Problems serve a purpose
It’s in our nature to avoid problems at all costs.
They’re awkward, uncomfortable, painful, and persistent.
Instead of facing them and learning from the journey, most people try to avoid their problems.
But, problems serve a purpose.
They’re the parts of life that point to meaningful solutions.
Satisfaction comes from solving these problems.
Goals are a form of problem solving.
Work is a form of solving problems for your company or other people.
Video games lead you on a quest to solve a problem.
Any meaningful journey starts with a problem and leads you on the pursuit of solving it.
Problems are what motivate us to take the next step, go to work the next day, and go on yet another date.
If we don’t have problems — we don’t have purpose.
It’s as simple as that.
Chapter 1: Identify A Problem to Solve
I’ve noticed that as I grow older (and become a real adult), two things happen:
- problems become more abundant
- problems become easier to ignore
When I fail to address one problem, another inevitably arises. And this is a dangerous cycle that can lead to an overwhelming reality.
Early in life, we’re often told what to do and how to do it. We grow accustomed to having this guidance as we continue into early adulthood. School gives us problems to solve and assignments to complete by a certain date.
Our “goals” were handed to us in the form of a high school diploma and a college degree.
Once we graduate (or if we do… where my college dropouts at?), we’re left to think for ourselves for the first time. Then, it’s up to us to become aware of problems and solve them on our own time with no assignments nor deadlines to keep us accountable.
As an adult, no one is there to tell you what to do or how to do it.
It’s a jarring reality that leaves a lot of people feeling helpless or underprepared.
We stop actively identifying problems and begin accepting them as “adulthood.” We create memes about how unfair life is instead of facing challenges as a project to overcome.
Chapter 2: Problems = The Gateway to the Flow State
When you “lose track of time,” what are you typically doing?
If I had to guess, it’s usually when solving a problem in some form or fashion:
- playing video games
- learning a new skill or hobby
- fixing something that’s broken
- in conversation with someone about a specific topic or trigger
These things allow you to enter the flow state and achieve that satisfying feeling of pure focus.
None of this would be possible without a problem at the root of it.
It feels good to solve problems. We are rewarded with messages of “mission accomplished” or “level complete.” Sometimes we receive bonuses from our employer when a deadline is hit.
We get praise and recognition when completing an assignment or degree. We throw graduation parties and add this accomplishment to our resumes.
Knowing that there is some sort of reward waiting on the other side, our motivation increases – encouraging us to keep going.
What makes video games so fun and addicting?
They provide us with a problem to solve (often times in a group setting) and a mission to complete.
We enter the flow state as a result of these things.
In working to complete the game’s challenge, we’re faced with:
- the perfect level of difficulty (we may win, we may lose)
- the opportunity to gain experience and “level up”
- the ability to think freely and experiment what works best
This is the perfect recipe for the enjoyable flow state.
If you can find ways to gamify your life, you will reap benefits that yield tangible results.
Achieving the max level is fun on a video game… but have you ever exercised consistently, looked in the mirror, and noticed a real difference?
This is the feeling we’re looking for.
Chapter 3: Solving Problems Reaps Rewards
When a problem is solved — progress is made.
When certain problems are solved, humanity advances. Sometimes in great measures.
- the invention of the light bulb
- the creation of the automobile
- the advancement of the internet
Transporting mail to far distances was a problem. The telephone and email solved it.
Horses were an unreliable form of long-distance travel. Then, the automobile was born.
Progress is the result of actively working to solve a personal problem.
If you’re able to find a unique solution to your unique problem – chances are thousands of others will benefit from this progress.
ALL problems are shared. If you struggle with something, someone else does too. Solving a “personal” problem might feel useless in the moment. But your discoveries are beneficial to every person who shares that common problem.
This is exactly why educating others with your unique solutions is necessary for humanity’s advancement.
You can be of service to others by sharing your story, documenting your journey, and providing value to those who are 1-3 steps behind you on your mission.
5-Step Process to Gamify Your Life:
- Identify a problem in your life (Choose your campaign, decide what area you want to level up)
- Research and experiment solutions to this problem (Go on a quest)
- Obtain resources, skills, and abilities along the way (Build your toolkit)
- Discover your unique way to overcome this barrier (Accomplish the mission)
- Share your experience with others who are facing a similar challenge (Develop your tribe)
Next time you encounter a problem, view it as an opportunity instead of an obstacle.
Problems aren’t to be feared, they’re to be faced – knowing progress lies on the other side.
–Eric Pfohl