How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads.  No options.  No solutions.

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you’re hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.

1. Maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understand the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral to solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you’ll have a better foundation in finding a solution.

2. Try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid and which ones need to be addressed.

3. Try to solve the problem by parts. Address the problem from a general view towards the more detailed parts. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

4. Although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.

5. It pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.

6. Remember that old adage,” two heads are better than one.” That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you’re talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.

You don’t have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.

Number seven; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest to be a more creative problems solver.

Here is one example.

Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes.

So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

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The other day I watched Larry King Live discussing with a panel about cell phones and cancer. The widespread use of cell phones has led to increased concerns about possible health hazards, particularly brain cancer.

The major concern is the fact that cell phones are using RF (Radio Frequencies); a form of electromagnetic energy used in microwave ovens, radars and satellites.

It’s a very interesting discussion. While the proponents used many case studies to prove the link between cell phones and brain tumors, the opponents dismissed the case by arguing that the RF emission from a cell phone is just too small to have any impact on our brain cells.

Well, agree to disagree… both proponents and opponents have their points! As users, we will never know until there is a strong scientific and medical evidence. But until then, perhaps it’s a smart move to always use the headsets when you talk on a cell phone or simply use it less often.

You’ve just got to see this video to decide for yourself. Apparently, we don’t need a microwave to pop popcorn

Everyone, at some point of his or her life, has dreamed of being somebody special, somebody big. Who hasn’t dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with our relationships? Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams remain just that - dreams. And our aspirations easily collect dust in our attic. Instead of experiencing exciting adventures in self actualization, we get caught up in the routine of living from day-to-day just barely existing.

But you know what? Life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher. The most common problem to setting goals is the word impossible. Most people get hung up thinking I can’t do this. It’s too hard. It’s too impossible. No one can do this.

However, if everyone thought that, there would be no inventions, no innovations, and no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.

Remember that scientists were baffled when they took a look at the humble bumblebee. Theoretically, they said, it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Unfortunately for the bumblebee that no one has told it so. So fly it does.

On the other hand, some people suffer from dreaming totally outrageous dreams and not acting on them. The result? Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.

If you limit yourself with self-doubt, and self-limiting assumptions, you will never be able to break past what you deem impossible. If you reach too far out into the sky without working towards your goal, you will find yourself clinging on to the impossible dream.

Try this exercise. Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list down things ‘you know you can do’. Under another header, write the things ‘you might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that are ‘impossible for you to do.’

Now look at all the headers and try to strive every day to accomplish the goals that are under things ‘you know you can do’. Check them when you are able to accomplish them. As you slowly are able to check all of your goals under that heading, try accomplishing the goals under the other header - the one that reads ‘you might be able to do.’

As of the items you wrote under things I could do are accomplished, you can move the goals that are under things that are ‘impossible for you to do’ to the list of things ‘you might be able to do.’ As you iterate through this process, you will find out that the goals you thought were impossible become easier to accomplish. And the impossible begin to seem possible after all.

You see, the technique here is not to limit your imagination. It is to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little. However, it also is unwise to set a goal that is truly unrealistic. Those who just dream towards a goal without working hard end up disappointed and disillusioned.

On the other hand, if you told someone a hundred years ago that it was possible for man to be on the moon, they would laugh at you. If you had told them that you could send mail from here to the other side of the world in a few seconds, they would say you were out of your mind. But, through sheer desire and perseverance, these impossible dreams are now realities.

Thomas Edison once said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer. For one to accomplish his or her dreams, there has to be had work and discipline. But take note that that 1% has to be a think-big dream, and not some easily accomplished one.

Ask any gym rat and he or she will tell you that there can be no gains unless you are put out of your comfort zone. Remember the saying, “No pain, no gain”? That is as true as it can be.

So dream on, friend! Don’t get caught up with your perceived limitations. Think big and work hard to attain those dreams. As you step up the ladder of progress, you will just about find out that the impossible has just become a little bit more possible.

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I am here to dispel a myth: While I am intelligent, I have not yet reached the level of Einstein. There you go. Now, could you please explain that to my family, friends, coworkers, and business associates.

