Problem Solving: One Solution is Never Enough

Anyone who’s ever tried to open a stubborn, tightly shut jar will tell you, sometimes you can give it all you’ve got until you’re dizzy and frustrated, and the jar is still sealed shut.

That’s exactly how life’s problems can be when we rely on a single solution.

The Perfect Solution Trap

Only in children’s fairy tales does one single action solve everything. Cinderella’s foot fits the slipper perfectly and boom! She marries her prince, and they live happily ever after. Or the princess kisses the frog and voila! He’s back to being a prince, and everything is as it should be. But those are fairytales. If you’re serious about improving your problem solving skills, you’ve got to move beyond the perfect-solution trap.

The perfect solution trap is when we convince ourselves there’s only one possible resolution to the situation. . That’s not how problems get solved in real life.

The Myth of the Magic Bullet

In our quest to solve problems, we often fall into this seductive trap and go on a search for a single, perfect solution. We focus our mental energy on finding that one “right” answer, convinced it will be our silver bullet. Here’s the truth: in real life, problems are rarely solved by a single action or solution. There is no magic wand. There is no miracle pill.

Consider the Common Cold

Think about the last time you caught a cold. Did your doctor hand you a single pill and send you on your way? Of course not! Instead, you likely received:

• An antiviral or antibiotic
• Something for fever control
• A remedy for your sore throat
• Instructions to rest
• Advice to drink plenty of fluids

That’s at least five different approaches working in harmony to tackle one seemingly simple problem. Life’s challenges are no different.

Breaking Out of the Single-Solution Mindset

We tend to get stuck in the “I’ve got a problem, therefore I need to find a solution” mindset. Then we go on the hunt for that single “perfect” all in one solution. Which doesn’t exist.

Effective problem-solving requires expanding your thinking. It’s about finding a variety of solutions, not just one.

Unleashing Creativity Through Quantity

Here’s a little secret: the first few solutions that pop into your mind are usually the least creative. They’re the usual suspects—the ones you’ve tried before or seen others use. Yet, something magical happens when you push beyond these initial ideas.

In my training sessions, I challenge participants to find ten solutions to a problem. Almost invariably, it’s the eighth or ninth idea that turns out to be a game-changer. Here’s the catch: they would never have discovered this gem if they had stopped at solution number one, two, or even five.

The key? Maximize quantity at the start of your brainstorming. Don’t judge. Don’t filter. Just let the ideas flow. Even when you’re really impressed with idea number 6 or 7, see if you can challenge yourself to come up with one more. Aim for as many different solutions as possible and be aware that the genius ideas will show up towards the end.

The Power of Multiple Solutions

That “perfect” solution we pin all your hopes on, might fall flat in real life. And when that happens, it’s easy to feel defeated. But when we have a bunch of different solutions —five, ten, or even more—we won’t despair when one fails. We’ll simply move on to the next one.

Allow your mind to roam freely. Push past the obvious and strive for that longer list of potential solutions. By doing so, you’re not just increasing your chances of success—you’re opening doors to innovative approaches you might never have considered.

Let’s Get that Stubborn Jar Open, Shall We?

So, rather than exhausting yourself, just trying to pry that damn jar open with sheer strength of will and muscle power, here are a few alternative ideas:

• Tap the Lid: Gently tap the edge of the lid on a countertop to break the vacuum seal.
• Use a Rubber Grip: Place a rubber glove or a piece of rubber on the lid to get a better grip and twist it open.
• Run It Under Hot Water: Hold the lid under hot water for a few seconds. The heat can expand the metal lid, making it easier to open.
• Use a Spoon: Insert the edge of a spoon under the lid and gently pry to break the seal.
• Invert and Tap: Turn the jar upside down and tap the bottom a few times. This can help release the pressure on the lid.
• Use all of the Above: you know what works really well? Using several of those approaches at the same time.

Take a moment to reflect: How often have you limited yourself to a single solution, only to end up back at square one? What problems could you better handle by approaching them with multiple solutions? Could you expand your problem solving toolkit?

By trying multiple approaches, you’re much more likely to succeed with less frustration. Having multiple solutions in your arsenal can make you more confident in your ability to handle problems. And if you’ve got any more suggestions to help open life’s closed jars, please share. I mean, really .. please? 🙂