The principle of TRIZ says find the contradiction in an implementation (be it a product or a service) and there you will find the point where the next innovation, the next break-through, can be made.

Example:

You have a van that is in its dying months and you have a large family that can’t be stranded for its daily commuting needs, so you need to get a replacement soon.

Need #1: you want to be able to walk away from opportunities so you can get the best deal.

Need #2: if the van dies sooner rather than later, you don’t want to be forced to rush into a much more expensive purchase than planned

TRIZ solution: de-couple the contradiction (“you want to be able to wait” and “you can’t afford to wait”) by buying a much lower end vehicle (that only needs to last a year) so that if your current van gives up the ghost, you can still take your time shopping for the best opportunity.

I, in fact, consciously did that, when I was inspired by a TRIZ map I got in the mail. The decoupling of my problems allowed me to wait much, much, longer than anticipated, and it protected my cash-flow and filled-up the war chest. That’s what set the stage for an awesome deal! See pic of my 15 passenger van.

Enjoy the ride!