I am not here to brag about how smart I am. This post merely exists to show you how you can look like a member of Mensa to the average American, with a minimum of effort.

1. Learn to use Google. Are you one of those people who Google stuff all the time, and yet never seem to find anything? What do you do? You go to a professional Googler, like me, and they find “used bungee cords” in a matter of seconds. How?

We know how to talk to Google. While Google is getting smarter, it still has a hard time knowing exactly what you want. If you type in the word “colour”, Google still does not recognize that it is the exact same word as “color”. Google can only process the information we give it.

How many of you have ever used the advanced search portion of Google? Probably 10% or less, and yet that is how you can drill down to what you really want. Is the page less than 10 days old, do you want it in a PDF or Word document? The more you tell Google, the better results you will get.

There are tons of resources online that will show you how to search more accurately. Just Google it.

2. Use spell check, but don’t depend on it. I wish I had dollar for every time I used “their” when I meant “there”, and vice-versa. Also, watch out for “too” and “two”, “who’s” and “whose”. It is also helpful to know the difference between “its” and “it’s”. Spell check will let all these past without a whimper, because they are all spelled correctly. A firm grasp of the meaning of these words will help you evade embarrassment, and give you a more polished image at work and play.

3. Know the difference between “i.e.” and “e.g.”. Want to see a film called “Revenge of the English Majors”? Misuse these, and I can guarantee you a front row seat. Many people use “i.e.” interchangeably with the term “for example”. This is technically wrong. The term i.e. translates from the Latin as “that is”. If you wanted to say “for example”, “e.g.” would be the appropriate abbreviation.

4. Have a basic idea of where things are in the world. When 50% of college aged kids can’t find New York state on a map, you know we’re in trouble as a nation. If you can tell someone that “Niger” is in Africa, then you will be considered a Geography genius.

5. Collect general knowledge, or as most people refer to it, “useless information”. “Useless information” is something of a misnomer. It is only useless if it is never used. You never know when you might need that obscure fact about the gross domestic product of Germany, or how to open a beer with your belt loop. So take great pains to obtain it, and use it to benefit your fellow man.

6. Don’t be afraid to break stuff. We are afraid to mess things up in our culture. You will find that you will accomplish much more than other people by overcoming the fear of screwing things up. Most people don’t build their own computers simply because they are afraid of damaging the parts. I babied every part as I gingerly put my first PC together. Now, I use “fragile” RAM as everything but a Frisbee, and it still works. Experience will teach you what you can and can’t do. So go ahead, take a plunge into the deep end.

7. Don’t be afraid to say “I have no idea”. If I could pass one thing on to you, it would be this. Once you know all this stuff, it becomes harder to admit that you don’t know everything. It’s even harder to watch a person who wanted an answer “right now”, go back to their cube with a dejected look on their face. In the long run, people will respect you for it.

It’s not like they can’t ask Google, right?

Kurt Hartman loves to collect obscure information. He puts it to use every day as an OTR Analyst. Trivia: What does OTR stand for? The acronym actually has two uses: In one usage, it stands for “old time radio”. The other usage is in the phrase “OTR Tires”, which stands for off the road tires . These are the types of tires that go on heavy equipment. Now you know.

Every successful person knows the importance goal setting, it’s key to success in life.  Perhaps the most benefit of goal setting is that it gives you the sense of having a purpose in life.  Instead of living each day unproductively, your goals will propel you to live a productive life.

But of course the key to successful goal-setting and goal-getting is ACTION.  Once you’ve set your goals, you need to make a commitment to always exert a great deal of effort to achieve them.  It’s only through action that you will get results and positive results will continue to aspire you to set new goals and move to the next level.  This will give you a certain feeling of satisfaction for you have proven to yourself that you’re capable of realizing your goals as long as you set your minds and hearts for it.

Goals are the fuel for people to move on with their life.  No obstacles or hindrances can get in their way if they are focused on their ambitions.  They know that they will get what they are aspiring for through perseverance, dedication, and hard work.  For this reason, they are relentless in everything that they do as they are being driven by the goals that they have set for themselves.  This strategy willenable people to improve themselves better as they are motivated to do the things that can help them achieve their goals.

