Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds in history, had a unique approach to problem-solving. He dared to think differently and break the rules. Just like us, Einstein had his own set of ingrained thought patterns and assumptions. However, he realized that these were not absolute truths but more like railroad tracks, always leading to the same familiar destinations. To discover new solutions, he understood that he had to step off these tracks and break the rules.

Einstein's most innovative period was in his 20s when he came up with revolutionary theories such as relativity. He was able to solve problems that others couldn't because he dared to challenge established norms. For instance, he questioned Isaac Newton's rule that time is absolute, leading to the groundbreaking equation E=mc2. However, as he grew older, despite having more knowledge, Einstein's innovative streak seemed to decline. He found it difficult to accept the concept of uncertainty as it went against his common sense.

The key to solving seemingly impossible problems lies in overcoming our mental barriers. It's similar to trying to win a game of tic-tac-toe - you might have to bend the rules a bit. You could take an extra turn, borrow ideas from others, redefine what success means to you, or even collaborate with others. Breaking rules might seem risky, but it can also be exhilarating. For instance, when Henry Ford refused to break his own rule regarding the Model T, he almost went bankrupt. Even Einstein confessed that his biggest mistake was his reluctance to break a rule. Therefore, by daring to break the rules that limit us, we can find solutions to our own seemingly impossible problems.