How to have a breakthrough
The harder you push to solve a problem, the more stuck you can become.
Being a good problem-solver isn’t only about using logic, strategy, creativity, and empathy. It’s also about learning when you need to step away from the problem, to take a break in order to be able to solve it effectively. You are the problem-solver — that means that you need to care for yourself so that you can do the best job you can!
What’s more, stepping away might just help you figure your problem out. You might have experienced this before: you have gone for a walk or had a shower, and in the middle of it, experienced a eureka! moment. Focusing on something other than the problem can activate your brain’s default mode network, especially when you’re doing things where your mind can wander, like exercising or tidying up. It makes it possible for you to arrive at new insights or identify potential solutions.
The next time you're stuck, remind yourself to step away. Give yourself a break from trying to solve the problem, and the answer might just come to you.
