PSYCHOLOGICAL MINDSETS
T-shooting Heuristics
For effectively solving non-standard problems, the right psychological mindsets are critically important:
1. COURAGE IN THINKING
Basic Principle:
"Be realistic – solve only unsolvable problems."
Practical Techniques:
- Start with the most challenging, "hopeless" problems.
- Consciously make simple tasks more complex.
- When fear arises, tell yourself: "This is a great sign – it means I’m on the verge of a breakthrough."
- Remember: solutions always exist; the only question is your willingness to seek them.
How to Overcome Fear:
- Start with practice problems – they definitely have solutions.
- Build a repository of successful solutions to "impossible" problems.
- Work in a team – this reduces personal fears.
- Use game formats to relieve tension.
- Remember: the key is not speed but persistence in the search.
2. STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
Key Approach:
"Even if a good solution is found – keep searching for the ideal."
Practical Rules:
- Never stop at the first working solution.
- Constantly ask, "How can this be made even simpler?"
- Look for ways to completely eliminate costs.
- Aim for automatic execution of functions.
- Maximize the use of available resources.
The Story of Paganini as an Example:
When told that he was unbeatable, he learned to play on a single string – not because there were no other strings, but to truly become unrivaled.
3. PERSISTENCE
Basic Principle:
"As many resources as there are, that’s how many solutions exist."
Practical Approaches:
- Generate numerous solution variants.
- Do not retreat after the first failures.
- Bring solutions "to the iron" – to practical implementation.
- Seek new resources and new formulations.
- Account for and tackle secondary tasks.
Signs of the Right Mindset:
- Willingness to spend time searching for the best solution.
- Dissatisfaction with compromises.
- Desire to achieve the ideal solution.
- Excitement about challenging problems.
- Confidence in the existence of a solution.
How to Develop This Mindset:
- Start with small victories.
- Keep a solutions journal.
- Work with a team of like-minded individuals.
- Study successful cases.
- Regularly set more challenging tasks for yourself.