Redefining Your Problems

Redefining Your Problems

By Steve Pavlina

By looking at a problem from multiple angles(ˈaNGɡəl), you may spot a creative solution you hadn’t considered before. But another approach is to reframe(rēˈfrām) the way you define the problem to begin with.

For example, suppose you define your problem as how to get a new job during COVID times. Within that problem definition(ˌdefəˈniSH(ə)n), you can consider many ways to solve the problem. You could work on your resume(rəˈzo͞om), look through job postings(ˈpōstiNG), fill out applications, ask around to discover unadvertised(ˌənˈadvərˌtīzd) jobs, and take plenty of other actions. But all the while you’re sticking with the original problem definition that you need to get a job. The issue with that framing is that you don’t actually need a job.

Here are some other ways to redefine the problem instead of needing a job:

You need a benefactor(ˈbenəˌfaktər).
You need a grant.
You need to start a business.
You need to learn better marketing skills.
You need a new degree.
You need to reduce expenses.
You need to declare bankruptcy(ˈbaNGkˌrəp(t)sē).
You need to start earning royalties(ˈroiəltē).
You need more confidence(ˈkänfədəns).
You need $10 million.
You need to become a monk(məNGk).
You need a better relationship partner.
You need a mastermind group.
You need a better wand(wänd).
You need to learn how to survive(sərˈvīv) and thrive(THrīv) permanently(ˈpərmənəntlē) without a job.
You need a more effective spiritual(ˈspiriCH(o͞o)əl) framework.
You need to win the lottery(ˈlädərē).
You need a mentor(ˈmenˌtôr).
You need a better relationship with reality.
You need a more creative and disciplined(ˈdisəˌplind) character.
You need to become a minimalist(ˈminəmələst).
You need to switch countries.
You need to master your emotions.

…

What is the actual problem? You get to decide.

…
https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2020/10/redefining-your-problems/