Problems and challenges are inevitable.
Problems are simply part of the territory business, entrepreneurship, and inventing. If you think about it, any business exists to solve the problems and challenges of its clients. As aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors, we thrive on solving others’ problems. Solving others’ problems is what we’re passionate about; after all, it’s how we make money.
But when we’re the ones stuck with a problem, we tend to forget the bright side of problems. We may see others’ problems as opportunities, but we often fail to recognize our own problems as opportunities. Consequently, we seek to extract ourselves from problems as quickly and painlessly as possible. And as a result, we often miss out on huge opportunities.
Unfortunately, we often dread problems. We avoid them like the plague. We put safeguards in place to minimize their likelihood and impact. You may not be a religious person, but when problems arise, you pray!
The way we view problems has a profound impact on us. When we see problems as negative, unwanted interruptions:
- We approach the world as though it were perfect and see problems as evil anomalies. But guess what? Problems are routine and plentiful. The anomaly is getting through a day without having to address a problem.
- We dread problems. They suck our energy. We may feel victimized. We may go into a negative downward spiral emotionally and even get depressed. This stifles creativity and momentum.
- We seek to extract ourselves from the problem as quickly as possible. Our reaction is emotional, sometimes knee-jerk, and without thought for what this problem might teach us or the opportunity it might provide. By speedily removing the problem we miss out on any hidden benefit we might have gained.
But, what if the obstacle is the way forward?
What if the emotion of seeing the obsticle is your mind blaring at you “Hey, this is important! Do it!”
Or, in the words of one Roman Emperor:
“THE IMPEDIMENT TO ACTION ADVANCES ACTION. WHAT STANDS IN THE WAY BECOMES THE WAY.”
— MARCUS AURELIUS
View Problems as Opportunities
Viewing our problems as opportunities doesn’t come naturally. It requires discipline, practice, and frequent reminders. Here are some benefits and by-products of seeing a problem as an opportunity. Every problem provides an opportunity to:
1. Tackle and conquer a new challenge. This is precisely how technology and invention progresses. So many conveniences that we take for granted today were once opportunities disguised as problems. Problems such as: how to transmit phone calls wirelessly; how to turn the power of a river into electricity; how to miniaturize computers; etc. These were all once problems that someone saw as opportunities and capitalized on them. And today, we enjoy the benefits of these problems turned opportunities.1. Tackle and conquer a new challenge. This is precisely how technology and invention progresses. So many conveniences that we take for granted today were once opportunities disguised as problems. Problems such as: how to transmit phone calls wirelessly; how to turn the power of a river into electricity; how to miniaturize computers; etc. These were all once problems that someone saw as opportunities and capitalized on them. And today, we enjoy the benefits of these problems turned opportunities.
2. Grow and learn new things. Without problems and challenges, we would stagnate. We are naturally curious beings. When something fails or doesn’t function properly, we want to know why. If we merely seek to extract ourselves from every problem, we lose. But if we see a problem for what it is—an opportunity—then we seek to fix it and usually that requires learning something new. Every time we tackle a problem, we gain new knowledge. Our horizon is expanded. Problems make us better individuals.2. Grow and learn new things. Without problems and challenges, we would stagnate. We are naturally curious beings. When something fails or doesn’t function properly, we want to know why. If we merely seek to extract ourselves from every problem, we lose. But if we see a problem for what it is—an opportunity—then we seek to fix it and usually that requires learning something new. Every time we tackle a problem, we gain new knowledge. Our horizon is expanded. Problems make us better individuals.
3. Meet new people and establish new relationships. Problems seen as opportunities bring people together. The problem we’re facing may have us stymied, but there’s someone out there who has a solution. Or, we team up with others and the synergy of our combined skills and experience can accomplish what we could not have done alone. The prospect of meeting new people and mutually benefiting from each other renders any problem a worthwhile effort. 3. Meet new people and establish new relationships. Problems seen as opportunities bring people together. The problem we’re facing may have us stymied, but there’s someone out there who has a solution. Or, we team up with others and the synergy of our combined skills and experience can accomplish what we could not have done alone. The prospect of meeting new people and mutually benefiting from each other renders any problem a worthwhile effort.
4. Maintain a positive attitude. It’s easy to be positive when all is going well. But frankly, no one is impressed by that. Being happy when all is going well – despite all the endorphins that flood your mind – doesn’t inspire anyone or instill deep respect. Instead, it’s the ability to be joyful in the middle of problems and challenges that makes a person’s integrity shine. And that kind of joy in the midst of troubles is what inspires and encourages. So, turning problems into opportunities helps us maintain a positive and joyful attitude.
5. Develop and launch a new product or service. Every problem, viewed as an opportunity, is the entrepreneur’s and inventor’s dream! For, in all likelihood, you’re not the only one experiencing this problem. And, you could be the one to solve it best—not merely for yourself, but for countless others. And isn’t that what keeps us going—the thrill of solving someone else’s problem?5. Develop and launch a new product or service. Every problem, viewed as an opportunity, is the entrepreneur’s and inventor’s dream! For, in all likelihood, you’re not the only one experiencing this problem. And, you could be the one to solve it best—not merely for yourself, but for countless others. And isn’t that what keeps us going—the thrill of solving someone else’s problem?
Seeing problems as opportunities is what makes inventing and entrepreneurship so fun, exciting, challenging and rewarding. We love to help others! And if you’re blessed with the challenge of tackling a really difficult problem, remember that every failure gets you one step closer to a solution. The bigger the problem, the greater the opportunity for reward!