re just not doing something the way it should be done. This, of course, presents an opportunity for you to step back and see the landscape of your problem for what it is, and then make better decisions moving forward. You may, in fact, need to alter your approach and do something a little differently this time around. This is of course all about approaching all your problems with a flexible and open mind, as well as a willingness to try new things when opportunities present themselves.

Now, of course, you might be thinking that some problems may very well resolve themselves. The uninvited stranger who took over your home might just one day decide to pack up and leave through the front door. This is, of course, a possibility. It could very well happen and the problem will be out of your life for good, right?

So now with the stranger leaving your home, you feel good about yourself and about your life. You have your home back once again and everything seems to be back on track. However, what you didn’t realize is that the problem actually had nothing to do with the uninvited stranger, but rather everything to do with the fact that you don’t have a lock on your front door. Therefore, at any time in the future, another uninvited stranger can walk right in and you will be back to where things got started. 🙁

This is a typical scenario that many of us experience. Your problems will come and go. However, they will always tend to come back again-and-again in a different form until you eventually decide to face them head-on. It’s as though life is telling you that there are lessons that you must learn, and I am going to keep sending you the same problem in a different guise until you eventually learn from the experience. Moreover, when you learn the lessons a plethora of opportunities will be revealed to you that can help you get whatever your heart desires. 🙂

The Requirements for Solving Life’s Problems

Now that you have a very clear understanding of what problems are all about; what does it really take to solve life’s problems? Let’s discuss that within this section by exploring the mindset and the approach you need in order to effectively handle the endless array of problems that life throws your way.

The Curious Mind

The key to solving any of life’s problems essentially begins with curiosity. With a curious nature , you will be less concerned with the inconvenience of suddenly facing a problem, and more interested in the possibilities that this problem has potentially brought to the surface. And of course, in order to cultivate curiosity, you must be willing to ask some tough questions that will help you view the problem from a number of vantage points.

When we’re curious we naturally feel more confident because we are no longer complaining or making excuses for our predicament. We instead ask questions , which make us feel as though we are in control of the situation. And of course, as your self-confidence grows you will naturally become more optimistic that you can successfully solve this problem. And so you continue to ask questions that help you explore the problem at ever deeper levels; your self-confidence grows and you become ever more optimistic about a positive outcome. And so the cycle continues.

In addition to this, cultivating a curious mind requires being open to different perspectives, ideas, approaches, and opinions. Most of the time you probably won’t have all the answers you need to solve a problem. However, other people may certainly have those answers. For this very reason, it’s important to reach out to other people to help expose your mind to a greater array of possibilities. After all, it is very possible that someone might have already solved this problem. All you would then need to do is model their decisions and actions down that same path. However, do bear in mind that what worked for them might not work for you in this particular situation.

Finally, a curious nature requires a lighthearted, proactive and adaptive approach to your problem. Only in this way will you gather the insights necessary to help you move through the problem successfully.

Instill Empowering Beliefs

The optimism you generate through curiosity alone can be a tremendous motivator . However, curiosity alone might not be enough to provide you with a positive outlook. In such instances, you need to instill three key beliefs that can help you move through the problem successfully. These beliefs are:

• Every problem presents me with an opportunity.
• Every problem can be solved with persistent effort .
• Every successful resolution of a problem can be modeled.
• There is no failure; there is only feedback for improvement.

In order to instill these beliefs, you must become a possibility thinker. This means that you are constantly looking forward at the possibilities of what you can do or gain from this situation instead of looking back at your circumstances with disappointment and regret .

Above all else, it’s important to remind yourself that no matter what the outcome of your decisions or actions, that you can always learn something from the experience that can be used to move forward through the problem successfully. This is where the idea of “ there’s no failure only feedback ” comes into the picture. If you keep this idea at the forefront of your mind at all times, it will help guide you through the difficulties along your journey.

Look for Patterns

Every problem you come across comes about in a very specific way. What I mean by this is that every problem has a distinct set of patterns that shape the problem. These patterns can be within the circumstances themselves, within the environment, or within people’s behavior.

The key then, of course, is to look for cause-effect relationships between people, things, and events. In other words, there will be trends in the form of similarities and differences that you must look out for.

