TRIZ
Apply problem-solving methods from Theory of Inventive Problem Solving to tackle challenges creatively and efficiently.
Explore 49 growth hacks curated for this zone. Each one comes with an actionable description you can turn into a routine, journal prompt, or automated flow with the ChatGPT API.
Hacks in this zone
Break Problems into Smaller Parts
Break down big challenges into smaller, more manageable parts. Instead of trying to fix everything, focus on one aspect at a time.
Remove Unnecessary Features
Eliminate unnecessary habits, routines, or processes that no longer serve you. Simplify and focus on what adds value.
Improve Specific Areas
Focus your energy on the areas where a small improvement will make the biggest impact. Prioritize where your time and effort will matter most.
Adjust Shapes for Better Grip
Adjust your methods to match your personal preferences. If a standard approach doesn’t work, experiment with alternatives that feel more natural to you.
Combine Functions for Better Performance
Combine similar tasks or goals for better efficiency. For example, listen to a podcast while exercising to align fitness and learning goals.
Design Multi-Functional Components
Transform parts of your life into multi-functional tools. For example, turn your commute into mindfulness practice or a learning session.
Save Space with Nested Designs
Optimize your time by nesting tasks within each other. For example, plan meals that serve multiple purposes, like using leftovers for the next day's lunch.
Use Counterweights for Stability
Counterbalance intense activities with opposite actions to maintain stability. For instance, balance high-focus work with relaxation to recharge.
Prevent Issues with Pre-Emptive Measures
Take preventive actions to avoid future problems. For example, adopt a regular exercise routine to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness.
Prepare in Advance
Prepare in advance for challenging situations. For example, plan your day the night before to ensure a smooth start.
Add Cushions for Impact Absorption
Add ‘cushions’ to your life to absorb stress and prevent damage. This could be scheduling downtime after busy periods.
Reverse Processes to Solve Problems
Reverse your typical approach to find new solutions. If you usually react impulsively, try pausing before you respond.
Use Rounded Shapes for Better Functionality
Use 'rounded' approaches to avoid abrupt changes. For example, transition gradually into a new habit instead of forcing it.
Make Parts Adjustable
Introduce flexibility into your routines. For instance, adjust your workout schedule to match your daily energy levels.
Experiment with Different Amounts
Experiment with different methods or intensities to find what works best. For example, try out various study techniques to discover the most effective one.
Utilize Vertical Space
Think in three dimensions when organizing your life. Use vertical space or multi-level organization to declutter your environment.
Improve with Vibration
Introduce movement or variation in your routines to keep them engaging. For instance, vary your workout routine to prevent boredom.
Use Regular Intervals
Implement regular cycles of work and rest to maintain energy. For example, use the Pomodoro technique to balance focus and breaks.
Keep Actions Continuous
Maintain continuous progress by building momentum. For instance, create daily habits that support your long-term goals.
Skip Unnecessary Steps
Skip unnecessary steps in your daily routines to save time and energy. For example, automate or delegate tasks that don’t require your attention.
Turn Problems into Advantages
Turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. For instance, use setbacks as learning experiences to build resilience.
Implement Feedback Loops
Incorporate feedback into your personal growth. Regularly review your progress and adjust your approach accordingly.
Use Intermediaries for Efficiency
Use intermediaries to facilitate your personal growth. For example, use a mentor to guide you through challenging decisions.
Design Self-Operating Systems
Automate or delegate tasks that don't require your direct involvement. Free up your time to focus on what matters most.
Replicate Successful Elements
Borrow and adapt successful strategies from others to enhance your own growth.
Use Disposable Parts
Use temporary or low-commitment solutions where appropriate. For instance, test a new habit with a short trial period.
Innovate with Non-Mechanical Alternatives
Replace outdated methods with modern, more efficient alternatives. For example, switch to digital note-taking instead of paper.
Power Up with Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Use fluid or adaptable approaches in your life. For example, adjust your goals based on your current situation.
Adapt with Flexible Materials
Utilize flexibility in materials, environments, or schedules. For instance, choose flexible workout routines that fit into your day.
Use Porous Filters
Incorporate elements that filter or refine your environment or habits. For example, filter out distractions to improve focus.
Indicate Status with Color Changes
Use color or other visual cues to track progress or changes. For example, use a color-coded calendar to organize your time.
Standardize Materials
Standardize your routines or tools to simplify your life. For example, use a consistent morning routine to start your day effectively.
Recycle and Recover
Recycle or repurpose resources to save time and energy. For instance, reuse parts of previous projects to build new ones.
Adjust System Settings
Adjust parameters in your personal routines to optimize performance. For example, tweak your sleep schedule to improve energy levels.
Transform with Phase Changes
Use phase transitions in your life, such as transitioning from work to rest, to enhance productivity.
Utilize Thermal Expansion
Leverage the power of heat—literal or metaphorical—to expand your possibilities. For example, use the ‘heat’ of a challenge to push yourself to grow.
Enhance with Strong Oxidants
Use 'oxidants'—positive stimuli—to accelerate progress. For instance, reward yourself for completing tasks to boost motivation.
Protect with Inert Atmospheres
Create ‘inert’ environments when you need to avoid distractions. For example, create a quiet workspace to enhance focus.
Create Composites for Better Properties
Combine different techniques or strategies to create a composite approach to personal growth.
Spot and Resolve Conflicting Requirements
Identify and address conflicting priorities in your life to find balance. For example, balance work and leisure to avoid burnout.
Frame Conflicts with 'If...Then...' Statements
Frame contradictions using 'If...Then...' statements. For example, 'If we increase the speed of production, then the quality of the product decreases.'
Evaluate Ideal vs. Actual States
Compare the ideal state of your system with its actual state to find where it falls short. For example, ideally, your machine should run 24/7 without maintenanc…
Apply Contradiction Templates
Use standard TRIZ contradiction templates like 'Technical Contradiction' and 'Physical Contradiction.' For example, 'Technical Contradiction: Increasing speed i…
Probe Requirements for Conflicts
Question each requirement to see if it introduces any contradictions. Ask questions like 'What happens if we increase this?' or 'What happens if we decrease thi…
Visualize Conflicting Elements
Create a visual representation of the conflicting elements. For example, draw a diagram showing how increasing one factor negatively impacts another.
Leverage the 40 Principles
Refer to the 40 TRIZ principles to identify and resolve contradictions. For example, look at 'Segmentation' to see if breaking down the problem helps resolve th…
Identify and Balance Trade-Offs
Identify trade-offs that might indicate a contradiction. For example, if increasing durability makes the product heavier, that’s a trade-off.
Compare with Best-in-Class Systems
Compare your system with best-in-class systems to identify contradictions. For example, see how the best systems balance speed and quality.
Apply the Contradiction Matrix
Use the TRIZ Contradiction Matrix to find principles that can resolve your specific conflict. For example, if you need to improve speed without losing quality, …