Figure It Out - The Art of Problem Solving | Shreyans Jain | TEDxDSCE

Shreyans Jain expresses gratitude for being invited to TEDxDSCE and reflects on what topic he should discuss. He realized that the phrase 'figure it out' profoundly influenced his life, becoming his go-to response for any crisis, professional or personal. He runs an organization called Under 25, which focuses on solving youth-related problems, further solidifying his approach to problem-solving.

Jain attributes his problem-solving outlook to his father. He recounts a vivid story where his father's factory burned down due to a short circuit. Instead of despairing, his father handled the crisis with an admirable perspective, which serves as a core example throughout the talk for efficient problem-solving.

A problem is defined as an unwelcome or harmful situation needing attention. Jain breaks down a problem into two parts: the 'declaration' (the source of trouble) and the 'consequence' (the negative feelings it brings). He then differentiates between inefficient and efficient problem solvers, explaining that both go through a similar cycle of identification, analysis, generation of solutions, planning, and implementation. The key difference lies in the level of stress experienced during this cycle.

Jain introduces his 'Figure It Out 101' hacks. The first hack is 'perspective is everything,' emphasizing focusing on solutions rather than the problem itself, as problems are solutions waiting to be found. The second hack is to 'focus on the outcome,' urging visualization of the problem being solved instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios. He encourages asking, 'How can I figure this out?' to initiate the solution process and to seek help when needed, as others might have faced similar challenges.

He recalls his father's calming reassurance after the factory fire, highlighting the courage it takes to declare 'It's going to be okay' even amidst uncertainty. This act of establishing comfort can shift the collective mindset. By applying 'Figure It Out 101,' the perception of a problem changes from unwelcome to something that needs to be dealt with and overcome. The consequence shifts from negativity to an immediate drive to 'figure it out' for every declaration. While problems may not always have pinpoint solutions, they can always be managed and handled effectively.

Jain concludes by reiterating that 'figure it out' is more than just a phrase; it's a state of mind. He encourages everyone to aspire to this mindset to better navigate life's challenges.