In this article, we explore the relationship between creativity and problem solving, while breaking down four common reasons entrepreneurs have trouble solving problems. You’ll gain insight into how to boost your creativity and learn simple, yet powerful methods for overcoming obstacles to problem-solving.
When we’re toddlers, our creativity is so abundant, but as we grow older, our creativity starts to diminish and it gets harder for us to stay in a creative mindset. This can oftentimes make it difficult for us to solve problems, especially in innovative ways that will impress our customers.
Problem solving requires us to be creative.
One of the best things about being a small business owner is that entrepreneurship gives us the space to be innovative and solve problems. The reason you became an entrepreneur is because you had an idea that you wanted to grow into something bigger and here you are, doing just that.
Though, sometimes our problems begin to hang over us and define us. The key here is to depersonalise your problems, accept them, and figure out what you’re going to do about them. That’s what business is all about! Rather than letting your problems drag you down, you must get in from of them and use your creativity to solve them.
Challenge:
Write about the challenges you experience regarding problem solving. How do you deal with problems? Do you let them build up over time? Do you like to tackle them right away? Do you completely ignore them and sweep them under the rug?
4 Common Obstacles to Solving Problems:
1. Fear of failure
Fear of failure means you’re less likely to take risks and you put off even starting.
How do you overcome fear of failure? Treat failure as a kind of course correction and an inevitable part of the problem-solving process. Again, depersonalise it. The only thing that comes from failure is growth. In the world of business, failing fast is applauded. We’re all in this together, failing, learning, and moving on.
2. “There’s not enough time”
The belief that there is a limited amount of time is a creativity killer.
How can I find more time to be creative? You have plenty of time already, you just need to prioritise your creativity. Don’t force it because creativity is something that flows in and out of you naturally. Schedule in some downtime to relax, listen to music, meditate, go for a walk, or just sit quietly. Being patient and allowing your thoughts to exist without forcing or controlling them will allow for more creativity and less stress, especially when it comes to problem solving.
3. You’re still staring at the screen
Sitting at your desk and staring at the computer or at a blank page is not a productive way to foster creativity.
How do I release a creative block? The best thing you can do is to switch up your environment, so your mind can disengage and relax enough to let ideas come naturally to you and evolve further. Go for a walk, run an errand, make a snack or cup of tea, or have a chat with a friend. The point is to leave your workspace and come back later when you’ve had time to recharge.
4. You’re feeling negative
Negative thinking can stop creativity in its track.
How can I stop feeling so negative? Change your mindset from “I don’t know what to do…” to “I don’t know what to do yet… but I will soon.” Invite creativity in! Reframe your situation or break your project down into small, actionable steps. Then, just get started.
Challenge:
Identify your creativity blocks and come up with 3-4 ways that you can get past them. (It’s easier than you think!)
Failure, lack of priorities, forcing creativity, and being negative are four of the most common roadblocks on the problem-solving journey.
Throughout the next month or so, we encourage you to come back to the tips and tricks we’ve mentioned in this article to help you nurture your creative fire and solve problems with innovation. Remember to depersonalise your problems and don’t allow them to keep you stuck!
Has this article got you thinking about your business and how you want to grab the reins and drive it forward but you struggle to find the time or feel that you lack the skills or knowledge to do so?
Are you looking at your screen wondering how or if Good2Great could possibly help you to build a better future for you and your company?
If so, why not check out free ways to learn more either in the fun but growth focussed ‘Friday Hub Zoom Room‘ or let’s meet and chat about your business – it’s our passion after all! Just click this link, it will show you availability in my calendar – just grab a slot that suits you and it will automatically set up and schedule a Zoom meeting and send all the necessary invitations to calendars and email… https://bit.ly/meetingwithjohnny
OR – perhaps you’re still at the start of your business journey – check out Business Start Up Masterclasses
