PUZZLE
Prompt - Puzzle : Write about putting together the pieces of puzzles
What is a puzzle? The first line of the relevant Wikipedia entry says "a game, problem, or toy that tests a person's ingenuity or knowledge". And today's prompt says "the pieces of a puzzle". Does that necessarily imply physical pieces, like a jigsaw? Or could it also include the likes of crosswords or sudoku, where the 'pieces' are written down? And if 'problem' is extended further, how about building flatpack furniture? Most people who have tried a wardrobe from some cartoonish diagrams would consider it as fiendish a puzzle as the most difficult of jigsaws or crosswords.
Whichever one of these definitions you might wish to choose, they all have one thing in common. Solving them requires similar approaches. Understand what it is you are trying to achieve. Develop a strategy, which may or may not include a set of instructions, understand and identify what the component parts are. Follow an ordered and logical path in undertaking and completing the puzzle.
That works in slightly different ways for different variations. If you're following IKEA's wee pictorials it's best to go through the construction in the order they suggest. But if the puzzle is a crossword then you might have your own method. My preferred approach is to go through all the across clues, followed by the downs, and fill in any really obvious answers to give me some starting points to follow up. Others might prefer to tackle it one clue at a time. The best approach is the one that works for you, unless it's a wardrobe when you're better off following the order proscribed.
And the same approaches also transfer into the workplace. Drawing up plans is like solving a puzzle, trying to fit all the pieces together into a logical progression that uses resources and time effectively, while aiming towards a final goal. Solving puzzle isn't always fun.
Mind you, sometimes i think it's a shame that life doesn't come with an IKEA booklet...
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