What Poetry Taught Me About Problem Solving

At first glance, poetry and problem-solving may seem worlds apart. One is an art form, a dance of words and imagery, while the other is a systematic approach to finding solutions. But the more I immersed myself in poetry, the more I realized that the skills poets use to craft meaning from words are the same skills we can use to untangle complex problems.

Poetry isn’t just about beautiful language or evocative imagery; it’s about seeing the world differently, making unexpected connections, and finding clarity amidst ambiguity. And those are precisely the skills needed for effective problem-solving.

Here’s how poetry taught me to approach problems in new and unexpected ways.

1. Embracing Ambiguity and Uncertainty
Poetry thrives on ambiguity. It invites us to sit with uncertainty, to explore multiple interpretations, and to find meaning in what isn’t explicitly stated.

The Power of Multiple Meanings: In poetry, a single word or line can carry layers of meaning, each one adding depth and nuance. Rather than seeking one “right” interpretation, poets encourage us to consider all possibilities.

Applying This to Problem-Solving: When faced with a complex problem, it’s tempting to look for a quick, clear-cut solution. But poetry taught me that sometimes, the most effective approach is to embrace ambiguity and consider multiple perspectives.

Sitting With the Unknown: Instead of rushing to resolve uncertainty, poetry encourages us to linger in it, to let new connections and insights emerge organically. This practice fosters creative problem-solving, allowing solutions to arise that we might otherwise overlook.

2. Finding Patterns and Making Connections
Poetry is a study in patterns — rhythm, rhyme, structure, and imagery. A skilled poet weaves seemingly unrelated elements together, creating a cohesive whole from disparate parts.

The Art of Association: Poets are masters of metaphor, drawing connections between unrelated concepts to reveal deeper truths. A sunset becomes a symbol for loss. A river becomes a metaphor for time.

Problem-Solving Through Metaphor: In problem-solving, the ability to draw connections between unrelated ideas can lead to innovative solutions.

Instead of approaching a problem head-on, ask:

“What else is this like?”

“What does this remind me of?”

“Where have I seen a pattern like this before?”

By thinking in metaphors, we break free from conventional thinking and open ourselves to new possibilities.

3. Asking Questions, Not Seeking Answers
Poetry is as much about asking questions as it is about offering answers. A poem may end on a question, leaving the reader to grapple with unresolved emotions or ideas.

The Power of Inquiry: Instead of presenting clear, definitive answers, poets invite us to explore deeper questions. This openness fosters curiosity and introspection.

Embracing Questions in Problem-Solving: Rather than rushing to find a solution, poetry taught me to ask better questions:

“What am I not seeing here?”

“What assumptions am I making?”

“What would happen if I approached this from a completely different angle?”

By shifting the focus from answers to questions, we create space for exploration, discovery, and unexpected insights.

4. Embracing Constraints as Creative Catalysts
Poetry often operates within strict structural constraints — rhyme schemes, syllable counts, meter. Yet, rather than stifling creativity, these limitations can spark new forms of expression.

The Haiku Effect: Consider the haiku — three lines, seventeen syllables. The brevity forces the poet to distill meaning down to its essence, choosing each word with precision and intention.

Applying Constraints to Problem-Solving: When faced with a complex problem, setting intentional constraints can lead to creative breakthroughs:

Limit the number of resources or tools you can use.

Set a strict time frame for brainstorming.

Reduce the number of words in a proposal or pitch.

Constraints force us to think outside the box, to find elegant solutions within tight parameters — much like a poet crafting a sonnet or haiku.

5. Finding Beauty in Simplicity
Some of the most powerful poems are also the most simple — a handful of words that convey profound meaning in the most straightforward way possible.

Less Is More: Poetry teaches us to strip away excess, distill meaning, and focus on what truly matters.

Clarity Amid Complexity: In problem-solving, the temptation to overcomplicate can lead to confusion and overwhelm. Poetry reminds us to simplify, clarify, and get to the heart of the matter.

What is the core problem?

What is the essential message or objective?

What can be removed without losing meaning?

By eliminating the unnecessary, we create space for clarity, focus, and insight.

6. Observing the World With Fresh Eyes
Poetry invites us to look closely, to notice the overlooked, and to see the ordinary as extraordinary. A falling leaf, a flickering streetlight, a single raindrop — in poetry, every detail holds meaning.

The Poet’s Eye: A poet doesn’t just see a sunset; they see the last breath of a day, a fading ember, a memory slipping away. They look beyond the obvious, finding meaning in the mundane.

Applying This to Problem-Solving: When faced with a stubborn problem, adopt the poet’s eye:

Observe without judgment. What are you not noticing?

Shift your perspective. What would this look like through someone else’s eyes?

Slow down and reflect. What subtle patterns or connections are emerging?

By approaching problems with a sense of wonder and curiosity, we open ourselves to new angles, insights, and solutions.

What Poetry Taught Me About Problem-Solving
When I first started reading and writing poetry, I thought it was an escape from the analytical, solution-focused mindset that problem-solving requires. But the deeper I delved into poetry, the more I realized that the two were profoundly connected.

I learned that ambiguity isn’t a problem to be solved — it’s a space to be explored.

I discovered that finding connections between unrelated ideas can spark innovative solutions.

I realized that asking the right questions is often more powerful than seeking immediate answers.

I embraced the power of constraints, finding freedom within boundaries and clarity in simplicity.

And I began to see that the most profound insights often come from noticing what others overlook — the small, the subtle, the seemingly insignificant.

Poetry, it turns out, wasn’t an escape from problem-solving. It was a masterclass in how to approach problems with creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty until meaning emerged.

The Takeaway: The Poet’s Approach to Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is often framed as a logical, linear process — analyze the problem, devise a solution, implement the plan. But poetry teaches us that sometimes the most powerful solutions aren’t found through logic alone.

They’re found in the spaces between words, in the ambiguity of unanswered questions, in the unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated things.

To approach problem-solving like a poet is to:

Embrace ambiguity rather than fear it.

Look for patterns and metaphors, not just data points.

Ask questions without seeking immediate answers.

Find clarity in simplicity, not complexity.

Observe the world with fresh eyes, open to wonder and surprise.

Because sometimes, the answers we seek aren’t hiding in plain sight. They’re waiting for us to slow down, look closer, and see them through the eyes of a poet.