Problem oriented Mindset
Often this mindset can be quite helpful to playback things that have happened in the past, so to grab experience and patterns that’d help you to then switch to a Solution oriented mindset and get things done. But if the inherent quality of yourself is lack of change or actions, then that step will often be untaken, creating a loop of dwelling in problems without solving any of them.
And that by compounding only creates more and more problems to the pile, where instead of looking to solve them, one can end up covering them with a blanket and trying to act like they don’t exists, since that on itself is also a solution, a fragile and quite temporary solution that never works in the long run.
Focus: What’s wrong
Core question: Why is this happening to me? Everything is wrong!
Characteristics
- Dwells on causes, blame and limitations
- Replays the issue repeatedly
- Emphasizes obstacles and risks
- Often emotionally driven (frustration, fear, stress)
Typical language
- This is a mess
- We don’t have enough time/money/resources
- This always goes wrong
- Who caused this?
- I’m right, you’re wrong
Effects
- Slower progress
- Reduced creativity
- Lower morale
- Can lead to paralysis or burnout
When it’s useful
- Diagnosing root causes
- Understanding context
- Preventing future mistakes
(But only briefly, staying here too long is costly)
Solution oriented Mindset
When the mind is thinking in solutions, dwelling on the problems becomes quite redundant and counter-intuitive, because they no longer matter as they’re in the past. What’s important is the future and finding solutions to said problems, which requires movement in the direction of action, rather than deliberation. Time for thinking is over, it’s time for action.
Focus: What can be done
Core question: What’s the next best step? How does this get solved?
Characteristics
- Action-focused and forward-looking
- Sees constraints as design parameters
- Encourages experimentation
- Emotionally regulated and pragmatic
Typical language
- What options do we have?
- What’s within our control?
- What would success look like?
- What can we try now with the options we have?
Effects
- Faster decision-making
- Higher creativity
- Increased ownership and confidence
- Momentum and learning
When it’s useful
- Problem-solving
- Leadership and teamwork
- Innovation and growth
- Crisis situations
Often you can fall into the trap of uncertainty if the solutions are good enough, without even being able to change or add to them any further. In such states it’s best to just go ahead and stop delaying (slacking). Yes, there will always be something better, but real insights and learning, as well as results, they come from trial and error. The more solutions you put in effect, the further ahead you will trek.
| Problem oriented | Solution oriented | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Past | Present → Future |
| Attention | Obstacles | Opportunities |
| Energy | Draining | Invigorating |
| Control | External | Internal |
| Outcome | Stagnation | Progress |
Changing Mindsets
Transiting from a problem-orientated to solution-orientated mindset isn’t something you can do instantly, as once the brain is set on a path, it likes to keep going in that direction and stay in that state.
Fortunately, it’s very easy to make the jump, although it does take some activation energy. A short break, some exercise or a walk can help.
Seeking entertainment, like watching media, doesn’t work so well, since all it does is switches the brain’s focus from one thing to another. You have to break the flow of the first mindset and reset yourself to allow your brain in the right position to the other.
The idea is to do something physical that allows the brain to be neutral, unfocused and meditative. Trying to switch in real time is the path to frustration and madness, as the brain will resist you instinctively, causing a cascade of dissonance.
