There’s a phenomenon in psychology called anchors. An anchor is usually the thing you think most often of, when presented with a stimulus.
For example, if I ask you to think of a tool, your first thought is probably of a hammer. If I ask you to think of a color, you’ll probably think of red or blue. These are solutions to problems that you’ve solved for and thought so much over your life that they now represent the actual problem.
In the same theme, when you’re presented with a new problem, your first instinct will be to try and use an existing solution.
This is why your first idea for a solution is probably not the best one. It’s just one that you know best.
To avoid falling into this trap, you’ll need to spend more time thinking about the problem. Then come up with two more solutions. Now you’ve got three choices to present.
The takeaway
To resolve a problem, always think of three solutions. Otherwise you risk recycling a previous solution. After all, if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.