For Any Problem Have Three Potential Solutions

Shoutout to David Lee , a friend of mine who first brought my awareness to this idea and since then I’ve been exposed to it in different forms many times since.

When we encounter a problem we typically want to solve it as fast as possible. If it’s a problem that means that it’s creating some form of discomfort, and we’re extremely motivated to alleviate it as quickly. However, if we go too fast we may implement a solution that only lasts temporarily and creates a recurring problem.

So the advice is to find at least 3 different solutions to a problem before taking action on it. Yes, this extends the amount of time you’re in immediate discomfort, but it allows you to arrive at a better path forward to more adequately address the problem. The pause to find different perspectives allows you to be more intentional about the future you’re choosing, with all implications considered, rather than take action in a way that is appealing in the short-term.

The way to see things through different perspectives is to ask different questions about it. For example, if you reflect on a certain situation by asking the question “How is what’s happening actually the very best thing that could be happening right now?”, you’re going to get some really optimistic ideas.?

To really make this point clear, consider the difference between these two questions: “What do I want to do about this that is the best decision in the long-term?" and “What do I want to do about this that solves this problem the fastest?”

Tony Robbins says “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask.” Unsurprisingly, it was a Tony Robbins suggestion to try to find 3 solutions to a problem before moving forward with any of them.

So the next time you find yourself trying to solve a problem - whether it be in your personal life, at work, in relationship with someone else, or wherever it might be - think about the different perspectives you can employ to arrive at three unique solutions, and make your best decision from there.