Now We Got Problems
The way we think you get peace is by resolving all your external problems, but there are unlimited external problems. So, the only way to actually get peace is on the inside by giving up this idea of problems.
Naval Ravikant
In the words of the modern philosopher Roseanne Roseannadanna, “It’s always something — if it ain’t one thing it’s another.”
There is no end to problems.
As soon as we solve one, we become aware of another.
And with every new problem we add to our stress.
We fantasize about solving all our problems so we can have peace.
But there is no such thing as a solution. There are only tradeoffs.
We replace one problem with another.
But this does not need to be a cause for frustration and despair — because problems don’t exist either.
Just because something goes wrong doesn’t mean that it is a problem.
When we label something as a problem, we are telling ourselves that reality shouldn’t be that way. And we take on the responsibility to change reality.
It is the way we are thinking about what happens that makes it a problem.
Is a snowstorm a problem?
It all depends on our perspective.
If you are a child, it could mean that you have a day off from school and can go sledding.
If you are a parent, it could mean that you have to figure out how to get to work and what to do about your child being off from school.
Circumstances don’t create problems. Our minds see those circumstances as problems.
We can reframe problems as opportunities.
A problem is an opportunity for creativity.
We can ask ourselves:
“How can I change my perspective and see this as not a problem?”
“What options do I have that I’ve never noticed or never tried?”
“How could I benefit from this problem?”
A problem is an opportunity for innovation.
All inventions start with a problem.
Products and services are created to respond to problems.
A problem is an opportunity to strengthen relationships.
It gives us a chance to demonstrate to a client our commitment to their success.
It also gives us a chance to bond with family members and friends who shared the challenging situation with us.
Problems exist only in our response to reality.
Any problem that can be solved with money is not a problem.
Any problem that is beyond our control is not a problem we need to worry about. It is a reality that we should accept.
We need problems to challenge us. We even seek them out for entertainment: brain teasers, escape rooms, mystery movies.
It’s all a matter of perspective.
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