Why Problem Solving Games Promote an Enlightened Life

Since childhood, I was very interested in problem solving games. From the jigsaw puzzles and Rubik cubes, I gradually graduated to riddles and math based problems. To tell all of you frankly, problem solving games prevent brain cells to atrophy and actually build new neurological connections.

Now, why do these games deserve the credit for out-of-box thinking? Let us see the approach one has to take when trying to decipher problem solving games.

1. To classify the problem: First of all, we need to put the problem in a fixed mould so as to marinate it for cooking later!

·         Using Simple Language: In problem solving games we use simple precise and unambiguous language, like we may explain any event to a child. This develops our soft skills and body language.

·         Different Variety: What different way you approached the problem today than maybe five years ago? You have to introspect whether there is variety in your thinking.

·         Focus and visualization:  Our ability to focus increases substantially when we concentrate on problem solving games. Also, new ideas emerge when we visualize that the problem is already solved, and act from there! This leads to positive visualization in our overall lives.

·         Crystallize: To shrink the problems to a manageable and workable size is important. This dissection is important in life, to simplify falsely assumed complicated life situations.

2. To form a ‘Think Tank’: We can work as a collective force to deal with problem solving games.

·         Idea Generator: Lots of ideas are opened up with the potential for realization. We learn to respect and value others ideas, and learn that any idea can be good, even if it comes from others.

·         Ridiculous Ideas: Sometimes, the ideas we discard as invalid are the most useful to solve a problem. This is an important life lesson: To never underrate any approach in life, however stupid it may seem.

·         Various Combinations: Various N*N combinations can be tried for problem solving games. In life too, you should never give up until all the paths are walked.

·         From a Third Person POV: Imagine you are Mr. Picard, the neighbor. How will he approach the problem? What Would Picard Do? This is very important in life, as in each event of your life, you will be able to dis-attach from and approach from a neutral standpoint. When we see our own ‘problem’ in our lives through someone else’s eyes, we do not take it personally and it dissolves and gives a sense of relief and joy.

3. Finding the solution: In problem solving games, many times there is no right or wrong answer, and sometimes, no solution at all! It’s the effort that counts!

·         Idea Meeting: Also known as ‘brainstorming’, it involves forming committees to present ideas and agreeing upon one. This facilitates working in a group.

·         Mock up Encounters: This means testing a prospective idea. This allows many of the ‘cringe-worthy’ people to follow up on their promises.

·         Objective: Does the means of the idea satisfy the end? Problem solving games help us to clearly focus on our ultimate objectives in life.

·         Bringing ‘Fun’ to the Routine: When you bring humor to problem solving games, you inadvertently bring humor to your life and this makes living life easier.

4. Accepting the Solution: In problems: we are right or wrong. Similarly, in life we sometimes win and sometimes lose, but life goes on nevertheless!

Thus, problem solving games can act as a catalyst in living a lovely, joyous and peaceful life!