The Game Of Problem Solving

Got a problem you're looking to solve? Give playing the game "Problem Solver" a go, and you'll discover more than you know. It's the topic of this week's Grasshopper Notes essay from John Morgan for the week of September 15th.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

The Game of Problem Solving

I’ve been thinking . . . what if there was a board game that did more than just give you bragging rights when you win at Trivial Pursuit®, Backgammon®, or Monopoly®?

What if this game gave you something you could actually use in real life?

Let’s call it Problem Solver.

Now, the beauty of this game is you can play it solo, like Solitaire, or you can play it with friends or co-workers.

Here’s how it works: you start by naming the problem you’re trying to solve. It can be short and simple, or long and detailed . . . doesn’t matter, as long as you know what the problem is.

Then comes the fun part. Think back to a problem you solved in the past. Doesn’t have to be a big one . . . just something that once had you stumped, but you figured it out. Now, rewind that tape in your mind. Watch yourself working through it.

Make it vivid. What steps did you take? What did you say to yourself? Did you feel anything in your body? And most importantly . . . can you remember that “ah-ha” moment when it all clicked?

The key is to re-experience that memory in as much detail as you can. Say it out loud if you want . . . or just run it through in your mind. Either way, the point is to uncover how you solved it.

And If you’re playing with others, let them have their turn.

Now here’s where the magic happens: everybody has a built-in problem-solving strategy. Most of us just don’t notice it . . . until we take the time to review it.

Your new problem may not be solved instantly, but I can tell you from experience, once you’ve played a round of Problem Solver, some part of you keeps working on the answer in the background.

I learned a long time ago this golden nugget: how you do one thing is how you do everything. You can learn a lot about someone just by watching how they do one small task.

Like this . . . how you walk into a room tells me more about you than a three-page résumé ever could.

And here’s the takeaway: you already have your one way of solving problems. Once you spot it, life won’t suddenly be problem-free, but the solutions? They’ll be a whole lot easier to see.

All the best,
 John