The Art of Rapid Problem Solving
When you think of problem solving, what comes to mind? Or, What ideas or images pop up for you when you hear the words “problem solving”?
Most of us might see someone sitting at a desk or scratching their head and chewing a pencil.
We would approach these challenges in a gradual way. And we’d take a gradual approach to solving them.
In reality though, this isn’t always the case.
Often, we’ll have to solve problems in a hurry and, on the fly. And this is when things can get difficult.
Here GenuLines looks at why this ability is so important and what you can do to improve it.
Action Sports
The best place to study ‘rapid problem solving’ is in the world of action sports. This will include sports like snowboarding, surfing, racecar driving and others.
These involve last-minute reflexes and reactions. You might think that these actions are automatic and in the moment.
Even so you can still consider them forms of decision making.
For instance, it might be pure impulse to go around an obstacle. But you still need to think about which way around that obstacle you want to go.
This could include which route would be quicker. Or which has the most obstacles further on and which will make it easiest to balance as you travel.
The decisions you might face are countless.
In every-day life we make decisions like this all the time too – right down to knowing when to cross the road. So how can you improve this kind of decision-making process?
Flow States
The answer might lie in ‘flow states’. A flow state is a psychological phenomenon.
It lets you make rapid but accurate decisions.
The kinds you would otherwise not be capable of. During these states you’re completely focused on the matter at hand.
And your performance is flawless though you’re almost not thinking about it. The world seems to slow down, and you become untouchable.
It’s a lot like the zone you enter when you’re very focused on a work project.
The fuel for this state is a large number of neurochemicals. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, anandamide and endorphins.
It’s much like the fight or flight response (which tends to deaden creativity). Even so you remain relaxed and in control the whole time.
How to Get Into Flow
So how do you get into flow? The answer seems to be that you need to be completely focused on what you’re doing.
And this happens when you’re a) very passionate about it, or b) you believe your life is on the line. To be better at rapid decision making you need to be 100% present.
And as with anything, the best way to do that is to practice. Practice while doing things that mean a lot to you.
And look for your rapid decision making to improve!
JohnK 8/12/2024
chiforyourself.com
Overheard: “All problems become smaller when you confront them instead of dodging them”
~ William F. Halsey
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