problems cannot be solved by doing the same old thing over and over again

[sraj]

AI Overview

That statement is a fundamental principle of innovation, psychology, and progress. It is often paraphrased through the famous (though likely misattributed) definition of insanity: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." 

Here is a look at why this principle is true and how it applies to different areas of life:

1. The Law of Diminishing Returns

In economics and effort, there is a point where adding more of the same input no longer produces a proportional increase in output. If a specific method isn't working, simply working "harder" at that same method often leads to burnout rather than a breakthrough. 

2. The Evolution of the Problem

Problems are rarely static. The world changes, technology advances, and social dynamics shift. A solution that worked in 1990—or even 2020—might be obsolete today because the context surrounding the problem has changed. To solve a modern problem, you must use modern thinking. 

3. Cognitive Bias and "Functional Fixedness"

Humans are creatures of habit. We suffer from functional fixedness, a cognitive bias that limits us to using an object or a strategy only in the way it is traditionally used. Breaking a problem requires "lateral thinking"—moving sideways to look at the situation from a new angle rather than pushing forward against a wall. 

4. Systems Thinking

If a problem persists despite your best efforts, it is usually because the problem is a symptom of a system, not an isolated incident. 

• The "Same Old Thing": Patching the leak.
• The New Solution: Replacing the rusted pipe.
  If you don't change the underlying system, the problem will inevitably return. 

How to Break the Cycle:

If you find yourself stuck in the "same old thing" loop, try these strategies:

• Reverse Brainstorming: Instead of asking "How can I solve this?", ask "How could I make this problem even worse?" Often, seeing what causes failure reveals the hidden path to success.
• First Principles Thinking: Strip the problem down to its basic truths (the physics of the situation) and rebuild a solution from scratch, ignoring "how we've always done it."
• Seek "External Friction": Bring in someone from a completely different industry or background. Their "naive" questions can often expose the flaws in your traditional logic. 

As Albert Einstein (to whom the quote is often attributed) once said: 

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses

[Keith Bacon]

Hi Selvaraj,

Isn't AI amazing at summarising things?

This is agreat maximum and very applicable to the human condition.

Once I bought into the AT concept of Use and 'indirect means' it seemed I had to do things differently to change in a way I couldnt understand via mechanisms I couldn't understand. 

I was used to trying to change my thinking to try to change things but this was different!. 

I recently attended a karate testing session where students demonstrated their skills and were promoted to the next level ( colour of belt). I could see the improved quality of movement and poise at each level and could see how the black belts had the qualities that advanced zen practitioners or AT teachers have. 

'Do this and you will change in ways you can't comprehend in advance. It will work independently of your notions about how it works' 

This seems to be a characteristic of all somatic techniques and it's different from just changing thinking.   

Regards,

Keith