Success Advice
An Easy to Follow 8 Step Strategy for Creative Problem Solving
A complete process of creative problem-solving encompasses finding problems, developing creative solutions, and implementing your solutions

No matter where you look around the world today, entrepreneurs face a common challenge: The need to stand out from their competitors and win over customers.
The creative and socially changed economy of the 21st century has added speed and complexity to the game of business. Competitors are now springing up in all corners of the world.
International supply chains and digital technologies make it possible for anyone with an internet connection to start their own business and they can conduct business with anyone, anywhere in the world. While this situation can be stressful, it can also be liberating.
People have the opportunity to chart their own course in the world like never before. Whether starting their own company or working inside one, people have to think and behave like entrepreneurs. This is easier said than done, because the industrial model of business worked quite well for so many people for a long time.
Churning out incrementally improved products for existing customers over a lifetime ensured steady growth and dependable returns on investment. However, such models are simply not effective today.
We live in a world of customized experiences, choice, easily accessed research and knowledge, and high expectations. Customers expect more from companies today, which requires entrepreneurs to uncover people’s real problems and design elegant solutions to those problems.
Yet, many very smart people don’t know what steps to take to come up with, fine-tune, and execute that next big idea.
Entrepreneurial activity is first and foremost about creative problem-solving. No matter how great your technology or idea, if it doesn’t solve an important problem for enough people you have little chance for success.
Think of the many problems that challenge your potential customers. Some of these problems might be obvious, but a good solution hasn’t been discovered yet. A complete process of creative problem-solving encompasses finding problems, developing creative solutions, and implementing your solutions.
To master innovation, incorporate this eight-step framework:
1. Problem finding
Start by sensing and anticipating customer problems. But make sure you don’t prematurely assume the real problems of the real customer without investigation. Questions to ask may include: “What goals do they fail to attain year after year?” or “What problems do they have that they’d like to avoid?” Don’t begin to solve the problem at this point.
2. Fact finding
The purpose of fact finding is to obtain better clarity about the customer’s problem. List as many simple, specific, and clear answers as you can to questions regarding why this problem exists — as well as what you might be assuming to be true. Merge your own observations and ideas with any available research.
3. Problem definition
Continuing to set aside judgment, list several optional problem definitions. Phrase each problem definition as a challenge beginning with “How might customers…?” Let’s say you’re starting a travel company. A challenge might be: How might customers have a better travel experience?
Then use the “Why; what’s stopping” analysis: “Why would customers want this challenge to be met?” and “What’s stopping customers from having this challenge met?” As you spend time on this analysis, you’ll better understand the customer problem space.
“Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you depending on how you respond to them.” — Rick Warren
4. Idea finding
Now you turn from the “what’s needed” to the “what’s possible” side of the business concept by converting customer challenges into company challenges. Change the “How might customers…?” into “How might we…?” Brainstorm simple, concise, radical ideas that you can build on.
5. Evaluate and select
Evaluate your list of potential solutions. Then list at least 15 potential criteria — specific, clear, and simple — to use in measuring their worth. This could include material cost, manufacturing time, ease of finding committed suppliers, etc.
Rank the criteria for each solution idea. Use the totals to guide your final selection. Importantly, ask: Will the solution be truly desirable to the customer? Is it technically feasible to produce and deliver the solution? And, is it economically viable to produce and deliver?
6. Planning action
Imagine what single action step you must first take to implement your solution. Next, consider how it will be done — when, where, and by whom. Think of further actions steps that need to be carried out, leaving room for creativity as your action plan unfolds. With your plan of attack, you’re ready to gain further acceptance of your concept from others.
7. Gaining acceptance
It’s likely your action plan includes getting support or approval from at least one person or company. List three benefits this person might derive if your idea made it to market — and how you can prove the benefit.
Also list at least three objections you anticipate this person might raise, and how you would overcome the objection. This step is a way to refine a business model that can be shown to investors.
8. Taking action
Finally, consider what might prevent you from taking the first step in your action plan. Then come up with three ideas for overcoming it. Go ahead and carry out your action step now that you know how to overcome any impediments. Repeat this step for each action in your plan.
This entrepreneurial approach is right for today’s world. It supports innovation in an economy and world where empathy, creativity, smart risk taking, engagement, and savvy execution are needed to thrive and flourish. This framework allows you to take charge of your future and connect deeply to the world around you — just as an entrepreneur should do every day.
Change Your Mindset
The Secret Daily Routines Behind History’s Most Brilliant Thinkers
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Why Daily Rituals Matter
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Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
Success Advice
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