Life often feels like a complex puzzle, full of scattered pieces waiting to be connected. Drawing on Carol Dweck’s concept of fixed and growth mindsets (see an earlier post, It Wouldn’t Be the Worst Thing if you Failed Math Class), we can approach these challenges—both the responsibilities we face daily and the leisure activities we choose—with a sense of curiosity and resilience. Puzzles, in their many forms, are a good example of embracing the idea of choosing our mindset.
I have fond memories of working on jigsaw puzzles with my mom and sisters. My oldest sister is a true jigsaw puzzle master, spending hours meticulously placing pieces together to create stunning images – she often tackles 5,000-piece masterpieces.
A few years ago, during a visit to my sister in Panama, I brought along a puzzle from our older sister. We spent a delightful week working on it at my sister’s outdoor table, laughing and celebrating each piece that brought us closer to completion. We’d work at it, we’d change seats and approach it from a different direction, we’d set it aside and come back to it; it was a work in progress that delighted us piece by piece.
Recently, my husband surprised me with a 500-piece puzzle themed around rodeos—an enjoyable nod to our missed trip to Montana last summer. I was immersed, staying up late that night to fit pieces until I could fit no more. The following day, with a fresh mind, I was able to see the connections more clearly. This illustrates an essential lesson: sometimes, stepping away and returning with a renewed perspective can lead to breakthroughs.
Puzzles come in various forms: jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, logic puzzles, and more. Each type offers unique benefits, such as enhancing cognitive skills, improving problem-solving abilities, and boosting mood. Whether tackled solo or with companions, puzzles engage our minds and foster collaboration. At my old office, we kept a jigsaw puzzle in progress—a perfect opportunity to observe teamwork and different approaches to problem-solving.
Instead of viewing life as a series of problems to be solved, we can treat it as a collection of puzzles to engage with. This mindset encourages trust that, over time, the pieces will fit together in meaningful ways. By embracing challenges with curiosity and patience, we can enhance our mental agility and resilience, making the journey all the more rewarding.
If today presents you with a challenge—especially if it’s a life responsibility—approach it with the mindset of a puzzle enthusiast. Engage with the process, enjoy the connections, and trust that each piece will find its place in time.
Two Links Du Jour:
Amazing Benefits of Puzzles for Adults – Madd Capp
Facing Life’s Challenges with Curiosity, Grit and a Puzzler Mindset – Julie Masters, the influencers influencer, an expert in building trust and authority
Two Minutes Du Jour 