Even though most people try to avoid problems, they’re actually opportunities for growth. Naveen Jain, the former CEO of Infospace, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, shared great advice on how to tackle big challenges.
According to Naveen Jain, when we want to change the world, we need to obsess in seeking solutions. He explained that smooth patterns are unhealthy. Thus, he has a morning habit to read the top scientific journals and make sure to get an update on most cutting research.
To approach big problems, one should come up with the right questions to seek for right answers. Interestingly, it is by asking questions that we learn effectively.
“You don’t need mentors really, peer to peer learning is equally powerful. Answer the question — why do you want to educate children? and you will be able to foresee the future of education”, says Naveen Jain. He added that when you are hook by the education system immensely, you are becoming irrelevant. It is the technology that makes people more connected.
Moreover, Jain also emphasized that people learn more when they try to solve the most problematic issues. Even when pitching ideas, generating questions is the key for you to strengthen your proposition. It is similar to our lives, when we were young, we were also being asked what we want to be when we grow. This has been a drive for us what path we need to take in our life. However, educators nowadays seemed to revise that question. Instead, they asked children what problems they want to solve.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace Challenges
Challenges are opportunities for real growth.
Facing challenges head-on instead of avoiding them is crucial for personal and professional growth. For example, an entrepreneur might encounter obstacles in launching a new product or service. Embracing these challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve can lead to breakthroughs and success.
Seek Solutions
Commit to finding solutions when you want to make a positive change.
Rather than getting overwhelmed by problems, focus on finding solutions. This could involve brainstorming sessions, research, seeking advice from experts, or experimenting with different approaches. For instance, in the realm of environmental sustainability, companies may invest in research and development to find eco-friendly alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes.
Stay Curious
Keep up with the latest research and ask the right questions to learn effectively.
Continuously learning and staying informed about new developments in your field or areas of interest is essential. This might involve reading scientific journals, attending conferences, or engaging in online courses. An example could be a medical researcher staying updated on the latest studies and breakthroughs in treating a specific disease.
Learn from Peers
Peer-to-peer learning is a powerful alternative to traditional mentorship.
Peer-to-peer learning provides valuable insights and perspectives. This could involve sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and offering feedback among colleagues or within professional networks. For instance, junior employees in a software development team can learn from the experiences of their more senior peers by participating in code reviews and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Future of Education
Consider why you want to educate, and embrace the role of technology in learning.
Reflect on the purpose of education and acknowledge the transformative role of technology. This might involve reimagining traditional educational models to incorporate digital tools, personalized learning experiences, and interdisciplinary approaches. An example is the rise of online learning platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy, which offer accessible and flexible educational opportunities to learners worldwide.
Insightful Questions
Asking the right questions strengthens your position in various aspects of life.
Asking thoughtful and insightful questions can lead to deeper understanding and better decision-making. For example, during a strategic planning session, a business leader might ask probing questions to uncover underlying challenges or opportunities, leading to more effective strategies and solutions.
Purposeful Education
Focus on the problems you want to solve, not just the job you want.
Focus on addressing real-world problems and making a meaningful impact through education. This could involve designing curriculum and learning experiences that emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and social responsibility. An example is a school curriculum that incorporates project-based learning experiences where students tackle community issues such as poverty, environmental conservation, or public health.
Creative Problem-Solving
Approach life problems with a fresh perspective for innovative solutions.
Approach problems with an open mind and willingness to explore unconventional solutions. This might involve thinking outside the box, experimenting with different approaches, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. For instance, in the field of product design, teams may use design thinking methodologies to iteratively prototype and refine solutions based on user feedback. Life problems may be omnipresent. It can exist generation to generations. But keep in mind that you can solve it differently. And it is where learning comes.
Adaptability
Recognize that problems may persist, but solutions can evolve over time. This requires flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn from past experiences. For example, in the face of changing market dynamics, businesses may pivot their strategies, products, or services to remain competitive and meet evolving customer needs.
By embracing these principles, individuals and organizations can navigate challenges, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth in an ever-changing world.
