The need for efficient communication during World War II popularized the use of acronyms: SWALK, for example, was how servicemen sent letters “Sealed With A Loving Kiss.”
Being a word person, I love acronyms. Decades ago, I played around with acronym phrases that “defined” the word. For example, NOW could stand for No Other Way, or a STAR could be Someone Terrific And Radiant. My problem-solving acronym for the word STOP, which is to See The Other Possibilities, has been my lifelong trusty tool for turning a “no” into a “yes.”
A 21st century word that best describes “seeing the other possibilities” is called a “workaround.” Author and business consultant Paulo Savaget teaches workaround solutions from nontraditional strategies in his book “The Four Workarounds.” His problem-solving lessons are derived from organizations that have achieved massive wins with “minimal resources, innovative wit and practical ingenuity of feisty entities.”
The piggyback approach is my favorite workaround – pairing a new goal with something that is already successfully working. For instance, instead of initiating a new distribution method into remote regions like the Amazon, much-needed medications are included with boxed bottles of Coca-Cola that already have established routes.
Flexibility is the key to solving problems. My auto mechanic spent two weeks researching a solution to replacing a part that’s no longer manufactured, nor could it be purchased used. Gratefully, he and a technician came up with a workaround that is working just fine.
Digital devices offer plenty of practice in figuring out workarounds, and it’s the same with simple fix-its around the house. Some of mine, like stuffing a tightly folded paper towel between the latch and a window to stop it from rattling, make me laugh … but they do solve the problem.
Often, my best ideas come to me in the shower and there’s a scientific explanation why time spent lathering up can prompt brilliant thoughts to bubble up. Zachary Irving, an assistant professor of philosophy and cognitive science at the University of Virginia, has found that when the mind is free enough to meander around, creative ideas can surface.
Shower environments check all the boxes for inspired ideas to arise out of nowhere. While scrubbing down, you’re occupied with a familiar routine – washing, shampooing, shaving – all free of outside distractions. The water acts as white noise, and its temperature is similar to that of the body. Experts say this makes for an ideal immersive experience.
Now the question is how to make sure those brilliant brainstorms don’t get lost while drying off. Surely there’s a “shower solution” for that!
Writer, editor and speaker Cheryl Russell is a Laguna Woods Village resident. Contact her at [email protected].
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