It's ok to reconceptualize problem structure when it doesn't work - Deepstash
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It's ok to reconceptualize problem structure when it doesn't work

• Be open to reconceptualizing problem structure. Often, the structure we invent doesn’t work for our problem and leads to dead ends. When stuck, we must be willing to reconceptualize a problem and look for new ways to address it.

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MORE IDEAS ON THIS

Hard task needs restart costs

In practice, returning to a hard task in this way comes with a ‘restart’ cost: we must spend time and mental effort getting back into our task set, rather than making progress. For this reason, it is important to create time and space for hard tasks.

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Breaks allow keeping mental cost low and bring new ideas to consider

• Take breaks. It’s not helpful to insist on trying to get everything done at once, if it just isn’t working. It is important to take breaks from difficult work. This not only keeps the mental costs low, but might allow new concepts and structures to be considered. There is evidence that incubati...

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Get better at structuring how you solve problems

For example, a hard task such as doing a geometry proof might involve a structured process of retrieving, selecting and checking a set of geometry facts and theorems. The better that the solver knows these facts, and the more effectively they devise an efficient plan to evaluate them, the more re...

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Rubber duck problem solving with real humans

• Interact with others. Just like taking a break, interacting with others can help us conceptualize a problem in new ways. Talking to people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and viewpoints that differ from our own can be a powerful way to break out of a rut and make progress, as well as get...

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Good problem-solving habits

  • Stay with it. Keep on trying, even if you don't make progress every day.
  • Be open to reconceptualising problem structure. If the system we invented leads to dead ends, be open to looking for a new way to address it.
  • Take breaks.

Having a Structure

Having a Structure

In order to create order in chaos, we can create a structure that we can rely on. It will help us to get the important commitments done on time when we need them be.

However, when having a structure, don't let yourself make it your "ol' reliable." Allow the structure to be guide yo...

Reasons to Create Structure

  • When we have a huge mess around us, it’s hard to be focused. It’s hard to really put our best effort into our meaningful work.
  • Lack of structure creates a lack of trustability. When our lives are completely unstructured and messy, it’s hard for others to trust us.
  • ...

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