It is a daily exercise this nurturing a positive mindset. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build your resilience. In that famous quote by Stephen Covey, he asked:
“What have you done to sharpen the Saw?”
Sharpening Your Mind
He meant how have you developed your problem-solving skills? Have you read a book? Taken a course? Watched a video? Improved your fitness? What problem-solving books have you read?
I am a big fan of four books. All of them have added to my problem solving and creative skillset.
Four Great Books
Six Thinking Hats and the follow up Six Action Shoes are written by Edward de Bono. In Six Thinking Hats de Bono shares six ways to consider each and every problem that we face. In Six Action Shoes, he shares six ways to consider implementing each of the potential solutions we are faced with.
My next two favourite books on problem solving and creativity are A Whack on the Side of the Head and a Kick in the Seat of the Pants are two books on creativity by Roger von Oech. In each, he offers a process to help us widen and deepen our creativity to maximize our potential solutions.
In A Kick in the Seat of the Pants, he wants you to tap into and use: Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to be more creative.
In his book A Whack in the Side of the Head, Roger takes you through ten mental locks that block our creativity. He tells us they are:
- The Right Answer
- That’s Not Logical
- Follow the Rules
- Be Practical
- Play is Frivolous
- That’s Not My Area
- Don’t Be Foolish
- Avoid Ambiguity
- To Err Is Wrong
- I’m Not Creative
Tools For Nurturing
So, each of these books have been enjoyed by me several times over. Each has also helped my clients many times over to help them get out of their own way and sharpen their saws.
You can too! Get these books if you can. You can also get in touch with me directly, if you like, at Resiliency for LIfe.
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Until next time Imagine Yourself with more resiliency tips,
Michael
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Michael Ballard specializes in helping people, schools, teams organizations and communities learn how to become more resilient.
Hiring and Contacting Michael
To book Michael for your next event or to contact him you can do that at:
Inquiry@MichaelHBallard.com
www.MichaelHBallard.com