Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
At a conference recently, I presented the idea that within every problem lies the solution. If we look carefully, and positively, an answer to our challenge will always appear.
In my own life, I have experienced many examples of successfully finding solutions hidden inside problems. Very often, this takes the form of observing the problem, then defining what the opposite would look like, and how it might guide us in the moment.
Famed investor Charlie Munger, the late vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, put it this way:
“I sought good judgment mostly by collecting instances of bad judgment, then pondering ways to avoid such outcomes.”
Are you facing a challenge right now? Try reframing this negative situation through a positive lens. What would that look like and can it suggest a forward pathway for you?
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Dear Lance,
This is a profound perspective. The idea that a solution is already “embedded” within the problem suggests that every clearly stated dissatisfaction already contains the blueprint of a desirable goal.
In a way, the knowledge we seek is already present in the world. We just need the right lens to make it visible.
I have often observed that the person facing the challenge is usually the one who holds the best answer.
It reminds me of the late Götz Werner, founder of the German drugstore chain dm, who used to empower his team by asking: “What are your ideas, and how are others solving this?”
By combining Munger’s “inversion” with this outward curiosity, we realize that a problem isn’t the end. It is simply a point to a solution that is already there.
Thank you for this inspiring nudge to reframe our obstacles.
This is a profound perspective.
The idea that a solution is already “embedded” within the problem suggests that every clearly stated dissatisfaction already contains the blueprint of a desirable goal.
In a way, the knowledge we seek is already present in the world, we just need the right lens to make it visible.
I have often observed that the person facing the challenge is usually the one who holds the best answer. It reminds me of the late Götz Werner, founder of the German drugstore chain dm, who used to empower his team by asking: “What are your ideas, and how are others solving this?”
By combining Munger’s “inversion” with this outward curiosity, we realize that a problem isn’t a end. It is simply a point to a solution that is already existiert there.
Thanks for this inspiring nudge to reframe our obstacles
This is a brilliant addition to my suggestion Johannes. Thank you.