Whenever a problem shows up—whether it belongs to an individual or someone close to them—the real question is not the problem itself, but how it is approached. What are the first thoughts, emotions, or actions that arise? Over time, people tend to develop habitual ways of responding, many of which feel familiar and culturally accepted.
Common Ways People Avoid or Fight Problems
Some individuals choose to avoid the problem altogether. They look away, deny its existence, and emotionally shut down. This approach is often driven by defensiveness and a deep fear of being blamed. Distraction, emotional diversion, or complete silence becomes the strategy.
Others take the opposite route and attack the problem aggressively. The moment the word “problem” appears, they respond with anger or intensity, hoping to scare it away. Over time, this reaction discourages others from raising issues at all, effectively cutting off bad news before it can be voiced.
When Analysis Becomes the Problem
Another common response is to analyse the issue endlessly. Detailed notes are made, past events are dissected, and long lists of contributing factors are compiled. The assumption is that enough data, logic, or statistics will eventually solve the issue.
Some take this a step further by psychoanalyzing the problem to exhaustion. They assume the cause lies somewhere in the past and search for a culprit, often tracing it back to family dynamics or personal history. While insight can be useful, this approach often leads to stagnation rather than progress.
Committees, Budgets, and Quick Fixes
In organizations, problems are frequently handed over to committees. The larger the group, the longer the discussions tend to last, and the more impractical the conclusions often become.
Another popular organizational response is to throw money at the problem. The belief is that sufficient funding will make the issue disappear. More often, this leads to wasted resources and creates opportunities for inefficiency or misuse.
Then there is the search for a quick, ready-made solution. Many hope that someone, somewhere, has already created a fast and simple fix. Organizations often declare that they want something quick, easy, and uncomplicated—ironically setting themselves up for repeated failure.
Treating the Problem as “Something Wrong”
Perhaps the most common approach is to treat the problem as something bad that must be eliminated. At first glance, this seems logical. A problem blocks progress, so it must be removed.
In practice, this leads people to ask, “What’s wrong?” They create lists of faults, focus on what is broken, and rush to fix each item. Once the list is completed, they assume the problem has been solved.
This approach feels productive—but it is deeply flawed.
Why This Approach Falls Short
The first issue is impatience. The urge to make the problem disappear quickly prevents careful listening and the gathering of critical information.
The second issue is narrow focus. Attention is placed only on the visible issue, without asking, “What is the problem behind the problem?” This blocks a broader systems-level understanding of what is really happening.
As a result, many solutions become nothing more than temporary patches, addressing symptoms while leaving the underlying issue untouched.
Responding Instead of Reacting
Effective problem-solving depends heavily on how a person thinks about and engages with a problem. When someone reacts emotionally rather than responding consciously, they run a high risk of solving the wrong problem.
Even excellent solutions applied to the wrong issue leave the real problem unresolved.
Problems as a Natural Part of Life
Life itself is an ongoing sequence of problems. There is no final problem and no final solution. Every solution eventually creates the conditions for the next challenge. This happens because circumstances change—and continue to change.
Accepting this reality transforms the way problems are experienced.
The Mindset of a True Problem-Solver
When individuals accept that life is a continuous flow of challenges, and that problem-solving is a natural human capability, they unlock a powerful shift in mindset. Problems are no longer threats to be eliminated but signals for learning, growth, and adaptation.
This perspective is one of the keys to staying mentally sharp, emotionally engaged, and energized—living with purpose, direction, and resilience.
Curated by Danielle Tan.
Reference:
- [Neurons] 2026 Neurons #2 IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR APPROACH by L. Michael Hall, Ph.D. Executive Director, ISNS.
