How to Solve a Problem: Focus Less on the Problem and More on the Solution!

Some frustrating problems make you want to throw up your hands in defeat. Remember the guy who gave up? Neither does anyone else! But, we can all recall heroes who remained calm and strong, regardless of the crisis or dilemma.

Whatever the problem, whether it’s a troubling situation that calls for urgent damage control or a seemingly impossible challenge to overcome almost insurmountable odds … don’t give up! The best solutions will eventually come to you through the synergy of hybrid-thinking, which opens up new brain connections. Street-Smart calls this phenomenal brainpower your “Cognitive GPS”. This is where analytics interface with creativity. Albert Einstein described the difference between our two brain lobes simply. He said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” He also said, “I never made one discovery through the process of rational thinking.”

Identifying the Real Problem … A flat tire on your way to your wedding is an issue, but getting to the church on time is the real problem. Prioritize problems and break them down into manageable parts.
Separating Facts From Fiction … How many so called facts have turned out to be myths? Famous example: “The world is flat.” Opinions and assumptions are not always based on facts. Ronald Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” This is the only way to be certain about everything you think you know.

Turning Negatives into Positives … Every brilliant defense attorney does this. In each and every case, positive possibilities are better than negative nothings! A good example: Bobby was asked if there was anything he could do to help a struggling Chevrolet dealer, located in a terribly rundown area that had become a popular gathering place for homeless panhandlers. To get customers to come to this seedy, location – especially after dark. Bobby discovered an astonishing but overlooked fact, “The dealership is located just six blocks south of Neiman Marcus!”, Instantly, that negative turned into a positive “Street-Smart“ success!
(See “Cinderella Chevy-Town” on page 66.)

Creating Your Own Opportunities … By being more proactive and less reactive, you increase your odds for succcess. Leonardo da Vinci said, “It has long come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” Visualize solutions as you would optical illusions. Imagine all the different “What If” possibilities, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Widely varying viewpoints and fresh perspectives often lead to remarkable breakthroughs. Lifesaving drugs and miracle products are often surprisingly discovered through this imaginative process. On the contrary, strictly logical thinking can lead to “analysis paralysis”!
(See “Giant Challenge” on page 14.)

Recognizing Problems as “Opportunities in Disguise” … Winston Churchill wisely stated, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Everyone knows “Necessity is the mother of invention.” … while “Problem-solving is the father!” … and both contribute to your “Street-Smart“ DNA.
(See “Getting Out of a Jam!” on page 95.)

Achieving Success through Failure … Throughout history, famous people have achieved success … only after experiencing failure! Successful people learn from their mistakes and do not fear failure. If they see a good opportunity, they give it a shot. According to Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all-time, “You miss one-hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” Thomas A. Edison said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Could that be why a lightbulb symbolizes a bright idea?
(See “Startups” on page 108.)

Thinking Outside of the Box … We are all taught WHAT to think. That is where prejudice and bias come from. But nobody teaches us HOW to think. That’s where imagination and creativity come from. Those with new or different ideas rankle the staunch believers in the “status quo”. Chronic conformists with closed minds will never experience the joy that comes from using your “Cognitive GPS” to discover shortcuts to success on roads less traveled. You will never get lost by trusting your instincts … using wisdom as your map … and passion as your fuel. When you’re “Street-Smart“ … you can go anywhere, get there sooner and arrive in style! This book shows you how.
(See “Cognitive GPS” on page 118.)