Four questions when facing real problems

When I have a real problem (we’ll talk about fake problems tomorrow), I ask myself four questions:

1. Is it permanent?
2. Is it irreversible?‬
3. Is it inescapable?‬
4. Is it unsolvable?‬

If a problem is permanent, I accept it. If it’s temporary, I wait it out.

If a problem is irreversible, I learn from it. If it’s recoverable, I correct it.

If a problem is inescapable, I work through it. If it’s avoidable, I remove it.

If a problem is unsolvable, I focus on something else. If it’s solvable, I try solutions until I find a good one or the problem goes away (the temporary / recoverable kind).

This is a useful, and especially reliable, filter for me. In my experience, the simple yes or no answer to each question grounds me when emotions start to overwhelm me. The yes or no answer and corresponding action forces me to see clearly, acknowledge what is real beyond how I feel, make a decision, and do something.

That’s how I deal with real problems. Fake problems are another story. Tomorrow.

Embrace the chase. Do the work.