Figure It Out - The Art of Problem Solving | Shreyans Jain | TEDxDSCE

Summary

The speaker shares a powerful approach to problem-solving, emphasizing the 'figure it out' mindset. Drawing from personal experiences, including a major crisis faced by their father, they illustrate the importance of staying calm, focusing on solutions, and visualizing positive outcomes. The talk highlights the difference between efficient and inefficient problem solvers and offers practical advice on managing and handling problems effectively. Ultimately, the speaker encourages adopting a proactive and positive attitude towards challenges, asserting that 'figuring it out' is not just a phrase but a state of mind.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gratitude: The speaker expresses gratitude to the TEDx DSC team for the opportunity to speak and feels humbled to be among such incredible people.
• 🤔 Self-Reflection: The speaker initially pondered what topic to discuss that truly mattered to them, seeking input from friends and family.
• 💬 Key Phrase: The phrase 'figure it out' is highlighted as a guiding principle in the speaker's life, used frequently in both personal and professional contexts.
• 👥 Community Support: The speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to friends and family for advice and insights.
• 🏢 Personal Story: The speaker shares a story about their father's factory burning down and how their father managed the crisis effectively.
• 🔍 Problem Breakdown: Problems are divided into two parts: declaration (identifying the source of trouble) and consequence (the emotional response and impact).
• 🚦 Problem-Solving Types: There are inefficient problem solvers who stress a lot, and efficient problem solvers who stay calm throughout the problem-solving cycle.
• 🧠 Mental Hacks: The speaker introduces 'figure it out 101,' a set of mental hacks to solve problems, emphasizing perspective, outcome focus, and visualization.
• 💪 Positive Mindset: Focusing on solutions rather than problems and maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for effective problem solving.
• 🌟 Encouragement: The speaker encourages asking for help and providing reassurance to others, fostering a supportive environment.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction when the TEDx DSC team invited him to speak?

The speaker felt truly humbled and honored to be among an incredible group of people and to share his insights on a topic that was meaningful to him.

What phrase did the speaker frequently use in his daily life that guided his approach to problem-solving?

The phrase 'figured it out' was something the speaker often used to address both professional and personal challenges, reflecting his attitude towards problem-solving.

What is the speaker's organization called and what does it focus on?

The speaker runs an organization called Under 25, which is a media and entertainment company aimed at the youth and young people of today, focusing on solving various problems.

How does the speaker define a problem in his mind?

The speaker breaks down a problem into two parts: the declaration, which is the source of trouble, and the consequence, which holds the crux of the issue and represents the negative feelings associated with the problem.

What are the key differences between inefficient and efficient problem solvers according to the speaker?

Inefficient problem solvers go through the problem-solving cycle with a lot of stress, especially during the identification and analysis stages. Efficient problem solvers, on the other hand, maintain their composure and focus on solutions throughout the cycle.

What was the speaker's father's reaction when his factory burned down due to a short circuit?

The speaker's father handled the crisis by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on the problem. He immediately started thinking about how to fix the situation instead of seeing it as a disaster.

What advice does the speaker give on how to approach a problem from a positive perspective?

The speaker suggests focusing on the outcome and visualizing how things would be if the problem were solved, rather than concentrating on the negative aspects or the worst-case scenario.

What is the speaker's strategy for dealing with adversity?

The speaker's strategy, which he calls 'Figure It Out 101', involves maintaining a positive attitude, focusing on solutions, and asking oneself 'how can I figure this out' when faced with adversity.

Why is it important to ask for help when facing problems, according to the speaker?

Asking for help is important because there are people who have dealt with similar issues and can provide valuable insights or support. It can also help in finding solutions and overcoming challenges more effectively.

What is the concluding thought the speaker wants to leave with the audience?

The speaker concludes that 'figure it out' is not just a phrase but a state of mind that everyone should aspire to have, emphasizing the importance of a proactive and solution-oriented approach to life's challenges.