Start solving problems
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE #166
Do problems overwhelm you?
Or do you approach them head on, eager to come up with a solution?
Several years ago I came across the analogy that often, when life gives us a bag of instant mix concrete, we can either turn the contents of the bag into a stumbling block, or into a stepping stone.
Me? I like the stepping stone approach.
Naturally, while it’s tempting to view problems as obstacles, disruptions, or sources of stress, the question arises: why would you want to make your life harder than it already is?
The most successful individuals and organizations tend to see problems not as barriers but as opportunities.
When you adopt this mindset, the act of solving problems becomes more than a necessity—it becomes a catalyst generating personal growth, creativity, and innovation.
Here’s why your ability and willingness to solve problems plays such an essential part in your ability to thrive in today’s increasingly hectic world.
1. An ability to solve problems is fuel for personal growth
Every problem presents a chance to grow.
Whether it’s a technical issue at work or a personal challenge, each problem requires us to expand our knowledge, sharpen our skills, and develop resilience.
Our ability and willingness to solve problems builds our confidence and builds our sense of accomplishment.
Growth is not a result of comfort but of pushing through discomfort, and problem-solving is the ultimate exercise in pushing boundaries.
2. Problem solving is the heart of innovation
Innovation thrives on problem-solving.
Think about every technological breakthrough or scientific discovery that’s happened since roughly 2005—often, the discovery of a simple solution started with someone looking at a problem with an innovative eye.
When we solve problems, we’re driven to think creatively, we’re pushed to break the mold and challenge the status quo. The most successful businesses are those that focus on solving their customers’ pain points.
Uber solved the problem of inconvenient transportation, Netflix solved the problem of late fees on DVD rentals, while Zoom addressed the need for seamless virtual communication.
3. Being able to solve problems helps you build more meaningful connections
Problem-solving often requires collaboration.
When people come together to solve a problem, they form bonds, share insights, and create a sense of purpose. Whether it’s within a team, a community, or across industries, solving problems together builds trust, fosters empathy, and strengthens relationships.
It’s in these moments of collective effort that we create meaningful, lasting connections.
4. Being able to solve problems helps you unlock purpose and fulfillment
There’s a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from solving a challenging problem.
It gives life purpose and meaning.
When we solve problems that matter—whether for ourselves, others, or society—we contribute to something larger than ourselves.
This sense of contribution fuels motivation, enhances well-being, and can even lead to a more purposeful life.
5. The better you are at solving problems, the more resilient you become
Problems can be overwhelming, but every solution reinforces resilience.
Facing and solving problems teaches us to remain calm under pressure, approach issues with a solution-oriented mindset, and embrace uncertainty as a natural part of life.
A resilient mindset doesn’t avoid problems but sees them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Every problem has within it the seed of change,
Solving problems is an invaluable skill that touches every aspect of life.
Problem solving drives personal and professional growth, fuels innovation, builds relationships, and instills purpose.
Instead of fearing problems, we need to embrace them; we need to hunt them down and welcome them as the opportunities to test our limits, unleash creativity, and contribute to a better world that they truly are.
As content creators, entrepreneurs, or simply as individuals navigating life, embracing the mindset of a problem-solver transforms challenges into stepping stones, leading not just to success, but to a richer, more fulfilling life.
When we encounter problems and hardships takes just as much energy to throw up our hands in horror as it does to ask ourselves what the situation can teach us about self reliance.
Often, the way we unlock our next breakthrough can be a simple as looking at the problems we encounter in a new way.
So, in the weeks and months ahead, challenge yourself to see the solutions within every problem you encounter. While you may not solve every issue that comes your way, you might make progress in other ways that may not have presented themselves to you before.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Forget about the numbers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.