It’s rare that a coaching client, at some point, doesn’t become wistful about the thought of his or her problems going away. When conversations such as this arise, the individual often describes mental picture of sitting on a couch, unburdened by responsibility, able to do whatever he wants. This is our idea of freedom.
I’m going to suggest a different, even better kind of freedom, one where life’s winners aren’t free from problems, but have the ability to choose the problems they concern themselves with.
The idea of a problem-free world, at least in this life, is never going to fly. As humans, we are wired to seek solution to the problems we encounter in our lives. We crave the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge, of making our lives and the world around us better. But in the pursuit of problem-solving, we often fail to recognize a fundamental truism: the solutions we create to solve problems inevitably give birth to a new set of problems. And so, the cycle continues. But what if, instead of viewing this cycle as a never-ending loop of frustration, we saw it as a source of inspiration and growth?
Many of us dream of a utopian world where all problems are solved, and we can sip margaritas on the beach without a care in the world. But would we really be content in such a world? How long before the bliss of problem-free living turns into a mundane existence, devoid of the challenges that keep us engaged and motivated? The truth is that problems are an integral part of the human experience. They are the fuel that drives innovation, creativity, and personal growth.
In his famous TED talk, "How Great Leaders Inspire Action," Simon Sinek introduced the concept of the Golden Circle, which is based on the principle that people don't buy what you do, but why you do it. In the context of problem-solving, we can apply this principle by asking ourselves why we are seeking to solve a particular problem. Are we driven by personal passions and interests, or are we merely trying to escape the challenges that accompany the problem? By identifying the "why" behind our problem-solving efforts, we can develop a deeper understanding of our motivations and the impact of our actions.
When we accept that there is no escaping problems, we can begin to see them as opportunities in disguise. They provide us with the chance to test our skills, learn new things, and grow as individuals. Each problem we face is an invitation to become better versions of ourselves and to make a positive impact on the world around us.
Instead of striving for a problem-free existence, we should focus on choosing problems that truly resonate with our passions and values. In doing so, we will find greater meaning and satisfaction in our problem-solving efforts. We can embrace the reality that, as humans, we are destined to grapple with problems and use that knowledge to fuel our personal growth and make a difference in the world.
So let’s not shy away from the problems that life presents us with. Let’s accept the fact that the cycle of problems and solutions is an inherent aspect of the human experience. By embracing the idea that problems are opportunities in disguise, we can choose to engage with challenges that are interesting and meaningful to us. It is in the process of solving these problems that we find our purpose, unleash our creativity, and make the most of our unique human potential.
