Change the Focus: Find the Solution – Why Most Problems Are Closer to Solved Than You Think

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught in the habit of fixating on problems, whether at work, in our personal lives, or on broader challenges within our organizations. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a complex issue, trying to dissect it from every angle without making real progress, you’re not alone.

Here’s a shift in perspective that may surprise you: many problems aren’t actually solved by digging deeper into the problem itself, but by changing your focus—rethinking how you look at the challenge entirely. This approach, which I summarize in the motto, “Change the Focus: Find the Solution,” might seem simple, but it’s both powerful and transformative when applied thoughtfully.

Why Focusing on the Problem Might Be Keeping You from the Solution

When we focus intently on a problem, it’s natural to start viewing every detail as another layer of complexity, adding to our stress and anxiety. This tunnel vision can make solutions seem invisible, even if they’re right beside us.

In mythology, even ancient gods faced their own dilemmas. Take the Greek gods, for instance: they were powerful, yes, but they were also limited by their perspectives and often needed assistance to navigate their challenges. This idea of “lesser gods”—agents with different viewpoints and skills—offers a useful metaphor for how we, too, can benefit from a fresh perspective or a shift in focus.

In modern problem-solving, this concept can be applied in two main ways:

1. Empowering Different Perspectives: Often, the key to unlocking a solution lies in reframing the problem. Ask yourself, “If a solution existed, what would it look like?” This shifts your focus from the obstacles to potential answers.
2. Delegating with Purpose: Like the lesser gods who took on various responsibilities, empowering team members with agency can uncover new approaches to solving challenges. In practical terms, this means stepping back to allow others to apply their unique strengths.

How to Change Your Focus and Find the Solution

Here are a few techniques that you can start using today to practice shifting your focus:

1. Think in Analogies: Look for similar challenges in unrelated fields. For example, how do healthcare teams solve problems under pressure? How do engineers approach issues of scale? Analogies help pull you out of tunnel vision by revealing alternative paths to resolution.
2. Understand Motivations: When a challenge involves people—such as team conflicts or customer concerns—take a step back and ask what motivates each party involved. Often, understanding what drives others can reveal solutions that wouldn’t be apparent from a purely analytical approach.
3. Leverage Your Reticular Activating System (RAS): The RAS, a small bundle of nerves in our brainstem, acts as a filter, helping us notice relevant information once we start focusing on it. This part of the brain is why, after buying a new car, you suddenly see that same model everywhere. By mentally setting your mind on finding solutions, your brain will start bringing relevant ideas into focus.
4. Break the Pattern: When all else fails, consciously “zoom out” from the problem and return to it later. This mental break allows your subconscious mind to process the issue, often presenting a solution once you return with fresh eyes.

Finding the Solution Isn’t Magic—It’s Mindset

Some might call it magic, but it’s really just the power of mindset. When you train yourself to look beyond the problem and instead visualize a solution, your mind will naturally start noticing pathways to get there. This process might also remind us of the power of prayer or positive thinking—methods that, in a secular sense, train our brains to stay solution-oriented.

Prometheus, the mythological bringer of fire, may have given humanity the gift of enlightenment, but in reality, that same power lies within each of us. By changing your focus, you, too, can access a kind of “magic”—the ability to see solutions and possibilities that others overlook.

Start Changing Your Focus Today

The next time you face a challenge, try shifting your focus away from what’s wrong to what a solution might look like. Apply this mindset consistently, and you may be surprised at the results. As we explore new ways to overcome problems, we create better outcomes—not just for ourselves, but for our teams, our organizations, and even our communities.

Let’s connect if you’re interested in more insights on problem-solving, mindset shifts, or stories from mythology that shed light on modern challenges. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how changing focus has worked for you—or any areas where you’re seeking new perspectives.