Understanding Problems as Opportunities

You understand that every grand opportunity is simply masquerading as a problem, a mystery waiting to be solved. If you don’t understand the problem, then explain it to someone and listen to yourself discussing it.

Make certain you never state a problem in the same terms as it was originally brought to you. Studying the reverse always helps.

Don’t worry about an approach that transforms one problem into another. You’re probably taking the first step towards an exciting solution.

If the answer seems to be surprising or even off the wall, it’s probably useful! And if you seem to hit the bull’s-eye each time with one of your solutions, you’re either coming up with the wrong answer once in a while, or the target’s too near.

The successful fundraiser is a creative machine. You understand that to say impossible always puts you on the losing side.

You look at a problem as you would a kaleidoscope. Brilliant, harmonious patterns.  Carefully shaken into beautiful forms. A twist here. A turn there. The glass pieces and the mirrors finally fall into place. You solve the problem.