Shut Up And Learn SomethingWritten by Steve Gillman
Have you ever noticed that arguments are rarely "won?" Even if you think you won an argument, what did you win? If there really is a loser, he at least learned something, right? What did you get? Ego satisfaction, debating practice, and diminished mind power.Arguing Diminishes Mind Power? There are times when things need to be debated, but most of time, it really isn't productive. Do you want to argue point? What do you get from a useless debate, and more importantly, what do you lose? One thing is certain. A person listening to arguments can learn something from both sides, but what about participants? If your opponent makes a really good point, do you say, "Hey, you're right!" or do you more often just look for a better argument? Arguing too much gets you in habit of looking for arguments more than for truth. You also get deeper into your thinking ruts more you defend a position. In a rut and ignoring truth? If that doesn't sound like it's good for mind power, it's because it isn't.
| | Three Way Problem SolvingWritten by Steve Gillman
How do you like to solve your problems? Do you prefer to use more creative problem solving techniques, or systematic ones? You'll get best of both with add-subtract-change method.Add, Subtract, Change I am sitting here looking at my bicycle as I write this. To come up with new ideas in bicycle design, all we have to do is look at elements that are there and ask three things. What can we add, what can we subtract, and what can we change? Would pet owners like a built-in dog or cat carrier? Are 18 gears necessary? There are still six gears and one less thing to break if a shifter is removed. What if wheels were larger or frame made of a flexible material? What would advantages be? Personal Problems Too The add-subtract-change technique is well suited to developing new products, but what if your having trouble sticking to an exercise plan? Will this kind of problem solving method work for personal issues? You won't know until you try it. Hmm...
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