Talking To Yourself

Creative Problem Solving Course

(Chapter Six from my ebook Problem Solving Power - Available at http://www.99reports.com/problem-solving.html)

Try talking to yourself for better problem solving.

We are often at our most creative when interacting with others. We sit talking to friends and each feeds off the other's ideas. Plus, a discussion can really clarify things. But what about when you're alone, or don't want to share your ideas yet? How can you stimulate creativity and find elegant solutions to problems?

Have a conversation with Andrew Carnegie or Lee Iacocca if your problem has to do with making a factory more productive. Questions about love can be addressed to the Dalai Lama. The idea is to have conversations in your head with anyone who can help. Why do this?

You have a powerful imagination, whether you know it or not, but what you may not have is enough powerful ways to use it. That's what you get with a conversation in your head - access to the creative power of your mind - a way to use your imagination.

Begin by imagining someone you respect and know something about. This is so you can easily imagine what they might say. It can even be a fictional character. Explain your problem to this person, and listen to what they have to say.

of course you are just talking to yourself, but you'll be surprised how often an imaginary Einstein comes up with an interesting idea, or a question that produces something useful. Just ask anything you want. If that is too difficult, just imagine two other people having a conversation about the problem you want to solve.

Even though the ideas are all yours, you'll notice right away that what one imaginary person says will be very different from what another says. That's the whole point - these other voices are other ways for your imagination to produce good ideas.

Perhaps you have seen those "WWJD" pins and stickers. The WWJD stands for "What Would Jesus Do?" Some young people wear these pins as a source of guidance. Whether or not you are a Christian, you can see how, in times of confusion, this simple question can immediately clarify things and allow a right decision. The information necessary may be there in a young man's head, yet there is confusion. Then, he imagines what Jesus would do or say and he quickly "sees" the answer.

Why not start talking with your imaginary friends (in your head please). Use this technique for help with personal, business, moral and any other problems. It's a powerful way to draw on the power of your unconscious mind, and it will work if you give it a chance.

Problem Solving 101 | Talking To Yourself