Have you ever been in a situation where you can’t complete a jigsaw puzzle? Perhaps you were stumped. Or maybe the situation didn’t offer enough time to finish. Well, honestly it happens to all of us at some point in our puzzling career. Myself included. Let me be the first to tell you that if you can’t complete a jigsaw puzzle, it’s OK. I just wish someone would have told me this when I was struggling.
It’s OK When You Can’t Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle
Struggling after you realize you can’t complete a jigsaw puzzle can be frustrating, but there are several things you can try to overcome the challenge. Before you do anything, I suggest you take a deep breath. It’s going to be alright. As I’ve learned over time, things happen for a reason so maybe it didn’t work for you right away, that’s OK, all you need to do is try again.
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Consider Taking a Break
Yes, even if you haven’t finished the jigsaw puzzle, take a Break. Sometimes stepping away from the puzzle for a while can help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective when you come back to it later.
Sort Pieces and Organize Instead of Solving the Jigsaw Puzzle
Sort Pieces to distract yourself on solving and focus on looking at the jigsaw pieces at hand. Organize the pieces into different groups based on color, pattern, or edge pieces. This can make it easier to identify where each piece belongs and streamline the puzzle-solving process and help when you can’t complete a jigsaw puzzle immediately.
Focus on Sections of the Jigsaw Puzzle
Instead of trying to tackle the entire puzzle at once, focus on completing smaller sections or areas. Start with the edges or identifiable sections within the puzzle image. Or maybe a colorful location to give yourself a boost.
Refer to the Jigsaw Puzzle Picture
When you’re stumped, you need to use all the tools around you, including the jigsaw puzzle box. Use the image on the box or a reference image if available to guide your progress. Pay close attention to details, colors, and patterns to help match pieces to their correct locations.
Try Different Approaches to Completing the Jigsaw Puzzle
Experiment with different puzzle-solving techniques, such as working from the outside in, sorting pieces by shape, or focusing on a specific color or pattern. This will help you stop focusing on the problem and look at the puzzle differently.
Work Collaboratively with a Friend
If you’re working on the puzzle with others, collaborate and share ideas and strategies. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot connections or patterns that you might have missed. A friend, family member or even a spouse will help you get on your way!
Use Jigsaw Puzzle Tools and Aids
Consider using tools such as magnifying glasses, puzzle roll-up mats, or puzzle boards with sorting trays to help you organize and manipulate pieces more effectively. We all have different tools, but whatever you have, it’s going to help you move past the moment. Even if you need to practice and use tools to understand the combination of puzzle pieces, it’s worth the lesson.
Stay Patient and Persistent
Remember that completing a jigsaw puzzle takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow, and celebrate small victories along the way. The reason you want to move forward is you don’t want to be the only one who can’t complete a jigsaw puzzle, so take a break and try again.
Consider Disassembling and Restarting
If you’re still struggling to make progress, it’s okay to disassemble the puzzle and start again from the beginning. Sometimes starting fresh can lead to a better outcome.
Playing Jigsaw Puzzles is All About the Journey
Remember that the journey of completing a jigsaw puzzle is just as rewarding as the final outcome. Find puzzles you want to solve and tackle those jigsaw pieces as you need to do. Enjoy the process, embrace the challenge, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
