Life Lessons from Solving a Puzzle

A few weeks ago I did something I hadn’t done in quite a while—I put together a puzzle with a friend.  Although we haven’t finished it yet, the experience reminded me of how putting together a puzzle is similar to moving through life.  Here are some of the insights I gained while piecing it together.

Clarity

First, let’s normalize that putting together a puzzle, especially a 1,000-piece one with minimal detail, is not easy.  When I started trying to put this puzzle together, I was quickly reminded to reference the picture of what the puzzle is supposed to look like often.  Clarity is key.  Understanding what you want your life to look like is important. Just like a puzzle, the clearer the picture in your mind, the easier it is to find where each piece fits. Having a detailed vision helps guide your actions and decisions, making the complex process of life feel more manageable. When you know what you’re aiming for, you can more easily identify the steps you need to take to get there.

Tackling Challenges

Next, I was reminded of the value of just taking the next best step. You don’t always have to have everything figured out from the start. I really wish we had neon signs along the path of life pointing us in the right direction, but sadly that’s just not the case.  Even if your next step isn’t perfect, you’ll learn and adjust as you go. This repetitive process of trying, failing (or succeeding), and learning, helps you move closer to your goals, even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.  

Looking at a 1,000-piece puzzle can be overwhelming, much like tackling big goals or challenges in life. You must start somewhere with one piece at a time. With patience, persistence, and consistent effort, you’ll start to see progress. Each piece you place brings you closer to the bigger picture you’re aiming for.

Perseverance

This process also reinforced to me the importance of perseverance. Life often requires a lot of trial and error. Just like I had to try numerous pieces in different spots before finding the right fit, in life, we often need to keep trying until we find what works. It’s crucial not to get discouraged if your first attempt does not succeed. The right solution is out there, and with persistence, you will find it.

Collaboration

Solving the puzzle with my friend highlighted the importance of collaboration. In life, problems are often better solved collectively than in isolation. While individual effort is important, working with others can help you go further. I love the quote, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.”  Sometimes, it’s more effective to focus on who can help you solve a problem rather than trying to figure it out all by yourself.

Lastly, taking on this challenging puzzle reinforced the value of tackling difficult tasks. Challenges push us to grow and develop new skills. This puzzle has not been easy, but the effort put into solving it builds confidence to tackle even harder tasks in the future. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth is essential. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

Reflection

When was the last time you did a puzzle? If it’s been a while, consider this your sign to try one. The lessons you learn from solving a puzzle can be surprisingly applicable to life, offering a fresh perspective on handling all the things life throws your way. Taking the time to work on this puzzle reminded me of the importance of patience, persistence, and the value of collaboration. Whether it’s a puzzle or a life goal, these principles can guide you through even the most challenging situations.

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