These patterns will provide you with deeper insights into the problem. However, in order to spot them, you must maintain a curious nature throughout the process by consciously probing for details. And of course, to do this you will need to ask questions such as:

Why is this a problem? How did this problem come about? What led to the creation of this problem? Who was involved in its creation? How were they involved? How was I involved in the creation of this problem (even indirectly)? How has it impacted me? How has it impacted others? Has this problem been solved before? By whom? How was it solved? Have I solved a problem like this before? How? What valuable lessons can I gain from these past experiences? What’s different about this particular situation? How must I adapt to the unique circumstances I am currently facing? Given all this, what patterns am I seeing here that could help me deal with this problem most effectively? And so forth…

There are literally an infinite combination of questions you could potentially ask about your problem that will encourage you to think about it from a multitude of angles and perspectives. The key then, of course, is to maintain a curious nature throughout because that is the only way you will be able to identify key patterns in the form of cause-effect relationships that can be used to help you solve the problem to your satisfaction.

Further Guidelines for Solving Life’s Problems

Within this final section, let’s explore some further guidelines and ideas that will help you solve your life problems far more quickly and effectively.

Some of these guidelines require you to do something specific, while other guidelines require you to refrain from doing something. Furthermore, some guidelines will be quick and easy to implement, while others will require more effort and attention.

You are of course free to choose what methods you might like to use to solve your life problems. These guidelines are only here to provide you with some direction. You can use one or two of them, or a multitude of them in combination to help you work through a problem successfully. The choice is completely up to you.

I would, however, like to mention not to necessarily gravitate towards things that are familiar and give you a sense of comfort . Sometimes the greatest insights can be found in the unfamiliar and untried methods. These are the methods that may surprise you and help you gather the necessary feedback needed to solve a problem successfully.

I would, therefore, recommend to keep an open mind to the possibilities and to never underestimate the simplicity of an idea. You just never know how effective something can be until you try it. 🙂

Stop Self-Destructive Habits

One of the biggest barriers that will hold you back from solving your life’s problems has to do with the mindset you bring to that problem. By mindset I mean all the assumptions and excuses you might make about your predicament, or the fact that you are constantly complaining about the problem and/or blaming others or circumstances for the predicament you find yourself in. And then, of course, there are those regrets of what you should, could, and might have done.

Dwelling on all the negatives in this way will certainly not help you find a solution to the problem, in fact, it might actually exacerbate the problem even further.

We must instead learn to accept how things are in the moment. Yes, there will be things you can’t control. That’s the reality of life. Some things will always be out of your control and you can’t do anything about that; so there’s certainly no point worrying about them.

On the other hand, there will be other things that you certainly will be able to control, even if it is just your perception of the situation. Whatever you can control, that is where you must begin; that is what you must focus all your attention on. However, only through acceptance can you move forward in an effective way toward solving the problem.

Beware of Your Past

When faced with a problem we will typically look to the past for reference to help us in the present moment. This is of course fine. We can learn a great deal from our past that can help us make better decisions today. However, it is important that you don’t use your past as the primary barometer for your future decisions.

Past experience should only be used as a guide for the present predicament you find yourself in. Even if it appears that you are dealing with the same problem, it’s easy to get caught off guard expecting that what worked in the past will also work in the present. This is a typical assumption all of us often make, however, the present circumstances might not be an ideal match for what happened in the past.

Yes, by all means, use the past to work through your current predicament, however, don’t just settle for what you know. Keep your mind curious and open to the possibilities because there might very possibly be an even better way to work through this problem when compared to how you handled things in the past. However, if you don’t dare to ask some challenging questions, then you will struggle to find the answers that will help you solve this problem most effectively.

Keep a Lookout for Opportunities

When confronted with a problem, it’s important to acknowledge that each problem comes with an opportunity of some kind that you can take advantage of. Sometimes this opportunity is very concrete and real; other times it’s kind of inconspicuous; possibly coming in the form of something of value that you can learn from the experience.

No matter what the problem is, there will always be an opportunity here for you to either make a connection with someone, to discover something new, to explore a new path, to see things in a new light, to gain some clarity, or it might simply provide you with the opportunity to make a pivotal decision that could one day turn into an unexpected fortunate occurrence that will help you solve your problem.

There is, however, a process involved in  unlocking opportunities . Following this process will help you to make the most of the multitude of opportunities that life brings your way. However, it is important to note that many of these opportunities can come disguised as further problems or more unnecessary work that most of us will tend to shy away from. This is, of course, a mistake. Instead of trying to avoid these things, gravitate towards them by embracing everything that comes your way with an open and curious mind.

Actively Seek Out Solutions

Opportunities will, of course, lead you down the path toward solutions that will help you solve your problem. However, unless you are actively and aggressively seeking out these solutions, then you are not likely to find them.

