The Problem Scale
Are we as a society shying away from problems?
On the contrary, perceived problems are an inherent part of our existence.
Different levels of “problems” define our life, energy and focus.
It is much easier to attach yourself to a tiny personal problem because to us, our individual situation seems huge in our internal mind.
But what about the significant problems that face the masses in the outside world?
The Value of Solving Problems
People who build influence and power realise they can get what they want if they help enough other people get what they want.
The wealthy lay their focus on a worthy goal to benefits others.
The ultra-wealthy people have, in some way, solved a problem that resulted in them being significantly rewarded.
Somehow they have shifted their focus to substantial problems beyond their immediate environment.
The Wealthy Paradox
Elon Musk could go and sit on a beach for the rest of his life and never worry about working again.
Most ultra-wealthy could do this, but instead, they choose to work longer and harder than any ordinary person.
Many of us think that once we get rich, we will go and sit on the beach somewhere and have no worries, but this could not be more untrue.
Rich people find fulfilment in what they do, which drives them to continue solving the world’s most significant issues.
Finding a problem that is worth having is what gives life a sense of meaning.
The Easy Trap
One of the easiest things to do is criticise someone even if you haven’t achieved or attempted to do what they have.
If you look at the ratio of haters, there seems to be a significant imbalance.
It is like watching a swarm of ants trying to bash undeterred giants with toothpicks.
The internet is crawling with these people who spend so much time trashing the people solving the problems.
I doubt that any ultra-powerful people who receive the hate pay much attention to those who spend so much time trying only to drag them down.
The reason. Well, they have more important things to worry about.
What’s The Problem?
Peoples faced with pressing issues don’t have the luxury to spend time thinking about conspiracy theories.
I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next person, but do you think that people from starving war-torn countries care about aliens.
They are busy thinking about surviving until their next meal.
It is a sign that we are genuinely a fortune people, the fact that we can spend time thinking about issues of intrigue above our basic needs. However this leads to becoming introverted and getting stuck within ourselves.
Having time to choose what you want to think about is terrific, but it can lead us far astray.
We get caught up in negative spirals and focus all our energy on certain things that are relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of existence.
Significant Struggle
How To Apply The “Better Problem” Approach
Find a big problem that seems worthy and go after it.
Set a time horizon if you can to add a sense of urgency to your meaningful goals. (it doesn’t have to be huge, but why not aim high?)
Whenever you find yourself stuck in a feedback loop in your mind, personal quarrels and injustices, see if you can actively shift to a better problem.
Currently, the fact that all my loved ones and I will inevitably die helps to rationalise my priorities.
This morbid fact helps to quickly shift my perspective to make the most out of life.
If we can collectively step back and focus on something more significant than just ourselves, don’t you think we could solve more world problems?
Finding a Greater Problem For Your Worries
Do you know any tactics for shifting your problems?
The best book I have read on the topic is Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of not giving a ****”.
If you have any ideas, references, or book recommendations on the subject, please let me know. =]