Consider This …

One of the obvious and most exciting uses of creativity is in problem solving.  Artists are problem solvers and, if scrutinized even more finely, they are problem creators as well, but that’s another post.

When confronted with a problem - be it simple or profound - the human species uses native creativity to work through the barriers.  That is, when facing any issue, we call in our abilities to listen openly and synthesize spontaneously.

You can use your doodling to become intimate with this natural capability which you possess but seldom trust.  Keep a small bit of paper and pen next to you during work and let your hand dance with these instruments at moments throughout your day.   (Doodling in meetings can be a great way to keep proper perspective through the discussions.)   It’s best to use a pen rather than pencil, so you get past the concept of ‘making mistakes.’ 

As you look over your doodles, what problems do you see?  I do not mean problems with the ‘artistic quality;’ I mean, what parts of your doodles seem to want changing, modifying, extending, completing?  Go back and play just as instinctively with your ‘fixes’ as you did with the original mark-making.  Your pen just moves of its own accord.  If and when it stops moving, go on to a different doodle and return later to the first. 

It’s very important not to approach your doodles with anything remotely resembling a plan.  Both your fresh marks and your subsequent ‘problem-solving’ doodling must be entirely free form before they will reveal any new information to you.

And this information is not the only benefit of doodling, but it is key.  As you review your doodles, what insights do you have?  What does your very individual line say about who and where you are right now?  What new possibilities do your ‘problem solving’ marks suggest?  What kind of energy, courage, confidence, appreciation, etc. do your doodles manifest?  Save all these drawings as records of your life, your challenges, and the naturally brilliant ways you have of problem-solving.

I attended a local Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday instead of posting.  It was a worthwhile expenditure of time, in that I may have located one or two business leads.  It’s not easy doing that kind of cold networking, especially early in the morning, but it has its rewards.  One’s daily routine becomes so entrenched that an unusual schedule seems an imposition.

It’s pathetic, really.  We cling so fondly to who we think we are, but the reality is that we can become someone different with the tiniest effort.

Jen at IdeaSpace wrote yesterday about solving problems.  The best way to locate new solutions when you’re stumped is 1) figure out a new way to define the problem and 2) realize the lens through which you normally view the problem and look at it through a new and different lens.  In other words, do not take your perceptions and definitions for granted!  They can change - and very fast, if you’re open to it.  Start with the foundation when faced with a difficult challenge: take plenty of time to define the problem from every angle before rushing in with tried and untrue quick fixes.

The group I joined yesterday morning is composed of traditional thinkers, for the most part.  Will have to try to rattle some cages as we continue to meet.