There was an item on the news recently about some research into flu. They’d found that you can significantly reduce your risk of infection by wearing a mask. Not just any old wad of cotton though, a proper surgical mask. Its really surprising that no-one has done this research before. It just indicates that there are still old fashioned and easy ways to solve problems, even today in the 21st century.

We should remember this when trying to solve our own problems. Instead of seeking a complicated and many layered solution, ask yourself “Whats the simplest and easiest answer to this problem?” I have a friend who is trying to get his dog looked after when he’s on holiday. Taking it to the kennels seems obvious but its complicated by their strict opening hours, his lack of car and of course the cost. He has another friend who loves dogs, would pick it up, drop it off and lavish it with love and long walks. Problem solved easily.

So don’t struggle with long winded answers, solutions that need a degree to understand them or resolutions written on more than half a page.

What simple and easy solutions are you overlooking at home and at work? Who else might have a simple answer to your problem? What opportunities does your problem present to you?