“The adjacent possible is a kind of shadow future, hovering on the edges of the present state of things, a map of all the ways in which the present can reinvent itself…[the adjacent possible] captures both the limits and the creative potential of change and innovation.” writes Steven Johnson in Where Good Ideas Come From. It’s an idealistic but pragmatic idea that offers a glimpse into how innovation isn’t leaping into the void it’s taking small, incremental steps that build on what’s already familiar and accessible. For anyone looking to be a more innovative problem-solver, this notion is revolutionary.
The ability to solve problems creatively is less about having a “gift” at birth than it is about cultivating skills that enable you to see problems in new ways. The strategies for rescripting are as varied as the problems: some involve discovering hidden alternatives, while others involve recognizing patterns or revisiting problems over time. And the best part? They’re available to anyone who will put in the practice.
One of the most straightforward ideas, yet one of those we lose sight of first, is that when faced with the choice of A or B, you can always choose C. A and B are our binary choices, but life usually presents us with that binary quandary, as productivity expert David Allen says in his book Stress-Free Productivity: “There’s almost always an unstated Option C.” For example, you and a friend can’t agree whether to visit each other’s cities. Why not join up somewhere you both enjoy, instead of meeting a stalemate? The insight of finding alternative paths is what creative problem-solving is all about:
Another tool with phenomenal power is pattern recognition, a skill that has been studied across fields from mathematics to biology. According to a case study published in PubMed, pattern recognition serves as the link between intuition and logic so that individuals can relate things that otherwise seem to be disconnected. That is why breakthroughs often seem like “aha” moments your brain has subversively knitted together patterns you’ve seen before. With every problem you solve, you’re adding to an internal library of patterns, honing your instincts in the process over time, with enough experience, you begin to recognize familiar problems more clearly.
But not all solutions have to be dramatic. Now, often all you need is a creative variation on an everyday solution. For example, instead of searching for the ideal scenic location for family photos, bring a photographer with you on vacation. This one easy change puts two goals improved vacation memories and original family portraits into one clever solution.
The adjacent possible is another interesting approach to solving problems, a concept borrowed from evolutionary biology. It is about imagining concepts that are one step ahead of what is not quite possible yet. “Invention begets invention,” as Johnson puts it. Take Tesla, for example. Then, they targeted high-end markets to create the necessary infrastructure for widespread adoption before releasing affordable electric vehicles. Every new step into the adjacent possible unlocked even greater innovation.
Another technique that can surprise you with results is returning to problems over time. History is replete with cases of problems that got solved after decades of consideration. The mathematician Andrew Wiles took years to crack Fermat’s Last Theorem, but his determination is a reminder that persistence sometimes pays: As the blog post on innovation describes it, approaching problems with different tools or points of view reframe what was previously thought to be impossible problems into solvable solutions.
And of course, understanding your natural strengths is key to creative problem solving. Do you see patterns that others can not? Or maybe you have a knack for explaining difficult concepts in easy to understand ways? Such competencies can help lead you to solutions that are specially tailored to your talents. According to an article on this point: Your strengths help you approach each challenge with clarity and purpose, which gives you the confidence to take action in every situation.
Creative problem-solving isn’t merely about solutions it’s about experiencing new expressions of self, innovation, and growth. Because whether it’s asking if there are any hidden choices, or finding a way to use the adjacent possible, or simply seeing what you can do to add a creative angle to the things you have hanging over your head, these methods will put you on the course of confronting with curiosity and resolve. And who knows? Your next “aha” moment may be closer to you than you think.
