Problem solving techniques: Stuck on one path
This about getting stuck down a path. Going down just one path or exploring just one solution, you are not able to see any other possible solutions. This is similar to another one of our techniques: The buzzsaw moment. In that post, I described having a single solution taking all of your attention. And perhaps it isn’t even really a solution at all.
In this case - you get so drawn in to one path - that you don’t even notice (can’t even notice?) the other paths anymore. If you are on a waterslide - there is really no choice until you come out the other end. Hopefully you can find a way to jump paths - or at least notice that there are other paths to consider.
[The cartoons were done for us several years ago by Marc Schmid. His website is www.cartooncity.net ]
Jim on July 13th 2007 in Problem Solving