How Can I Improve My Problem Solving Skills and Thinking Strategies?

AI Thread Summary
Concerns about perceived intelligence and problem-solving speed are common, with individuals expressing feelings of being slower to grasp concepts compared to peers. Despite performing well academically, the struggle to understand and solve problems efficiently can lead to frustration. Acknowledgment of obsessive tendencies in learning can further complicate the process. Suggestions for improvement include consistent practice and developing a methodical approach to problem-solving. George Pólya's book "How to Solve It" is recommended as a valuable resource for enhancing problem-solving strategies and thought processes.
mrcleanhands
I've often been plagued by the thought of being unintelligent and slow compared to others. I seem to take much longer to understand concepts and work out problems. With that said, I do really well at school (but also put in much more time than others). I'm also quite obsessive when it comes to understanding something, which often causes me trouble.

I think solving problems for me takes much longer than compared to others. Also I seem to get stuck on simple things or overlook something simple and it will only 'click' a few hours or maybe even days later.

People say keep practicing - but I do keep learning and working on things but I think I'm still really slow.

Are there any good resources in terms of rewiring my thought process? strategy? thinking? etc
 
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Read and memorize. Specifically the type of problems you work with (i.e. mathematics, logical, physical etc.)
 
In addition to practice, as surprise suggests, I advise developing a consistent, methodical approach to solving problems. George Pólya's How to Solve It is a great book in that regard. It's inexpensive and would be well worth your time.
 
Dembadon said:
In addition to practice, as surprise suggests, I advise developing a consistent, methodical approach to solving problems. George Pólya's book How to Solve It is a great book in that regard. It's inexpensive and is well worth your time.

That is a great book.
 
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