Escape Rooms Are A Remarkable Way To Be More Productive

Cover all the angles and solve problems faster

Image created by author using DALL-E

I love Sudoku. There, I said it. I’ve been addicted to that little grid for years.

A few years ago, my addiction expanded to include the Rubik’s Cube. Now I find it oddly therapeutic to solve a cube while listening to something important.

I know I’m weird. But that weirdness -the love of patterns, logic, and untangling chaos - is exactly what’s made me good at solving clients’ complex problems.

This isn’t really about me though. It’s about a unique approach I’ve come to love over the years, one that actually works. It’s efficient. And if you haven’t gathered by now, I really love efficiency.

This problem-solving method can make your work routines 100x more effective and actually help you solve problems once and for all.

So what is it? And how do you do it?

In my profession, we use a problem-solving engine called Accelerated Solution Design. It’s based on design thinking, but more structured, more dynamic, and way more fun. If you’ve ever done an escape room, the concept will feel familiar. And if you haven’t, let me break it down for you.

You're locked in a themed room with a series of interconnected puzzles. Your goal is to solve all the puzzles and "escape" before the 60-minute timer runs out.

The best teams don’t tackle puzzles randomly.

They follow a rhythm that boosts their chances of success:

• Divide—team members spread out to explore different areas and clues.

• Regroup—everyone comes back together to share discoveries and connect the dots.

• Divide again—break off to tackle the next set of puzzles.

• Regroup one more time—to solve the master puzzle using collective insight.

This simple cycle—Divide, Regroup, Repeat—turns a bunch of individuals into a high-functioning problem-solving machine.

So how do you apply this to your own work and productivity?

1. Divide → Break Down Your Work

Like exploring different puzzle stations in an escape room, start by breaking your big goal or project into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of “finish report,” think: gather data, analyze results, draft sections, format and review. This gives you clarity, direction, and bite-sized wins.

2. Regroup → Reflect and Connect

Once you’ve made progress, stop. Regroup. Take a moment to review where things stand. Ask yourself: what’s missing? What’s taking too long? What should I do next based on what I’ve learned? This isn’t just reflection for reflection’s sake. It’s strategic recalibration. And it keeps you from sprinting down the wrong path.

3. Repeat the Cycle

Go back to focused work. Then pause. Reassess. Adjust. And repeat. It’s not linear. It’s a loop. A deliberate rhythm that balances doing with thinking. This requires a mindset shift from “just power through” to “strategic loops.” Break → Work → Reflect → Adjust → Repeat. It’s more sustainable. And honestly, more satisfying.

But What If You’re a Team of One?

One of the most essential parts of this cycle is collaboration. Sharing ideas. Getting perspectives. So what do you do if you’re working solo? This is where your AI teammate comes in.

How to Use Your AI in the Divide–Regroup Loop

Think of ChatGPT (or any other AI model) as your puzzle partner. You can pull it in at every stage of your problem-solving process.

In the Divide phase, use ChatGPT to:

• clarify your goal (“Help me define what ‘complete project X’ really means”),

• break large tasks into steps (“Can you split this into phases with time estimates?”), and

• prioritize (“What should I tackle first based on effort vs. impact?”).

For example, you say “I need to write a proposal.” ChatGPT responds with something like: “Here’s a suggested breakdown: 1) Outline objectives, 2) Research background info, 3) Draft sections, 4) Edit and format.”

In the Regroup phase, use ChatGPT to:

• summarize progress (“Here’s what I’ve done. What am I missing?”),

• get unstuck (“I’m struggling with this paragraph, can you help me rewrite it?”), and

• refine your work (“How does this section flow?”).

For example, you say “Here’s a rough draft of my intro. Does it make sense?” and ChatGPT might say “It’s clear, but you might want to reorder these lines for a stronger opening.”

Think of ChatGPT as your notetaker, capturing insights and progress when you regroup. As your project manager, tracking what’s next. And as your brainstorm buddy, helping you generate ideas, explore options, and solve problems in new ways.

Final Thought

Whether you're navigating a tricky work project or trying to escape a locked room filled with puzzles, the same principle applies: don’t go in blindly. Work in loops. Divide. Regroup. Repeat.

And remember - you don’t have to do it alone. Even if your teammate is an AI.

Where could you use this feedback loop in your week?

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please let me know by clicking the 🤍 or dropping a comment below.