2 Ways to Deal With Problems

Problems are a part of life. They are present in all industries, to all people, across our entire lifetimes.

We all have problems. But the clever ones among us have less of them, less frequently.

If you are encountering the same problems over and over again, there is a larger issue at play here. Either you are only addressing the symptoms of the matter at hand, or you are simply avoiding it until it reaches a boiling point.

Before that, we really have to ask: are these even problems to begin with?

Half the time, what we perceive as problems aren’t problems at all. They are more like temporary hurdles that will go away on their own.

To identify the difference, we can use the 3/3/3 framework. The 3/3/3 framework is a linear thought process that adheres to the following line of questioning:

  • Will this bother me in 3 days?
  • Will this bother me in 3 weeks?
  • Will this bother me in 3 months?

If the answer to ALL of these questions is a yes, then you indeed have a problem on your hands. If the answer is no, then you can move on without even needing to address it.

Now that you have identified a problem, it is time to deal with it in the correct manner. The ideal way to do so, in my opinion, is by following the P.O.P. framework. Similar to the 3/3/3, it adheres to three simple criteria:

Problem: What is the problem, exactly?
Options: What options can I exercise to deal with it?
Prevention: How do I prevent this problem from arising again in the future?

If followed correctly, both frameworks can offer significant benefits. At worst, it can help articulate what is lacking, which can be a catalyst for change and growth in that particular area of life. It’s a win/win.