What Is a Problem-REALLY?

As I was learning how to solve Rubik’s Cube Puzzles, I began to think about the very nature of puzzles?

It occurred to me, that life isn’t composed of problems, it is composed of mental puzzles. We often speak of problems, but in reality there is no single definition of what a problem is.

Some definitions of problems include:

• Any situation which is unwelcome or harmful, and which needs to be dealt with and overcome.

• An inquiry into some question to which the answer is not obvious.

• Some process we have chosen to engage in that is difficult to achieve or accomplish and can be described in many different ways.

The most common words used to define a problem include; jig saw puzzle, trouble, worry, hiccup, setback, catch, predicament, stumbling block, plight, misfortune, mishap, misadventure, dilemma, quandary, headache, nightmare, snag, hitch, drawback, obstacle, hurdle, nuisance, bother, pest, irritant, thorn in one’s side/flesh, vexation, drag, pain, riddle, difficult and pain in the neck.

Of course, the concept of a problem can be observed from a number of perspectives. On a basic level, we can categorize a problem by;

• The type of problem it is;

• The cause of the problem;

• The level of difficulty required to solve the problem.

There is no one approach that is best for categorizing problems. Various problem-solving models will work best in specific situations even as many categorizing systems have been supplanted by other models or overlap with them. Nevertheless, the underlying principles remain valid — a problem is an unwelcome situation that needs to be dealt with and overcome. One thing is clear; we cannot allow a negative attitude, an attachment to short term gratification, resignation or disillusionment to interfere with the process of solving a problem.

One of my mentors often said, “To be disillusioned you must first have illusions”. Many problems arise because we project our own agendas onto the agendas of others with whom we feel a sense of rapport or connection. In the end, when we do this, we are often disappointed.

Often what we perceive to be clarity of thought is nothing more than wishful thinking.

“Every solution to every problem is simple. It’s the distance between the two where the mystery lies.” ― Derek Landy, Skulduggery Pleasant

In order to solve a problem with the least expenditure of energy, there are a number of things to keep in mind. To begin with, it is essential that one recognize that without precision, focus and timing i.e. a system, one will struggle without reason. In addition, most systems have their own critical times and resonances. The key to effectiveness in solving problems is to work with the natural timing or rhythm of a system rather than in opposition to it.

One of the basic rules of physics is that it takes more force to apply the same pressure to a wide area than to a smaller specific point. This applies to problem solving as well.

Here are some essential rules to keep in mind as you expand your problem-solving skills.

• Define the problem.

• Develop good timing skills: Timing is essential. What might not work with a particular person, place or time might work for another person, place or time? It is a valuable skill to know when a resource reaches its peak value for when it does that is the time use it.

• Be Innovative: You must search for, think of or listen to an idea. Explore it, mull it over and then transform that idea into action.

• Address the obvious first: It is always easier to pick the low hanging (obvious) fruit first. Sometimes there is no low hanging fruit. This may occur for any number of reasons. It may be too early. Patience is required — at times, it may be worthwhile to allow this fruit to grow in. As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and small initial steps are easier to implement. One basic way to define problems so that we can access the appropriate resources and skills is by exploring their level of complexity.

I generally define a problem as either a:

1. Simple challenge,

2. Caused by external obstacles (something in our surrounding environment),

3. The result of misdirected ideas and false beliefs.

Understanding the difference between these three distinctions can make all the difference in your ability to reduce unnecessary struggle in your life.

Let’s explore each of these categories.

· A Simple Challenge: This is a basic problem — a problem that can be solved by common sense or by learning a basic skill. Going to the store to buy milk or turning off a dripping faucet would be examples.

· An External Obstacle: This is some biological, genetic or physical factor that prevents one from getting from one physical or metaphorical place to another — Think of a boulder in the middle of a road. One deals with an obstacle by going over, under around or through it. If these options are not effective, we can attempt to transcend the obstacle in some innovative, creative or intuitive (non-linear) manner.

· False Beliefs: These are the source of most problems. Here an individual accepts that a statement/group of ideas is true or that something exists when it is not true or doesn’t exist. These are usually referred to as Cognitive Biases, or Logical Fallacies

An example of this is the botched 1961 U.S. invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. The best and the brightest in the government advised President Kennedy to do something that ultimately failed miserably. How did this happen? As a group, they presented ideas to the President based on misinformation, misdirected assumptions, arrogance, poor planning, biases and self-delusion. It was a plan that was destined to fail due to its “False Belief based model”, yet it was launched anyway with disastrous results. Think of three problems you have created for yourself in this same way.

A movie that explores challenges, and problems is “Oh, Lucky Man”. This 1973 comedy-drama is intended as an allegory on life in a capitalist society. During his life journey, the lead character “Travis” learns various lessons related to choices that he has made or has been forced to make. At times, it deems that he must abandon his principles in order to succeed, but unlike the other characters he meets he must retain a detached idealism that will allow him to distance himself from the evils of the world.

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The article you have just read is an excerpt from my Module on Urban Prepping in my online Course “The Self Improvement Lifestyle”. Join our Self-Improvement Community at…

Author: Lewis Harrison is the creator of the Ask Lewis Mentoring Method as well as HAGT — Harrison’s Applied Game Theory. He and is the Executive Director of the International Association of Healing Professionals an educational organization that offers programs around the world in Intentional Living. He is also Independent Scholar and a Results-Oriented Success Coach, with a passion for knowledge, personal development, self-improvement, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. You can read all of his Medium stories at [email protected].

For a decade, Lewis was the host of a humor-based Q & A talk show on NPR (National Public Radio) affiliated WIOX FM in NY.

Here is the humorous promo for that radio show…

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