Problem-Solver's Paradox

When Searching for Problems is Your Only Problem

TL;DR

The Problem-Solver's Paradox is a hypothesis that suggests entrepreneurs and innovators can become so focused on finding the perfect problem to solve that this search itself becomes their main issue. This leads to a cycle of perpetual problem identification without resolution. By recognizing this paradox and considering alternative strategies, such as letting problems come to you or engaging with communities, we can move towards more effective problem-solving.

Introduction

One of the most widely accepted pieces of advice in entrepreneurship is that the best way to start a business is by finding a good problem to solve. A problem well-understood is a problem half-solved, or so the saying goes. However, based on my own experiences and reflections, I’ve developed a hypothesis that there exists a paradox many problem-solvers fall into: the act of seeking out the perfect problem itself becomes the biggest problem they face. This phenomenon, which I call the Problem-Solver's Paradox, can lead to a cycle where the primary focus is on identifying problems, rather than solving them. This idea began with a post I made on Reddit, where I shared my thoughts and received feedback from the community.

The Hypothesis

Let's break down the hypothesis behind the Problem-Solver's Paradox into a few key assumptions:

• The Best Way to Start a Business is by Finding a Good Problem to Solve:

  • Entrepreneurs are often advised to identify a significant problem that needs solving. This is considered the foundation of building a successful business.

• The Best Problems to Solve are the Ones You Understand:

  • It’s easier to devise effective solutions for problems you are familiar with or have experienced yourself. Understanding the nuances and impacts of a problem is crucial.

• The Search Becomes the Problem:

  • When you dedicate extensive time and energy to finding the perfect problem, this quest itself becomes your main issue. As a result, many of the problems you identify are tangentially related to the meta-problem of problem-finding.

How the Paradox Unfolds

Based on my hypothesis, the paradox unfolds in a few stages:

• Initial Search:

  • You start by looking for a significant problem to solve, inspired by the idea that solving big problems leads to big opportunities.

• Deep Dive into Problem Identification:

  • You immerse yourself in the process, researching, analyzing, and evaluating potential problems. This phase is crucial but can become overwhelming.

• Over-Identification with Problem-Finding:

  • The search for a problem becomes your main activity. You become an expert in finding problems rather than solving them.

• Meta-Problems Emerge:

  • The problems you now identify are often related to the process of problem-finding itself, such as decision-making, prioritization, and analysis paralysis.

Potential Solutions

This is just a hypothesis, and there are no definitive solutions, but here are some ideas I’ve considered:

• Stop Searching for Problems to Solve:

  • One solution might be to stop actively searching for a problem to solve. However, this approach raises the risk of not identifying a problem at all if you’re not looking for it. While this might sound counterintuitive, it can prevent obsessive behavior.

• Let Problems Come to You:

  • Another option is to let problems come from external sources. This means interacting with or observing other people. Engaging in communities, participating in discussions, and observing everyday activities can help you identify real-world problems that need solving.

• Engage with Communities:

  • By actively participating in various communities or groups, you can gain insights into common issues and challenges faced by others. This can provide a fresh perspective and help you identify problems that are both relevant and impactful.

Conclusion

The Problem-Solver's Paradox highlights a unique dilemma faced by many entrepreneurs and innovators. Based on my own experiences and reflections, this hypothesis suggests that by constantly seeking the perfect problem to solve, we risk turning the search itself into our primary issue. Recognizing this paradox allows us to reflect on our approach and consider alternative strategies.