How Might I — The Mighty 7
A framework for solving problems creatively for self growth
After co-running a product design studio with my designer husband, I've fallen in love with the creative problem-solving process known as design thinking.
And my favorite tool under this framework? How Might We. It's nifty for solving business problems in a room full of people, but that's not what this newsletter is about.
Today, we are going to apply this to our personal life. Better call it — How Might I. After all, who has a room full of people to solve our hurdles?
Step 1 — Load up the problem
I'm talking DETAILS. "I hate my job" won't cut it. More like, "I hate my job because the work is unrewarding and my fat paycheck isn't making a real difference in the world. 😖"
Now we’re talking.
The real magic of this framework is in its 7 cues. Each cue offers a unique perspective that leads to a unique solution.
7 cues → 7 perspectives → 7 solutions
Without these cues, you're just brainstorming mindlessly.
Let's unpack each cue with a little humor, shall we?
Amp up the good
How Might I make my job more enjoyable, engaging, and fulfilling?
Solution:
Figure out which tasks are actually rewarding and find ways to do more of them. And hey, use that fat paycheck to pursue hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.
Focus on emotions
How Might I identify the underlying emotions that make me feel that the current work is not satisfying?
Solution:
Reflect on your values and passions, and consider a career change or aligning your current job with your passions.
Take it to an extreme
How Might I completely overhaul my approach to work to better align with my values and goals?
Solution:
Reevaluate your priorities and consider non-traditional career paths, like becoming a pirate or a trapeze artist.
Explore the opposite
How Might I explore what the opposite of a dissatisfying job would feel like?
Solution:
Picture the ideal job and figure out ways to align your current job with those characteristics.
Question an assumption
How Might I question the very assumption that I need a job to survive and fend for my family?
Solution: Do some research on happy and successful people without typical jobs, like Cafe owners who love to brew and smell coffee all day, Labrador puppies’ trainers with days full of Aw-s!
Create an analogy
How Might I make my job feel like a puzzle or game to be won?
Solution: Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces and treat each piece as a challenge or puzzle. And don't forget to scream "Bingo!" when you complete them.
Focus in on an element
How Might I identify specific aspects of my job that are causing dissatisfaction, and how can I improve them?
Solution:
Imagine talking to your closest buddy about your job woes and pinpointing the problems. Then, figure out ways to eliminate the party poopers, like quitting, firing your boss, or asking for a raise 😜
You can apply How Might I to work, relationships, health, and pretty much every area of life.
Give it a shot! And don't forget to laugh through it all.