When we’re too close to a problem, getting lost in the details is easy. We’re like a painter standing an inch from the canvas, unable to see the whole picture.
But what if we took a step back and looked at our challenges through a different lens?
That’s where the power of the indirect approach lies. Comparing our situation to something seemingly unrelated can give us a fresh perspective. It’s like using a mirror to see the back of our heads.
Research shows that analogical thinking can boost creativity and problem-solving skills. It’s not about finding a perfect match but letting our minds wander to new places.
As the saying goes, “The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, but it’s not always the most interesting path.”
So, the next time you feel stuck, try taking a detour. Look for parallels in unexpected places. You might be surprised at what you discover.
After all, as Thoreau once wrote, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.”
