The Purpose of Problems (and How to Solve Them)

Problems are inherently good because they push us beyond our current capacity–the trouble that pushes us forward

Life hands us problems all day, every day. Some are big; some are small.

Problems are inherently good because they push us beyond our current capacity. They are the force that drives us to grow and achieve–the trouble that pushes us forward. 

We as humans are constantly creating and growing because of problems that arise. In business, we can’t build a product or service unless there is a need for it somewhere. Great inventions occur out of a need observed by the inventor. 

But we rarely view problems as beneficial to us personally or our relationships or in social dynamics. We don’t see them as opportunities to grow.

Often, we stay stuck in compounding problems, with no answers in sight. Our thoughts become ineffective, and we feel angry. In personal relationships, we entrench ourselves in issues and opinions without seeing another’s point of view.

We feel impotent, unable to move past our current misery, and we begin to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress.

I’m going to show you how to use all problems to your benefit, rather than letting them drag you down.

Problems get solved by taking our attention off of the problem and by focusing on solutions.

Learning to see problems as growth opportunities, and acquiring the skills to solve them, makes all the difference. This concept applies to business, relationships, and world events.

I coach people to use the formula and practices to problem-solve, but I can summarize it here in two steps:

1. Reframe your thoughts: problems are a benevolent gift that pushes us to grow and create an even better life.
2. Take your focus off the problem to find solutions and opportunities.

Here is why people are miserable right now.

I am extremely good at problem-solving. It is what I do for a living.

However, this last year was particularly challenging for me. I focused more on problems than on how to solve them. I abandoned the usual practices that keep me feeling happy and inspired.

in·spi·ra·tion

/ˌinspəˈrāSH(ə)n/

1. the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

Doomscrolling replaced my number one secret weapon for staying in a creative mindset–turning off outside noise, getting quiet, and connecting with Truth.

Simple things to clear my mind, like taking road trips, going to concerts, and collaborating with friends, were no longer available due to lock-downs.

Likely, you’ve encountered the same thing.

But here is the good news for you and me: now is the time to recalibrate. To shift our emphasis once again to finding solutions.

Things can turn around by getting into a state of inspiration. 

For me, this includes doing fewer soul-sucking tasks and doing more fun activities. I am changing my google, and Twitter alerts to feature more artists and musicians. I am leaving the dishes in the sink longer and listening to music or reading. I am taking short road trips and eating out rather than sitting on the couch.

I am returning to silence rather than rumination. And my ability to see the bigger, happier picture is returning.

Your dissatisfaction isn’t bad; you feel it because you have grown bigger. The work now is to get into a better thinking place to see the road forward instead of the roadblocks.

Set aside thinking about what makes you miserable and do what makes you happy.

Do more things to free your mind so you can see the possibilities before you. 

The sun is returning–follow it.

How do you get into a state of inspiration? Inspire us with your ideas in the comments!

“Tami is inspiring and intuitive. She can help you discover or rediscover your passions, develop processes for channeling them, and sustain the effort to achieve your goals.”

— MARTHA BECK, PH.D., “O” MAGAZINE COLUMNIST, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR