Looking back on the past year, I realize how often I’ve rushed to solve problems without fully understanding them. In my eagerness to find solutions, I’ve sometimes skipped the crucial step of defining the problem itself. The result? Unnecessary setbacks, wasted effort, and solutions that only addressed surface-level symptoms rather than the root cause.
This reflection feels particularly relevant because, honestly, many of the prompts I share here—including this one—often seem irrelevant to me at the time. I’ll read them and think, “This doesn’t apply to me right now,” or “I’m not sure why this matters.” But I’ve learned to trust the process of revisiting these ideas methodically. Over time, I’ve seen how themes resurface, and how questions I initially dismissed end up being exactly what I need to hear.
This question—about defining problems before solving them—is one I seem to need reminding about, again and again. There was one particular challenge this year where this became painfully clear. I was working on a project that seemed to be hitting roadblock after roadblock. Instead of pausing to analyze what was really going wrong, I kept throwing new ideas at it, hoping something would stick. It wasn’t until I took a step back and asked, “What is the core issue here?” that I realized I’d been solving the wrong problem all along. That moment of clarity was both humbling and transformative.
This experience reminded me of the importance of patience and discipline in problem-solving. It’s tempting to jump straight into action, especially when the pressure is on, but taking the time to accurately define the problem can save so much time and energy in the long run. Tools like the 5 Whys1 or root cause analysis2 have since become invaluable in helping me dig deeper and uncover the true nature of the challenges I face.
As I look ahead, I want to cultivate a more deliberate approach to problem-solving. Here’s how I plan to do it:
Pause before acting: When a problem arises, resist the urge to immediately brainstorm solutions. Instead, take time to gather information, ask questions, and observe.
Ask better questions: Focus on understanding the why behind the problem, not just the what. This means engaging with stakeholders, challenging assumptions, and looking for patterns.
Test my understanding: Before committing to a solution, I’ll double-check that I’ve accurately defined the problem. Sometimes, explaining it to someone else can reveal gaps in my understanding.
Stay curious: I’ll remind myself that problems are often more complex than they appear, and that’s okay. Embracing curiosity over urgency will help me stay open to new insights.
By slowing down and focusing on the problem first, I believe I can not only solve challenges more effectively but also avoid the frustration of wasted effort.
What about you? Have you ever rushed into solving a problem only to realize you were tackling the wrong issue? How do you ensure you’re addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms?
https://www.tableau.com/analytics/what-is-root-cause-analysis
What’s with All the Prompts?
When people encounter Domo Futu for the first time, a common question arises: Why so many prompts? It’s a fair question. Our digital age has normalized spontaneous communication, often driven by gut reactions and algorithmic nudges. So, the intentional, structured use of prompts might feel like overengineering at first glance. But there’s a deeper philo…