Here are few things you must always remember when setting your goals:

1. First, identify the things that are most important to you.  By doing so, you would be able to discern what you really want to accomplish in your life.  Also, through this, you would be able to prioritize things and eliminate those that are not important.  So that you know what to focus on and not be distracted from your goal.

2. Be serious when setting your goal, no matter how small or big that goal is. As nothing will happen if you’re not serious in what you’re doing.  Goals will be achieved sooner if one has a strong will.  After carefully deciding on what your goal will be, you should live and work your everyday life towards that direction - your goal and desire.  You should not waste a single day in your life.  Again, treat your goal-attaining business seriously!

3. Always remember that a dream would remain as a dream without any action.  That means you should not be afraid of sacrificing and working hard to achieve what you really want in life.  Also, remember that results don’t come overnight so you must not give up until you reach your goals.

So, let’s your goals lead you to a more purposeful life!

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Individuals begin developing their self esteem at a very early age. How they feel as a child often depends on the type of encouragement and nurturing they get from their parents. Children that are taught and encouraged to try their best, learn from their mistakes and never to give up, generally have a more positive self esteem outlook than those that are constantly belittled. Children who are belittled will always doubt their own abilities and it can squash their desire to attempt new things for fear of failure.

For teenagers, self esteem can go through a complete transformation. Some feel very strange as their bodies change. They end up not being comfortable with others for a very long time due to this. Others end up being very popular though and they love the attention. This results in them having a very healthy self esteem outlook. As their own image improves, it makes others more feel comfortable to be around them as well.

It is amazing how many adults suffer from low self esteem. They may have always felt this way or it can be due to something in their life. Losing a job, getting a divorce, or just life in general can result in someone losing their self esteem. Many adults are less willing to accept changes as they get older. This can result in them doubting their decisions and having a poor self image.

It can be difficult to build your self esteem but you need to work hard on it. You will build up more confidence as you do. The biggest challenge is to channel your energy into changing your outlook on things. You need to be very positive and look for the good in things. Instead of worrying about what people won’t like about you, focus on what you do have to offer them. Chances are that what you see as your faults, many others don’t see in the same way.

Give yourself some well deserved attention. We tend to take care of the needs of our family and let our own go. If you worry about how you look then change what you don’t like. Start exercising more if you worry about your overall size. Cut your hair and style it differently if you don’t think it makes you attractive. Don’t be afraid or guilty about spending some time and money to improve or make yourself look and feel good. Investment in yourself is by far the best investment of all time!

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Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very delicate things, that require extra effort to maintain. However, a relationship can also be something that can provide security and can also be long lasting despite many challenges.

Building an effective and lasting relationship is a necessity for several reasons. For example in a group or organization, the well being of the people depends on how efficient and effective the members of the group work together as well as with the top management.

Society is defined as a web of relationships, which requires all parties to work and contribute their share in order to achieve a common goal. Having a relationship that is good, where cooperation and respect are manifested, can make society work better. In this way each member works for the good of the whole and towards achieving a common goal. This can only be attained with effective and efficient relationships.

Understanding the other parties’ feeling and position creates an effective and efficient relationship. The easiest method to understand what is important to another party is to ask them what they want and listen to what they have to say. When the other party realizes this, they would feel the importance given to them

Effective and efficient relationships require parties to openly express their feelings and positions on all matters pertinent on the relationship. Assuming that the other party understands our needs and give us when we need it without asking for it is not a good practice.

Respect is the key to effective relationship. In order to create a more effective relationship, parties should treat each other with respect.  We can show respect just by listening to the other party and by trying sincerely to understand how they function. You can also show respect to other parties by confirming that they are doing everything they can. Respect is the very foundation for a great relationship. This also means respecting yourself and respecting others.

Another key area in forming an effective relationship is to tackle differences of the other party directly. Differences between parties or people are quite interesting. For example in a conversation where each party listens to the other party, you may observe that each is having two different perspectives.

Developing an atmosphere where people feel safe to express their feelings is also key to successful relationships building. When parties fail to express whatever is on their mind or their feelings, it can get in the way of building an effective relationship.

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