TLDR
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Optimal stress balances relaxation & seriousness. Too serious hinders creativity.
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Think unconstrained like a layman to spark ideas.
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Simplify problems to the essence.
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Decide the right level of abstraction.
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Plan scope & approach systematically.
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Do concrete actions, timebox thinking.
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Start small, practice repeatedly, understand deeply.
Why is the optimal stress level important when doing research work?
The optimal stress level is important as research work should be treated as an interesting endeavor, with mental relaxation yet serious attitude, like meeting someone you care about. Being too serious can hinder creativity and breakthroughs needed for research.
Why can being too serious hinder success in research?
Being too serious makes one avoid failures at all costs and progress incrementally. However, research breakthroughs often require bold, even seemingly foolish leaps in thinking. Therefore, some level of playfulness is essential for research.
What is “laymen thinking” useful for in research?
“Laymen thinking” refers to thinking from the desired end results and working backwards. This “outsider” thinking approach allows one to be unconstrained and jump to “idea islands”, which can then be validated systematically. It complements the expert’s linear thinking.
How does the ability to optimally simplify problems aid research?
The ability to simplify problems to the optimal level requires foresight to see the essence. This helps swiftly link related concepts to gain insights. Finding the right level of abstraction is key.
What is the key to success in research?
The key is deciding the right level of abstraction, of what to omit or include. Like deciding the next move in chess, victory lies in finding the optimal simplification to start making progress whether in attack or defense.
What preparation should be done before starting a research project?
Sufficient planning and preparation should be completed beforehand, with a clear goal and benefit identified. The scope and approach should be outlined, similar to the shaping process. This enables systematic progress.
How to counter “thinking too much” syndrome?
- Ask what concrete actions can be done today and do it well.
- Timebox thinking vs doing.
- Practice mindfulness - work on the problem not just in the problem.
How to build problem-solving abilities?
- Start with toy problems, incrementally tackle more complex ones.
- Practice repeatedly to strengthen neural connections.
- Understand then memorize - Anki helps reinforce memory.
- Link concepts and derive underlying principles.
References
Book: 像外行一样思考,像专家一样实践 by 金出武雄