Solutions to your problem can, of course, be found by reading books or by simply talking with other people about your problem. Everyone will have their own unique take and perspective about your predicament and can offer some worthy advice that can help lead you down the right path.

Now of course, not everyone’s advice or personal experience will be useful for you. In fact, you should think long and hard about what other people tell you before doing the same. It is possible that their advice isn’t foolproof. It might not apply to your situation, or maybe they have been misinformed themselves and could lead you astray. Moreover, what worked for them might not work in your specific situation today.

Given all this, it’s critical that after you speak with other people that you do your own research leaving no stone unturned. The decision you make in the end should not be based on what one person told you but based on a combination of credible sources that can help in your particular situation.

It is however important that you keep an open mind throughout this process and even explore unusual and funny ideas and perspectives that might not make sense in the moment. Sometimes the best answers to your problem may very well come from the most unexpected of sources. However, you will only find these answers if you keep an open and curious mind.

Think in Pictures

A creative way to work through your life problems is to practice thinking in pictures . Thinking in pictures works very well because the brain is actually hardwired to make sense of the world using pictures. In fact, the majority of the neurons within the brain are assigned to the visual processing of information; therefore working with pictures can certainly help open the doors to new insights that you typically would not have come across.

When it comes to thinking about your problem using pictures you could for instance use diagrams, charts, metaphors, mind maps or simple doodles to help explore your problem in various ways. For instance, doodling your problem on paper effectively helps take all your thoughts out of your head and allows you to shape and restructure them in the physical world on paper. This is a powerful process because when you see all your thoughts and ideas about a problem visualized in front of you in this way, it helps you see things from a new perspective. All of a sudden your jumbled thoughts start to make sense, and you can finally see the problem for what it is.

The ideal method would, of course, be to use a variety of visual representations to help explore your problem. As such, feel free to mix doodles with charts, diagrams and mind maps for greatest effect.

Another visual method you can use to solve your problems is to think in metaphors . By thinking in metaphors I mean turning your problem into a visual metaphor. This is helpful because it expands the possibilities.

When thinking of a typical life problem, we will always tend to be limited by our knowledge and the expectations — about what’s possible or not possible — that we bring into the situation. Therefore solving our problems in the real world isn’t always ideal. The solution is then to turn the problem into a metaphor and then to try and solve it using that metaphor.

Use a Systematic Problem Solving Approach

Many times we may be trying to figure out how to solve a problem, but very early in the process, we get stuck. Nothing seems to come to mind and as a result, we resign to the fact that nothing can actually be done. This is typically where most people hit a snag, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be this way.

We typically get stuck because we overcomplicate the problem and this leaves us feeling overwhelmed and resigned to the fact that it can’t be solved. One way to avoid this trap is, of course, to simplify the problem from the get-go. To do this, start by restating the problem in the form of a question.

So if for instance, your problem is that you are unable to pay off your credit card bill by the end of this month, then you could state it in the form of a question such as:

What must I do to pay off my credit card by the end of this month?

This question could then, of course, lead to further questions:

Where must I look for answers? What books could I read for guidance? Who could I reach out to for assistance? Would speaking with the bank be of value? Could I sell something to earn a little extra cash? Could I ask my boss to give me a week’s pay in advance? Could my kids help out in some way? What other possibilities are there?

As you can see, framing the problem into a question has now opened up the floodgates of possibilities. You now no longer have no options, but rather have a multitude of options that can help you resolve your problem.

Having gained some traction with your problem, it’s now time to use a systematic problem-solving approach to help you work through your problem more effectively. You can explore details about this process on the Problem Solving Skills page. In addition to this, you may also find it of value learning how to effectively reframe your problems .

Seek a Permanent Solution

Have you ever noticed that at times the same problems just keep coming into your life time-and-again? These are problems you successfully dealt with before, or at least you thought you did. So why do they keep popping up?

The same problems can keep popping up in your life for numerous reasons, however no matter what the reason, it essentially boils down to the fact that you haven’t yet figured out a permanent solution for these problems.

Many people simply put a band-aid on their problems, but never actually take the time to figure out how to prevent the injury in the first place.

Putting a band-aid on your problem will help you deal with it in the moment, but unless you develop a process that will help you avoid these types of problems altogether, then, unfortunately, they will just keep cropping up in your life time-and-again.

