Training the Skill of Figuring It Out

There are so many skills to be learned in life.  One skill (yes, it is a skill) that we don’t focus on enough is the skill of ‘figuring it out’.  

Have you noticed some people seem to be able to figure out how to do things on their own.  Some say it comes naturally, but in reality, they have just had practice with the skill.

The skill can be taught early on in life.  Last week, my son was trying to figure out how to turn on the faucet.  He was turning it from side to side and it wouldn’t work (you need to lift it).  My partner was watching and was going to lift it for him when I said, no, let him figure it out.  So, we watched and let him play with it, until he finally figured it out and then we cheered him on.  He was so proud when he got it.

I’m not advocating for letting people fall off a cliff to learn something but they can fall on the grass.

How can you train this skill for yourself?

• Next time you are learning something new, take a few minutes to see if you can do it without asking for help right away.  This past week, our office manager was on vacation and we had to work the front desk ourselves. This was a challenge at first but once we got the hang of it, things got better.
  
• Purposely put yourself in situations to see how you react to them.
  
• Get curious.  Ask yourself how something works and set your brain to coming up with ideas.
  
• Take something apart and see if you can put it back together.
  

Have fun figuring things out and enjoy the feeling of a eureka moment!  

Need some help, give us a call 613-446-6060

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