Think Small

Think small. 

The idea of thinking small to solve a big problem comes from journalist Stephen J. Dubner of Freakonomics fame. There are many big problems in the world, and to be honest very few of them seem to be resolved. 

As an example, it is easy to say we need education reform, but time and time again we see the same tired methods playing out where reform is needed the most. Solving a big problem is kind of like eating an elephant; pretty much an insurmountable feat. But common wisdom is the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. 

By thinking small we narrow the range of the problem we are wanting to solve. Sometimes by thinking too large we can become overwhelmed by even where to start. Thinking small does not mean you cannot have big ideas, it is just a way of getting started to finding possible solutions. 

Another side to thinking small is to switch your perspective. Dubner gives the example of wanting to attack education reform from the school side, but what if you changed your thinking and worked toward a solution from the home side? What small changes could contribute to reform?

In your own life when faced with a big problem, how could you reframe it to make it more manageable?