I’ve always been drawn to problem solving. Whether it’s untangling a tricky situation at work, planning a complex project or figuring out how best to structure a training session to achieve the desired outcome, there’s a certain satisfaction in resolving challenges. And yet, over time, I’ve started to notice something different happening when I’m coaching my daughters’ rugby team – a place where problem solving alone doesn’t seem to capture the full picture. Sometimes inspiration hits in the midst of doing something familiar and a solution emerges that feels effortless… even a little magical.
This is the space where problem solving meets creation. It’s where intellect and intuition overlap, and where the most impactful insights often come to life.
Problem Solving: The Intellectual Approach
Problem solving is familiar territory. It’s analytical, structured and often linear. You identify an obstacle, break it down and work out the steps to overcome it. On the pitch, this could be correcting a player’s technique or addressing a tactical gap in a game. In life or work it’s equally structured: prioritising tasks, reviewing processes or finding a workaround when things go off track.
The strength of problem solving lies in its predictability. It gives you control and direction and there’s a clear metric of success: the problem is resolved… but it also has its limits. When the mind is overactive, anxious or caught in a loop of catastrophising, even simple tasks feel like wading through mud. You can try harder, push more or think longer, yet clarity remains elusive.
Creation: Inspiration Beyond Thought
By contrast creation operates differently. It’s less about doing and more about allowing. It’s the kind of insight that arises when the mind quietens, when we stop pushing and simply notice what’s present. On the rugby pitch, this is the moment you see a player’s potential mid-drill, or intuitively adjust a session so that every player can thrive. In writing or coaching, it’s when ideas flow without effort and solutions emerge naturally.
The challenge is that creation often feels hidden beneath layers of mental clutter – our worries, habits and self-judgement. It requires letting go and creating space for insight. That doesn’t mean avoiding responsibility; it means trusting that clarity will return once the mind settles.
The Overlap: Solving Problems from Inspiration
Where the magic happens is in the overlap between problem solving and creation. This is when intellectual knowledge and intuitive insight come together. You draw on what you already know, the rules of the game, the structure of a project or your experience in a situation, while letting inspiration guide your next move.
On my world that often happens in the midst of coaching. Early on, I was anxious about judgement from other coaches who had played at higher levels. I overthought during sessions, worried about getting it wrong, and doubted my instincts. Over time I’ve learned to trust both my knowledge of the game and my ability to read the players in the moment. Now, I can give “hot feedback” in the heat of a game, and also pull a player aside for a quiet technical adjustment they can apply immediately. This blend of intellect and intuition – problem solving powered by creation – is where the real impact emerges.
It’s the same pattern in other areas of life. Recently I had to work late due to urgent personal matters. Initially my mind was in a state of catastrophising. Everything felt overwhelming and progress seemed impossible. I consciously stepped away for supper. When I returned the tasks flowed easily and I completed everything without stress. The solution wasn’t created by pushing harder; it arrived when I allowed calm to return. Doing something different gave my mind the space it needed and the clarity followed naturally.
Practical Takeaways
- Recognise the state of mind you’re in. When things feel heavy or stuck it’s often a state issue rather than a skill issue.
- Step away consciously. Allow your mind to settle by doing something completely different. Even a short break can be enough to let insight surface.
- Trust your instincts. Knowledge and experience provide a foundation, but the best solutions often arise from intuition.
- Blend intellect and intuition. Use your understanding of rules, processes or techniques while staying open to fresh insight in the moment.
- Create space for calm. Calm isn’t a reward; it’s the condition in which clarity, creativity and effective problem solving naturally emerge.
Conclusion
Problem solving and creation aren’t opposites. They complement each other. Problem solving gives structure, clarity and direction. Creation brings insight, adaptability and inspiration. The real magic happens when they meet – when you solve problems from a place of calm, presence and trust in your instincts.
Whether you’re coaching young players, writing or tackling complex work challenges, the key isn’t trying harder. It’s recognising the rhythm of thought and calm, intellect and intuition, effort and allowance. When you allow yourself to step back, trust your experience and let calm return, you’ll often find that solutions appear effortlessly. Just like magic!
Patrick Hickman 