Solving for x…. Are you a problem solver?

I have been solving for x since I took pre-algebra in middle school; algebra was one of my favorite high school courses and certainly my favorite math class. Curious by nature, I find solving problems energizing. Sometimes solving for x is easy in real life (IRL) and often it can be too easy unless you take a step back and review all of the options. In most cases, there is more than one way to meet the challenge so remaining open to all options makes us better at our work.

I love to play golf and get out of the course whenever I can. One thing I have learned is there are many ways to approach a hole and obtain a par (ok, I am happy with a bogey, but would be happier with a birdie). In addition, there is more than one way to putt out. I always thought… well if I can just read the green correctly, it’ll go in every time. After many years, I now see that you can approach a putt differently than your opponent or golf mate and both of you can be successful.