The Psychology of Sudoku
Life Lessons, Logic and Problem Solving
Upon surface contemplation, Sudoku does not look remotely spectacular. With a total of 81 boxes, all to be filled in with numbers 1 to 9, non-enthusiasts may find it supremely stupor-inducing. However, therein lies the psychology of Sudoku – and of life – that there is always more than meets the eye.
Visualise What is Not Immediately Apparent
"Think outside the box" may just be the best advice to solving Sudoku, even if it sounds a tad paradoxical. Sudoku conditions the mind to looking for answers that may not be immediately visible. The numbers within the box can only tell so much, but being able visualise numbers which are not in the box will go a long way. In certain IQ tests, such people are classified as Visual Mathematicians – the ones who are able to see the big picture. And that certainly helps in practically every area of life, being able to keep one’s goal in focus instead of flustered by details.
Logically Consider the Possibilites
Using logic as the key to unlocking its puzzles, Sudoku is an apt metaphor for life’s problems. For example, in a box that can be filled with a multiple choice of numbers, one must be able to reason out why a number can or cannot be used, as each number inserted into a Sudoku grid will have an effect on the next. Similarly in life, to find a solution, one must be able consider different possibilities and thoroughly analyse them in terms of feasibility and consequences.
Problem-Solving Should Not Be a Guessing Game
Some people use the "trial-and-error" method to solve Sudoku puzzles, in which they fill in a number which has a 50% chance of being correct; and if it isn't, they would backtrack and use the other option. Indeed, they reach their intended goal, but it is later rather than sooner. Parallel to life, making decisions should be an informed process, instead of a simple eeny-meeny-minie-moe, in order to avoid costly mistakes and waste precious time.
Patience and Perseverance Does Wonders
One cannot always expect to solve a Sudoku puzzle in one sitting, especially the ones classified as "diabolical". Not only does Sudoku require patience, it also teaches one the value of perseverance. Hardship will not be conquered without patience; and initial failures will only pave the way to eventual success.
Challenges Cultivate Confidence
Ask any Sudoku fan the reason for their addiction, and they’d probably tell you it’s the rush of being able to take on a challenge, and emerge victorious. Being able to solve a Sudoku puzzle may not seem like much, but it still gives a sense of achievement, and that in turn will boost one’s confidence. Once hooked, there will be an urge to constantly attempt harder puzzles – and just like in business, big risks will culminate in bigger payoffs.
Of course, there are also the studies which have shown that keeping your mind active will stave off mental illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s, and what better way to do so than with a puzzle that imparts so many valuable life lessons?
Sudoku puzzle
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