"Si un problème ne peut pas être résolu élargissez-le"

Sometimes in life, we hit roadblocks that seem insurmountable. The idea behind "If a problem cannot be solved, enlarge it" is about shifting our perspective. Instead of getting stuck, you widen the scope. You step back, look at the bigger picture, and sometimes, by doing that, solutions that were hidden become visible. It's like looking at a puzzle piece up close—move back, and you might see where it fits.

This concept has roots in systems thinking, which gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Systems thinkers like Russell Ackoff proposed that many problems couldn't be resolved within their own narrow confines. Instead, by expanding the boundaries, you could see interactions and interdependencies that were previously hidden. Imagine you're trying to fix a leaky faucet. You can keep tightening screws, but if the problem is actually in the water pressure or the pipes, you’re just treating symptoms, not the underlying issue.

Think of urban planning. A city has a traffic congestion problem. The initial thought might be to build more roads. But when planners enlarged the problem—thinking about the whole transport system—they introduced public transit options, cycling lanes, and carpool incentives. By widening the scope, they found holistic solutions that improved not just traffic flow but the quality of urban life.

Now, let's talk about how you can apply this in your own life. Imagine you're stuck on a project at work. You've tried everything, but you can't seem to make progress. Instead of banging your head against the same wall, enlarge the problem. Ask yourself, what’s the broader context? Maybe the issue isn’t just this project—maybe it’s about team communication, resource allocation, or even your work-life balance. By stepping back and considering the larger system, you might discover underlying issues you can address, leading to breakthroughs on multiple fronts.

You could try this approach in a personal scenario too. Imagine a couple arguing constantly about household chores. They keep arguing about who does the dishes. Instead of fixating on this one task, they could enlarge the problem. They might find that the real issue is about feeling undervalued or overwhelmed. By addressing the larger issue of mutual respect and support, the smaller problems become easier to solve.

Let’s bring it closer to home. Picture this: You're studying for a big exam, but no matter how much you study, the material isn't sticking. You’re frustrated. Enlarge the problem. Maybe it's not just about this exam—perhaps it’s about your study habits overall. Look at your environment, your schedule, your sleep. By broadening your view, you might find that adjusting your routine or study methods has a bigger impact than just cramming harder.

By taking a step back and looking at the broader context, solutions often appear more naturally. It’s about seeing the forest, not just the trees. So next time you’re stuck, try zooming out. Enlarge your perspective, and you might just find the answers were there all along, just waiting for you to see them.