DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM THAT POTENTIALLY HAS A SOLUTION?
There's no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.
-- Betty Williams
PROBLEMS EXIST EVERYWHERE. Almost anything can be considered a problem if it keeps you from getting what you want.
But for a situation to be more than just a frustration, something that can only be tolerated, something that cannot be overcome, something that cannot be fixed, a possible solution must exist.
Do not mistake questions for problems. If necessary, restate why answering the question is important, that is, what obstacle you will overcome if you find the answer. That is the real problem…
Real (not imaginary) problems have possible real (achievable) solutions!
INTRODUCTION
The word “problem” has a long history, with its origin in the Greek language, to Latin, to French, to English. In Greek, a problem was something “thrown forward” as in a question or difficulty that needed to be overcome. Back then it also meant an “obstacle.” Later, in French it came to have the meaning of an open question. In English, although there are many similar definitions, these definitions can be summarized to mean a difficultly or something to overcome.
My problem is that the world “problem” in modern English usage has come to signify practically any situation someone does not like. My solution is to help clarify for some when maybe using a different word in the right context would be a more accurate description.
Before describing more thoroughly what a problem is, there are two related words I would like to to briefly define the meaning of :
1) Problematic: something that can cause a problem.
A set of conditions (one or many) that prohibit forward movement, whatever the activity, is by definition problematic; that is, they have a potential to become a problem.
2) Problematical: something that is questionable.
There are many things considered problematical, or worthy of questioning, complaint, or criticism. But that does not necessarily make them problems, because for one, these issues may not have solutions or have had a proper solution when they existed. Second, "things" that are problematical often refer to abstract or philosophical issues, not things that have an agreed upon solution. Ideological disputes are an example of this labeling.
Note that these two terms do not mean the same thing as a Problem.
Often used interchangeably (for problem) or confused with each other, both problematic and problematical have taken on (or over) the real meaning of the word “problem.”
The loose use of language in this case can thwart the pursuit of a solution by asserting a problem exists when it does not.
The importance of the distinction is realizing whether you are confronted with a real problem; or, something that might cause a problem; or, something that is just a question, speculation, complaint, frustration, exercise.
Let me define another word crucial to our discussion: a Solution.
Solutions remove the obstacle (problem) you face in moving forward or making progress (often towards some goal or state of being). Solutions (and hence problems) have many properties I will consider in future shorts, but for now, here is a simple working definition:
A solution is a step or series of steps (whatever those may be) that removes the obstacle faced. A solution to a problem is obtained through work, whether mental or physical. Problem solving is an activity, a process of developing steps to a new reality that helps you overcome the obstacle thrown in your way.
Furthermore, proper solutions must be obtained through some logical process, must be reproducible, verifiable, valid, correct, and accepted by more than JUST one person, or else the solution is no different than magic or superstition, faith or belief (not that these are unimportant in any way - just different ways of perceiving reality).
DISCUSSION
As I have written in earlier newsletters, if it (whatever you are facing) does not, can not, or will not (in a reasonable amount of time) have a potential solution, it is not a problem.
If it ain’t got a solution, it ain’t a problem! (poor grammar notwithstanding)
We confront many situations in life that are frustrating, that we do not like, do not seem fair, want to fix, or are mad at. That is part of the human condition. Many of these unfortunate situations do not have solutions, no matter how much we may want or wish. But, these are NOT PROBLEMS. Some things just can’t be fixed, whatever the reason. To consider them problems is a waste of mental resources.
Also, we are confronted with many questions in our lives, some answerable, some not. These questions can be anything from mundane to profound. But would most United States citizens consider a question like “What the capital of the U.S?” to be a problem? Probably (and hopefully) not! It might be a problem if you couldn’t answer that question and lost a million dollars. But the correct response (Washington D.C.) is not a solution; it is an answer.
Similarly, a complaint is NOT A PROBLEM. “I have a problem with the service at this restaurant!” is not a problem. The real problem is how to help the owner improve the service, or finding a restaurant with better service.
Mischaracterizing, mistaking, or misinterpreting situations as problems can lead to frustrations, delays, and waste of resources.
Determine for yourself what is really your problem, or if you have one at all!
RELATED QUESTIONS
IS THE PROBLEM YOU ARE FACING MORE LIKE A QUESTION, FRUSTRATION, OR COMPLAINT?
ARE YOU FACING A PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION?
IS THE PROBLEM YOU ARE FACING AN EXERCISE YOU CAN SEARCH FOR AN ANSWER TO? IS IT A QUESTION ALREADY ASKED AND ANSWERED? A PROCESS ALREADY SUCCESSFULLY PERFORMED? ARE THERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS ALREADY SOLVED? CAN SOMEONE OR SOMETHING HELP YOU FIND A SOLUTION? WHAT RESOURCES EXIST TO HELP YOU SOLVE IT?
WHAT POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS EXIST?
IS THE SOLUTION ACHEIVABLE IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WITH THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE?
CONCLUSION
I sincerely hope subscribers and new readers to Problem Solving Inc. enjoy this revised, shorter format. Please leave any suggestions or comments below on this new format or content you would like to see in upcoming editions.
Even this “short” is still not as short as I had hoped, but even more cuts will follow. I hope to have a very tight, easy to read format to present to those interested in problem solving and becoming better problem solvers that minimizes reading time while maximizing content that informs, educates, and solve problems.
Happy Problem Solving!
Evan