Rethinking Problems: The Untold Complexity

What Exactly Is a Problem?

We often assume we know what a „problem“ is, but if you try to define it, you’ll find that definitions are surprisingly rare. For centuries, philosophers and psychologists have tried to categorize and clarify what we mean by “problem,” but with mixed success. In NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a problem usually means an undesirable situation without a clear way to change it, especially when we’re uncertain about the starting point, the goal, or the path between the two.

The complexity of problems often requires creative problem-solving, a topic that leads us down intriguing paths, like the concepts proposed by Paul Watzlawick.

Watzlawick’s Philosophy: Problems as Loops

Problems = Difficulty + Wrong Solution

Watzlawick proposed a fascinating definition: a problem is essentially a difficulty complicated by an unsuitable solution. When we apply a solution that doesn’t work, it reinforces the difficulty, creating a feedback loop. The wrong solution stabilizes the problem, making it seem insurmountable. Watzlawick’s advice? Step back and question the solution itself. The wrong solution might be the reason why the difficulty turned into a problem in the first place.

Ideologies and „Unsolvable“ Problems

Watzlawick also warned about ideologies that arise when people claim to solve universal, age-old challenges—such as poverty or conflict. History shows that these grand solutions can, paradoxically, deepen the problem they seek to solve. Watzlawick’s advice here is caution: whenever someone claims to have a solution for a fundamental human dilemma, it might signal the beginning of an ideology rather than a true solution.

Creative Problem Solving: Ancient Foundations

The Renaissance Shift: From Divine to Human Creativity

The roots of problem-solving go deep. The term itself originates from Latin, meaning „to put forward,“ like a math problem posed by a teacher. Early philosophies explored these ideas, with the Greeks and even Renaissance thinkers framing creativity as a divine quality, something that made humans godlike in our ability to „create“ solutions.

During the Renaissance, creativity started to be seen as a uniquely human power. Over time, this evolved into „creative problem-solving.“ In modern problem-solving, it’s interesting to consider whether any solution can be non-creative. By definition, every genuine solution is a unique combination of past elements, so perhaps every solution is inherently creative.

Defining „Solution“: A Moving Target

What Is a Solution?

Is a solution something that fully resolves an issue, or is it merely a temporary fix? This question has divided psychologists, coaches, and philosophers alike. For instance, in NLP and other coaching fields, a solution might bring temporary relief, even if the problem resurfaces later. And then there’s the idea that a solution doesn’t necessarily mean the problem “disappears” but rather that we learn to manage it effectively.

The Human Element: Why We Need Problems

Paradoxically, while we may desire a problem-free life, we rarely find that satisfying. We live in pursuit of a seamless, frictionless existence, yet the best stories and the deepest learning come from grappling with challenges. Philosopher Keith Johnston aptly observed that the life we want to live isn’t necessarily the story we want to tell. In other words, our most memorable experiences come from overcoming the very problems we seek to avoid.

The Spiritual Angle: Problems as Catalysts for Growth

When faced with our deepest challenges—like mortality itself—spirituality often becomes a natural place to seek answers. The inevitability of death, for instance, has led to countless theories about what it means to truly solve a problem. Paul Watzlawick, Jordan Peterson, and even Silicon Valley visionaries all recognize the limits of human control and the necessity of a spiritual perspective. After all, some challenges defy a „logical“ solution.

In Buddhist philosophy, life’s inherent challenges are framed as a practice in managing suffering—a concept echoed in ancient yoga texts, where practices aim at transcending the self and attaining a state of pure awareness.

Embracing Uncertainty: The Value of Iteration and Error

Mistakes Are the Path to True Creativity

Errors and missteps are foundational in creativity, as legendary thinkers like Edward de Bono and Tony Robbins have emphasized. Each failed attempt or misjudgment adds to our knowledge, nudging us closer to a real solution. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about iterating, learning, and discovering new possibilities.

As entrepreneur Alex Hormozi wisely says, „You either win or you get a great story out of it.“ This mindset transforms every problem into a potential resource, whether we solve it or gain wisdom from the journey.

The Role of Context: Cultural Perceptions of Problems

What’s a Problem? Depends on Who You Ask

Cultural perspectives heavily influence what we view as problems. Ancient Greece, for instance, had a cult of youth, viewing aging as a negative. In other societies, age was revered, and youth was seen as immature and lacking wisdom. These cultural frames shape the kinds of problems that feel urgent or worth solving—and the solutions we’re willing to try.

In the end, a problem’s “solvability” often hinges on whether we feel seen and heard in our struggles, as Gunter Schmidt highlights. When solutions are rushed or overly simplified, people may feel their struggles were dismissed, leading them to cling to their problems even more tightly.

The Final Takeaway: Problems, Solutions, and the Journey Forward

Ultimately, problems challenge us not just to seek solutions but to expand our thinking, grow in resilience, and find meaning in the journey. As we wrestle with the unknown, we come to recognize the inherent value in both the question and the quest for answers.