How to Solve Problems: Curiosity

Curiosity and iteration are the secrets to problem solving.?

Curiosity is a posture that unlocks discovery. When curious, we are naturally drawn to explore. It is not forced or false. More importantly, it is also never perfect. Perfection is a terrible taskmaster. It shuts down curiosity like water on a flame. Curiosity, however, covers a multitude of imperfections.?

Think of your 5-year-old niece when she is in the throes of exploration. She asks probing (perhaps totally inappropriate) questions; she isn't distracted but keeps returning to her quest; she approaches everyone as potential sources of information. Her curiosity inspires you. You are not offended by her imperfect exploration, rather you are reminded of the thrill of the pursuit of truth.?

So how do we, as respectable adults, reconnect to the power of curiosity??

The best strategies involve reconnecting to playful practices — drawing, switching perspectives, using pictures, moving things around, role-playing — all skills we acquired in kindergarten. Going back to those techniques moves us forward toward the real-world problems we face.?

For example, let's say you're a product manager who is trying to figure out how to improve your company's website. Instead of just sitting down at your computer and brainstorming ideas, you could take a playful approach. You could draw a picture of the website or create a prototype using cardboard and markers. You could even role-play as a user of the website and see what problems you meet.?

By taking a playful approach, you'll be more likely to come up with creative and innovative solutions to your problems. You'll also be more likely to connect with your inner child, which is the source of your natural curiosity.?

When we model curiosity, we show others that it's okay to ask questions, to be imperfect, and to explore new ideas. We also show them that there is no one right way to solve a problem.?Curiosity is contagious.?

The final element of the methodology I advocate is iteration. This means repeatedly testing and refining our solutions until we find the best one.?

When we iterate, we are constantly learning and improving. We are also more likely to find solutions that are sustainable and adaptable.?

Constant iteration can be challenging, but it's essential for solving complex problems. It's also a lot of fun!?

Curiosity and constant iteration are three powerful tools that can help us solve problems and achieve our goals. By reconnecting to our inner child and embracing these practices, we can tap into the power of curiosity and create a more innovative and creative world.?

Here are some additional tips for using curiosity to solve problems:?

• Be open-minded and willing to explore new ideas.?
• Ask questions and don't be afraid to say "I don't know."?
• Be willing to experiment and take risks.?
• Learn from your mistakes and iterate on your solutions.?

Curiosity is the handle that opens the door to a world of possibilities.?

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