Solve real problems

James Clear says: “For each headache you face, ask yourself: Is this mostly real or mostly imagined? Solve the real problems, release the imaginary ones.”

Solve real problems. Sounds easy but our perceptions, beliefs and the culture of immediacy can blind us to what are the real problems.

I think problems boil down to things we do or have. What we do or don’t do. What we have or don’t have.

Here's four questions you can ask to help you uncover the real problem:

1. What are we doing that we don't want?

"We are allowing raw sewerage to leach into the stormwater drainage system every time it rains."

2. What can't we do that we want to?

"We can't produce enough products to meet forecast demand on time."

3. What do we have that we don't want?

"We have more stock than we need."

4. What don't we have that we want?

"We don't have enough customers to sustain our growth."

To work out why the problem is happening as "Why?" five times. This leads you to understand the real cause(s) of the problem.

To work out why it matters ask "So What?" five times. This leads you to the real reason(s) the problem needs to be solved.

The right questions provide clarity to solve real problems.