I’m convinced that for every visible solution to a problem, there are at least two hidden solutions. Every time you’re confronted with a problem, there are solutions you can’t see. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. You just have to look for them.
Take a look at the maze above. In your mind, connect the two orange dots.
The obvious solution is to avoid the black lines, and criss cross through the maze to connect the orange dots. But the easier solution is to go straight through.
This solution isn’t so obvious because “rules” kept us from doing it. But nobody gave you those rules. The “stay within the lines” rule was a limitation you placed on yourself. The key to the hidden solutions is to ignore our internal rules.
So what’s the second hidden path to connect the two dots? (It’s shorter than both of the previous paths.) Leave a comment with your guess…
The Point
You have a set of rules within your head that are keeping you from seeing creative solutions to your problems. Next time you’re confronted with a problem and don’t like your available solutions, step back. Re-evaluate the elements of the problem. Find the solutions that aren’t obvious.
16 Comments
My first guess was to travel along the black lines on the outside.
Or you could fold the entire thing into a Mobius strip. You wouldn’t need any lines at all.
-Tyler
check out mike’s solution. I like yours too…maybe there are way more than two hidden solutions to every problem :-P
What you meant was F*** THE POLICE
haha. not in so many words…or in so many sentiments. I’m all about abiding by laws…except speed limits… :-P
I’m thinking the same thing as Tyler. We could also curl one corner over to the other to make the dots touch. But the only established rule is we must do it in our mind, so doing anything physical to the maze isn’t allowed. I guess that leaves us with the shortest distance between two points is a straight line… but that’s not really thinking outside the box, is it?
you can fold the maze over in your mind…you got it. :)
or… move the dots? :)
oooh…very tricky! :)
you inspire me to think creatively!
I’m glad :)
More the orange dots closer together;)
Another great idea :)
If you think of it as a 2-dimensional object and look at it from one side at eye level and on a slight angle, they will overlap from that perspective. Does that make sense?
Another great solution! Flatland style :-P
Well, if this is all in our mind, then just remove the lines completely and bring the dots together.
There is no spoon! :)