Problem Solving: Learning from a 1 year old.

I love problem solving.  I love it.  As a matter of fact, I like to think I’m really good at it.  So good, it’s probably annoying.  Like, I’m the guy that always wants to help you solve your problem.  Yah.  That’s me.  (More on that in another post.)

I’ve always liked solving problems.  I’ve always liked the challenge.   I haven’t always been awesome at it. (Though, I always thought I was.)

When my daughter started walking, she taught me a lesson, over and over again.

Let me tell you a story.   When she started walking, Gemma loved to wander.  If we took our eyes off of her she’d be gone.  Typically, she’d go into the bathroom, and she’d start playing with, and unraveling the toilet paper roll.  So, after carefully analyzing the situation,  I decided I had a solution.  I took the toilet paper roll off, turned it around, and reattached it.  That way, when she swats at it, it won’t unravel everywhere.  Genius!  Right?

Yah. Genius, until 8 seconds later, Gemma stared me in the eyes, and started swatting the toilet paper in the opposite direction.

See, I learned something that day – Before ‘solving’ a problem.  Think about if you’re really solving a problem.  Think about all the things that could happen with your solution.  Typically, your first solution is not the right solution.

How could this backfire?

How could my solution improve?

How is this just a duct-tape fix?