Removing Solvers Block

In this stand-alone episode, we look at solvers block.  This is what I call the situation where one can not seem to push through to a solution.  It is not due to options that have not been tried.  Instead, it feels like there are no further options to explore.

We all have good days and bad ones.  Sometimes everything falls into place, and we feel super productive.  However, there are also days or even weeks where we feel like we are running in quicksand.  Each day starts with the same problem and ends without a solution.  This is not a situation that only novice developers face.  Even the most senior and experienced of us can hit a wall.

The old recommendation of stepping away is one of the best in these situations.  When you feel yourself running over the same options, it is time for a change.  You can physically step away from the problem or even do so mentally.  Sometimes it is ok to solve a different problem, but cleaning your mental state is better.

The physical options are best when you do something that gets you away from the problem mentally as well.  Thus, mindless tasks like sweeping a floor, going for a walk where you are counting your steps or anything that keeps you from mentally returning to the problem.  This includes taking a nap.  A little sleep may allow your mind to roam free and consider new options.  Even better, try a little meditation.  The goal is not to focus on something; instead, let your mind drift.

The bottom line goal of removing solvers block is to generate new things to try out.  Ideally, we eliminate potential solutions and eventually get to the desired one.  We may feel a long way from the solution.  However, as long as we are walking through those potential approaches, we are moving in the right direction.  That is all we need to do to avoid this situation.  We need to generate new and different approaches to the problem.