How To Solve Any Problem

If you can’t solve a problem, you are limited by it.

It will restrict you, or some facet of your business, simply by existing.

Can’t fix your lack of leads? Your business is limited by it.

Can’t hire the right person? Your business is limited by it.

Can’t figure out how to focus? Your productivity and results are limited by it.

Luckily, most problems are actually incredibly simply to solve - we often think they’re not because we like to think if it was so simple we would have figured it out by now - but, the solutions are often uncomfortable to implement.

And really, finding the solution to almost problems can by systemised into a series of steps.

So here’s how you can solve any problem;

• Identify and get clear on what the problem is

This may sound obvious, but you likely don’t do this.

You might think you know what the problem is, and that’s good, but sit down and really crunch the numbers, work through the data and processes and figure it out.

Get ridiculously clear on what the real problem is - after all, you can’t solve a problem if you don’t know what it is.

• Use systems thinking to figure out the cause

A lot of people go wrong with fixing problems because they mask a symptom instead of fixing the cause - it’s like going to a doctor and them giving you a pill instead of telling you to fix your sleep, nutrition and behavioural habits, sure the pill might make you feel better for a short period of time, but it’s not fixing anything.

This is also why step 1 is so important. Figure out the real problem, not what you “think” the problem is.

And then figure out the cause using systems thinking.

A system has, in its most basic form, 3 components: input → process → output

When you identify the problem, such as low energy, that’s the output.

Something is happening (an input) to create that output.

So work backwards, what would cause, in this case, low energy?

The most likely causes are poor sleep or poor nutrition.

If you have the data of what your sleep or nutrition look like, you can figure out if it’s one of these and then move to step 3. If not, you can go deeper.

Essentially, this step is you asking yourself - “what would be the input that would create the output that is my problem?”

• Figure out a solution to fix the cause

Now this one is almost impossible to systemise, every problem is unique and in turn, the solution may have to also be unique.

Luckily, solutions are normally simple.

If you have poor sleep - IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP.

Google how to do it. Watch YouTube videos. Ask someone. Buy a course. Read a book.

Once you’ve identified the problem and the cause, finding the solution is easy. The information is out there, you just have to look for it.

Of course, once you solve a problem, that solution can then be logged as a system for future reference if you fall off track and the problem, or a similar one, reoccurs.

• Implement the solution

Most problems are simple to solve but uncomfortable to implement, hence, solving a problem is almost always bottlenecked by your underlying ability to face discomfort.

Learn how to make discomfort your best friend. Do something daily to push your limits and challenge your mind. Negotiate with the discomfort and push through. This will transfer over into every area of your life.

And when you don’t want to do something, do it. That’s when it’s most important to do.

I’ve recently started running (because it makes me uncomfortable) and I just ran 10k at 5.30am in -3ºC (26.6ºF) - and man was it tough, but I’ll reap the rewards of that in every area of my life.

It really is that simple to solve problems.

It’s so simply and obvious it feels stupid.

But the problem is we don’t like to think it’s that simple because if it was, and we still haven’t solved the problem, it hits our ego.

And plus, under the stress of a problem, most people panic. They can’t think clearly and so what should be simple and obvious becomes complicated and hidden in plan sight.

Luckily, this is all (like everything) a skill. Turn those 4 steps into an SOP that you follow any time you have a problem and over time you’ll get better at solving any problem that comes your way.

And in fact, an even better thing to do is prevent problems arising in the first place.

This is, to some degree, uncontrollable, as certain factors outside your own control may impact the problems in your business - but as for the vast, vast, vast majority of problems you’ll ever face in any area of life, they’re in your control.

So how do you prevent problems?

• Track data

Feelings lie. Data doesn’t. See what data points are below benchmarks and improve them before a problem arises.

See how changing one thing, influences everything else and get ahead of the game.

• Learn how to prioritise

Most problems occur because you don’t prioritise what matters - whether that’s tasks, projects, conversations or sub-par data points.

Learn how to focus on what matters, when it matters, and you’ll stop most problems from occurring.

• Remove limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs and unoptimised mind will cause more problems in your life and business than anything else.

Believe sales is hard and bad? You’ll sabotage your sales calls and sales processes, turning that area into a problem

Believe you can’t focus? You’ll sabotage your focus and turn it into a problem.

Remove limiting beliefs, optimise your mind and you’ll expand the realm of possibilities in front of you.

— Ross

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