It’s Not About the Shark: How to Solve Unsolvable Problems

Whether they’re First World problems or genuine dilemmas, brain teasers or crucial decisions to be made, success depends on strong problem-solving skills. But as it turns out, one of the main obstacles to problem solving is the way many of us approach it in the first place.

It’s Not About the Shark tackles not only some excellent techniques for refocusing your mind and approaching problems from new angles, but also explores how counterintuitive thinking is often more valuable than traditional attempts to resolve problems. Niven backs up his advice with intriguing scientific and behavioral studies that dismantle or blow apart many misconceptions regarding how individuals and groups react to different scenarios, as well as how to avoid common mistakes. Niven is also savvy enough to include numerous examples from history and pop culture to support his suggestions. (Heck, even the title cites Spielberg’s famous technical problems while filming Jaws, as well as his innovative solution.)

It’s Not About the Shark is smart, easily digestible, and definitely worth your time. Your future problems won’t stand a chance.