By Charles Alvarez , Contributor, the Price of Business Show. * Sponsored
In studying warfare and battles over the centuries, I have always been fascinated by the situations where a smaller force defeated a numerically superior force. In every case, what I discovered was that the numerically smaller force was far better organized, more methodical and more orderly in its plan of attack and execution than was the larger, more disorganized force.
By the same token, an ordinary person, with a system or recipe for problem solving, can run circles around highly intelligent or well educated people who throw themselves at their problems without a method or process for solving them.
These two methodologies, mind-storming and the systematic approach, give you a tremendous advantage in mastering the inevitable problems and difficulties of life.
Write It Down
Always be sure to think on paper. Write things down. There is something that happens between the brain and the hand when you write. You get a greater sense of clarity and understanding with regard to the issues involved. You think better. Your perception is sharper. You actually become smarter and more creative by the very act of writing everything down as you go along, and before you make a decision.
Play Down The Chessboard
One of the most powerful creative thinking exercises you can practice is called “Scenario Planning.” In scenario planning, you play down the chessboard of life and imagine what might happen sometime in the future.
Even though the future is largely unknowable, certain trends taking place today will continue into the future. Certain events taking place around you will affect these trends, if not interrupt them in different ways. Completely unexpected events will arise that will require that you change your plans completely.
Answer Two Questions
In scenario planning, you ask yourself two questions. First, “What are the three worst things that could possibly happen in the months or years ahead that would negatively affect my business or my personal life?”
Write them down. Be brutally honest with yourself. Refuse to wish or hope for the best. For example, imagine that your best customer went out of business or was unable to pay you for theproducts or services that you had sold to him. What would you do? How would you react? What steps could you take to guard against this eventuality?
Next, ask yourself, “What are the three best things that could possibly happen to me in the months and years ahead?”
With your answers to either of these questions, you can use mind-storming to prepare yourself for any eventuality. If it is a potential setback, ask yourself, “How could we guard against this setback?” Then generate 20 answers to this question.
If it is a possible opportunity, ask yourself, “How could we increase the likelihood of this opportunity taking place, or take advantage of this opportunity as it is today?” Write out 20 answers to this question, as well.
Each time you ask yourself one of these questions, like an electric spark, you will trigger ideas and insights. The more you think about these key questions, the more you will activate your superconscious mind to give you insights and flashes of inspiration that will enable you to seize opportunities or avoid dangers.
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