Solve a Complex Problem

 “The simple and familiar hold the secrets of the complex and unknown. The depth with which you master the basics influences how well you understand everything you learn after that.”

 

When trying to learn how birds fly, humans believed for centuries that flight was made possible due to the flapping of the wings. In reality, the flapping was not the solution. 

The gentle curve at the top of the wings is what gives birds flight. This finding was made possible only because experts were able to look beyond the obvious, distracting details like flapping and capture the true essence of flight. Similarly, we must strip down distractions one by one until we find the essential theme. Noticing the essential core might not solve the entire problem, but it will be the best step you take.

• Use this strategy to solve complex problems

  • Consider a problem that you feel is too complex to solve.
    • Don't worry about solving it right away. 
     
    
  • Either remove the unnecessary complexities of the problem one by one or just break the entire problem into small individual parts.
    • You can focus on just one small part of the problem. It doesn't have to be as complex as the original one; however, make sure it is something that seems plausible.
     
  
  
   
  
  • Now focus all your attention on solving the smaller issue.
    • key -> focus on only one thing at a time. 
    
    
  • Once you solve the smaller problem, study the problem as well as the solution in every way you can.
    • You should be able to find at least one connection between the simpler problem and the more complex one. Use this connection as an interface between them, and then tweak the solution to make it fit the complexities.
     
    
  • Use the lessons you learned from solving the easier problems then apply them to the original issue
    • These lessons can only be learned through direct hands-on experience. It is necessary to face a simpler issue to learn the lessons deeply so that we can apply them to the larger issue.
     
   
  
  
  

• Cut away the distractions to find the essential core

  • Select a specific subject area that you want to learn about
    • You can even perform this exercise on your own character. Break down your character into the parts that you think give you your real identity.
  • Examine individual components of that subject area.
    • Ask yourself if each part is absolutely necessary to understand the subject. If yes, keep it. If no, eliminate it.
  • As you strip away unimportant extensions of the material, you will be left with a set of the subject’s essential elements.
    • Now, spend all your energy focusing on mastering this essential core of the subject. It's this part that will support your entire knowledge structure and be the basis of your understanding.

The World War 1 was referred to as The Great War during that time. The name World War 1 was given in retrospection. Imagine if someone used this name while everyone was in the war, it would have opened everyone's eyes that if this is war 1 then 2nd or 3rd is possible. That would have led to better measures being taken to avoid the 2nd World war.

• Attach an adjective to uncover its limitations

  • Select your own object, issue, or topic of study.
    • It can be one of the solutions that you came up with, a time period, or even a product you created.
  • Attach an adjective or descriptive phrase to it.
    • The adjective must point out some reality of the situation. Ideally, this should be some feature that is limiting or taken for granted.
  • Then consider whether your phrase suggests new possibilities or opportunities.
    • The characteristics of the adjective will clarify the hidden limitations of your idea and will help you see how it can be further improved,

 

 - Read India Lead India