Jigsaw Puzzles Were Part of Childhood

When I was a kid, assembling jigsaw puzzles were a big part of my playtime. I started out with big puzzle pieces and as I got older advanced to the small pieces. You know the ones with the 1,000 pieces and more. It was my dad who introduced me. Jigsaw puzzles  and board games  were  played regularly in my household. We would sit  at the table for hours working on them. We would use large pieces of cardboard  to keep the pieces together as we assemble the puzzle. While the loose pieces would safely stay in the box.

Today, I don’t work on jigsaw puzzles any more but they taught me a lot about life  and even more about writing.  Listed below are  some interesting similarities.

1. Assembling a jigsaw puzzle requires one piece at a time.

When I tackle a writing project I do it one step at a time. Writing an outline, doing the research, coming up with a catchy headline and on and on all require  organization and concentration. Well, at least for me. I mean I have juggled more than one writing assignment  but withing those assignments I focused on one piece of it at a time.

2. Assemble boarders first.

When I  jump into my writing I think broad then noodle the idea down. Also, borders  reflect boundaries and  structure. Creating boundaries help me with staying on track and being focus. It can be easy  to start off with one idea and then the next thing you are Alice going down the rabbit hole. Sometimes it is nice to let my mind wander, letting those creative juices flow  but once  I get the idea I need to pay attention to complete the writing assignment.

3. Try new things and don’t be rigid.

When assembling a jigsaw puzzle you have to make several attempts  with various pieces. If one doesn’t fit try another piece. There were times I was  too loyal to a writing idea, holding on for dear life. Everything around me is telling me to stop and try something else. I have to listen  and do  what my intuition says. I will keep the idea for future but move on to something new. This helps save time and mental exertion. When I let go I am energized to move in that new direction.

4.  Every piece is important.

You need all the pieces of the puzzle to finish it. This means every piece is critical and has its place. So it is with the writing process. The creative brainstorming, the topical research, the editing  and of course the actual writing. All these pieces  are valuable when writing  and can’t be left out.

5. Know what the end result looks like.

The front of any jigsaw puzzle box displays the finished work. You know  from the very beginning what the puzzle will look like after completion. As with writing I know what my assignment  is from the beginning. I know the number of words, the topic  and the expectations  from my client. All of that is ironed out in advance.

6. Pace yourself and be patient.

Working on a jigsaw puzzle takes time and attention. The more the pieces  the more the time. As with writing the bigger the assignment the more  the time. So, I don’t procrastinate rather I pace myself. Doing a little each day. This ensures a quality  product as a result.

7. Persevere to the end.

After the boarder is complete the real works starts with the inside pieces. It takes several attempts with  jigsaw pieces to find the correct fit. Perseverance and patience is the key. Even  taking a break, refresh yourself and come back. This tends to show up in crafting my headline or title. Many times I hit a brick wall and had to start over again. However, persevering  has resulted in some wonderful article and/or blog headlines I have been proud to write.

8. Visualize the completed picture.

Although you have the top of the jigsaw puzzle to see the end result, you still have to go a step farther. You got to visualize it in your mind and keep that image there the whole time you are assembling the puzzle. Forgetting and the work will become harder. You got to keep looking at the picture  to stay motivated and imagining the end result. Much like writing, visualize the completed article or post in your mind. What is the target or goal? How will it look in the end? Even what graphics, photos or images  will go along with the written words. What headline you will use. It is not just the physical writing but mental imagining.

9. Shut out negative talk and challenge yourself.

Ever tackled a large piece jigsaw puzzle? The 1,000 pieces or more? It can be overwhelming if it is your first time. People might discourage you  or your own negative thoughts might get in the way. But don’t listen and do it anyway. . . I have had to challenge and stretch my writing in order to get to the next level. Staying in the same spot will not produce growth.

10. Pay attention to details.

Jigsaw puzzle pieces are various shapes. Some are straight on one side while curvy on others. At first glance some pieces look identical but after closer inspection  you see the differences. These  differences  are what makes the pieces fit perfectly in their designated slots. So it is with writing. Pay  attention  not just to the writing process, but the specific words used. There are words  spelled  similar but have different meanings. Or words that sound the same  but don’t mean the same thing. Look closely when editing. Over the years I have improved my relationships with editors because I took the time to carefully comb over  my work before submission.

11. Got to use your hands.

Assembling a jigsaw puzzle  typically takes  a lot of hand work. Holding a piece, filling its shape and size and then pressing it into place all take finger and hand movements. So, does writing. I use a mechanical keyboard  which is better for writers because the keys spring back and apply less stress on the fingers. I also wear a wrist guard to protect from carpal tunnel. Lastly, I do wrist, finger and hand exercises regularly to build strength and flexibility.

12. a feeling of accomplishment.

After persevering and working hard on a jigsaw puzzle  there is a feeling of euphoria. That sense of pride. You have a tangible object of your handy work. It is a wonderful sensation. Just like writing an article or blog post, I have that same feeling. Particularly, if it was  challenging to craft.

13. Assembling jigsaw puzzles stimulates the brain.

As you work on a puzzle parts of the brain and mind  are opened. You  use creative and problem solving skills along with boosting short term memory. The fact National Puzzle Day  is on Jan. 29   was my excuse to write this post. If you love a good brain teaser  or like solving riddles  and word games, celebrate this national day.