“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple” – Dr. Seuss Click To Tweet
When I studied for my degree in Computer Science (good times!), I learned one of the most effective problem-solving techniques ever.
In computer science we call it ‘Recursion’. The Cesar of Rome coined it ‘Divide et Impera’, and so did Napoleon. In modern English it’s known as ‘Divide and Conquer’. And in the writings of Dr. Suess you’ll find it as ”Sometimes, the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.“
It all boils down to the same method: When you have a problem that’s too big to handle, solve or understand — break it down to smaller pieces. Keep breaking it down until the pieces are manageable. Until a simple solution is in reach. With each piece of the puzzle addressed, go from micro to macro. Build the full picture from all the pieces. Keep combining the bits of your solution until it integrates to one simple plan.
Execute.