I have a couple of friends who make their living debugging advanced computing systems. Their ability to solve problems in everyday life, on the fly, quickly, efficiently, and to the best possible outcome is astounding.
When I brought it up, I was told it is a learned skill, and it is also perishable, which got me thinking… What do *you* do, to keep a sharp mind?
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I work as an engineer, it’s my job. It comes and goes though since the nature of my work.
The only way to continue to improve your skills is to use it every day. That can be from hobbies (cars and motorcycles) to pushing yourself to do small projects (program games, build things etc). I plan on building things as a side hobby once I get space for it.
It’s my job. I’m a software developer. When I don’t have a lot to do at work I solve Sudokus and other puzzles. It’s fun for me.
Drink. Im trying to lose it so I might fuck up hard enough to finish it all.
Some on line games will help but I like working on small engines. I buy old riding mowers, sometimes they’re given to me. I work at getting them running & usable. I then sell them to finance the next project. I’ve done it with motorcycles & older cars as well.
I am an attorney. All I do is solve problems. That plus reading plus exercise.
I solve the ultimate problems… When not busy with that maybe some puzzles or project research and planning. Always stay inquisitive and keep asking what if..
Break them into smaller pieces and systematically eliminate most likely issues
A dayjob that exercises those skills. But before I was a software engineer, I’d tinker with shit. Always trying a new Linux distribution or trying to get some open source application to work (I built a MythTV box back in teh day). Now I build stuff. I’m building a cabin on my property now. Lot’s of little construction issues to solve. How to minimize waste… stuff like that.
Video games. The entire premise of video games is “Here are the rules. Here are some tools. Here’s a problem. Solve it.”