When we are solving problems, we often tend to fall back on solutions that have worked in the past. In many cases, this is a useful approach that allows us to quickly come up with answers. In some instances this strategy can make it difficult to think of new ways of solving problems.

These mental sets can sometimes lead to rigid thinking and can create difficulties in the problem-solving process. While in many cases we can use our past experiences to help solve the issues we face, it can make it difficult to see novel or creative ways of fixing current problems.

For example:  Your vacuum cleaner has stopped working. When it has stopped working in the past, a broken belt was the culprit. Since experience has taught you that the belt is a common issue, you replace the belt, but this time the vacuum continues to malfunction. You ask a friend to come to look at the vacuum and he discovers that one of the hose attachments was not connected, causing the vacuum to lose suction. Because of your mental set, you failed to notice an obvious solution to the problem.