Treat the question you’re trying to solve as an answer, figure out what question it answers, find other ways to answer it.

When you’re stuck on a problem, and in a rut trying to answer a question - change that question into the form of an answer, then ask yourself what question that answer is for, then consider other possible answers to that question.

Example

Original Quesiton:

How do I find a spouse?

Question as an answer:

I find a spouse.

What question is that an answer to?

How do I feel more companionship?

Alternative answers:

Sure, a spouse would work. But also a satisfying close personal friendship. Perhaps a pet?

This is essentially a cousin exercise of the 5 Whys.


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