But how do we do this? The only way you can do this is by figuring out what caused the problem and then putting systems in place to ensure that this problem doesn’t come up again. This, of course, isn’t always possible, however, you can certainly minimize the effect that a problem will have on your life if you have the right systems and processes in place to deal with it.

To get into the habit of doing this, it’s helpful to assess your problem by asking yourself:

What events or circumstances led to this problem? How were other people involved in creating this problem? How was I involved in creating this problem? What factors are under my control that could help me avoid or at the very least minimize the impact of this problem in the future? What factors may not be under my direct control but that I could still potentially influence to help minimize or avoid this problem altogether? Whose help might I need? What specifically must I do in advance to avoid or minimize the impact of this problem? What systems and/or processes can I put into place to ensure that I avoid or minimize the impact of this problem? What specifically will I now do to minimize or avoid this problem altogether?

Assessing your problem in this way will help you to figure out what you can do the next time around to minimize the impact of the problem or to potentially avoid the problem altogether.

Allow for Idea Incubation

Many times solutions to your problems will not be immediately evident. During these moments it’s easy to become a little agitated and frustrated with the lack of progress. These emotions will unfortunately not help you find a solution. What you need instead is a cool head and a little patience .

Solutions and/or answers to your problems often will not immediately be evident. You need to allow time for ideas to materialize. As a matter a fact, some ideas you bring to mind might not be ideal solutions for the problem you are dealing with. It’s therefore paramount that you don’t rush into trying to resolve the problem too quickly. Instead, take some time to separate yourself from the problem to allow your ideas to incubate.

During this time of separation, completely relax and clear your mind of the pressures that this problem has placed on your shoulders. For instance, spend time playing and involving yourself in your favorite hobby, or take time to fantasize a little. Taking a nap and sleeping on your problem can also be of value, as can a little visualization and meditation.

The key is to emotionally separate yourself from the problem to allow your brain time to compute and figure out what the best option might be moving forward. This, of course, doesn’t mean you are ignoring the problem. The problem is still on your mind, however, you are no longer emotionally wrapped up in the problem and this allows you to gain more clarity about your circumstances, which of course can help you settle on an effective solution to the problem at hand.

All these suggestions by no means present you with a foolproof process for solving your life’s problems, however, they do hopefully help provide you with a few more options that you can use to make your life a little easier and your problems a little smaller. 🙂

Time to Assimilate these Concepts

GET THIS MAP

Did you gain value from this article? Is it important that you know and understand this topic?   Would you like to optimize how you think about this topic? Would you like a method for applying these ideas to your life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I’m confident you will gain tremendous value from using the accompanying IQ Matrix for coaching or self-coaching purposes. This mind map provides you with a quick visual overview of the article you just read. The branches, interlinking ideas, and images model how the brain thinks and processes information. It’s kind of like implanting a thought into your brain – an upgrade of sorts that optimizes how you think about these concepts and ideas. 🙂

Recommended IQ Matrix Bundles

If you’re intrigued by the idea of using mind maps for self-improvement then I would like to invite you to become an IQ Matrix Member.

If you’re new to mind mapping or just want to check things out, then register for the Free 12 Month Membership Program . There you will gain access to over 90 mind maps, visual tools, and resources valued at over $500. 

If, on the other hand, you want access to an ever-growing library of 100s of visual tools and resources, then check out our Premium Membership Packages . These packages provide you with the ultimate visual reference library for all your personal development needs.

Gain More Knowledge…

Here are some additional links and resources that will help you learn more about this topic:

• 3 Suggestions for Effective Problem Solving @ Psych Central
• 5 Problem Solving Techniques for Every Aspect of Life @ Fast Company
• 6 Effective Problem Solving Steps for Business @ LinkedIn
• 8 Things Really Great Problem Solvers Do @ Inc.
• 14 Ways to Resolve Conflicts and Solve Relationship Problems @ Reader’s Digest
• A Secret to Creative Problem Solving @ Entrepreneur
• How to Solve Life’s Worst Problems @ Huffington Post
• How to Solve Problems Like an Expert @ Psychology Today
• Need to Solve a Personal Problem? Try a Third Person Perspective @ Psychological Science
• Need to Solve Problems? Dreaming May Help @ Inc.
• Problem Solving Through Discipline @ Psych Central
• Problem Solving Tools @ Mind Tools
• Strong Life Plan: Problem Solving @ Oprah
• The Problem Solving Paradox of Creativity @ The Creativity Post

About The Author

Adam Sicinski

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