The secret to progress: Stop finding solutions and look for more problems.

“Stay positive, and focus on solutions and not the problems!” – Random Guru.

It’s garbage advice.

It’s often bad advice since we’re often solving the wrong problem. Sometimes the better way to look at it is to consider why something is a problem to begin with.

If your business has a turnover problem, reducing turnover might not be the best answer. A better problem is, “Why is turnover a problem?” Which the answer is, “Because new people make mistakes.” If you can solve the problem with why new hires still makes mistakes, you can fix the bad training. Now, it’s fine to have turnover, because your new hires all perform like seasoned reps.

Problems are always layered. If you can only see one problem, your solution is likely a mistake.

If your problem is you’re single, getting on another dating app isn’t the solution. Your problem may be that you’re not desirable to begin with.

If your problem is that it’s cold, the solution is not likely moving to another state, but instead putting on a jacket.

Always be asking about the problem, and why is that problem a problem.

Stuck in traffic? The solution is to drive aggressively. But why is the original problem a problem? Because you’re late to work and the boss will be pissed. Maybe you need a remote job (a job problem), maybe leave earlier (a time management problem), maybe use the subway (a germ phobia problem).

Focusing on the problems in this way will help you progress much better than the stereotypical advice.

What problem are you trying to solve, but more importantly, why is it a problem?