What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20

02Challenging Perspectives: The Power of Creativity in Problem-Solving

Ever found yourself stuck in a problem, feeling like you're in a maze with no way out? Well, you're not alone. We all have been there. But what if I told you that the walls of the maze are not as solid as they seem? That's right. They are, in fact, constructs of our own perspective. Perspective is like a pair of glasses. Depending on the lenses you wear, you might see the world as a place full of obstacles or a playground of opportunities. In Tina Seelig's book, "What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20," she shares a story about a group of students who were given the task of making as much money as possible from a handful of paperclips. While some saw the task as impossible, others saw it as an opportunity to create value from something seemingly worthless. They ended up making a significant amount of money by trading up the paperclips for more valuable items. This story illustrates how our perspective can either limit or expand our options. But how do we change our perspective? The first step is to challenge our assumptions. Assumptions are like invisible chains that bind us to a particular way of thinking. In the same book, Seelig tells the story of a student who assumed that he needed a job to earn money. However, when he challenged this assumption, he came up with a creative solution: he started a profitable business selling advertising space on his laptop. By questioning his assumptions, he was able to uncover new possibilities and solutions. Another powerful way to change our perspective is to reframe problems as opportunities. This shift in perspective can transform our approach to problem-solving. For instance, in the book, a student saw the problem of waste on campus not as an inconvenience, but as an opportunity to start a recycling program. This approach not only solved the problem but also led to personal growth and learning. Creativity and innovation play a crucial role in this process. They are the tools that help us think outside the box and come up with unique solutions. In the book, a group of students used their creativity to turn a problem into an opportunity. They were tasked with creating as much value as possible from a stack of post-it notes. Instead of selling the notes, they used them to create a community art project that brought people together and generated a lot of positive attention. Harnessing our creativity can turn problems into opportunities for innovation and growth. It allows us to see beyond the obvious and discover new ways of doing things. By challenging our perspectives and harnessing our creativity, we can turn the maze of problems into a playground of opportunities. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a problem, remember: the walls of the maze are not as solid as they seem. They are constructs of your own perspective. And you have the power to change them. So, are you ready to put on a new pair of glasses and see the world in a different light?

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