problem solving

118: Got a Problem? Try These Two Problem-Solving Superpowers

20 Mar 2026 • 2 min read

Did you ever wonder why some people have a knack for problem-solving?

It's in my nature to avoid complicated approaches to solving the problems I'm confronted with.

Overthinking and delayed action can each become a nemesis standing in the way of an effective solution for your problems.

To avoid complicating this discussion, let's focus on two problem solving actions that can debug the problems you face as you age.

Your age gives you some unique problem-solving superpowers, but only by trusting them will you discover their potential

Would you agree that the freak-out level around problems diminishes somewhat as you age?

Maybe it's living as many years and gaining an amount of experience and wisdom that you can remain calmer than you did when you were younger.

Sure, you'll continue to have problems regardless of your age, but you can face them more calmly than you might have when you were younger.

A word to the wise - avoid telling someone (especially those younger than you) to "calm down" when they share their problems - that rarely ends well.

You have a more useful advantage when you model a calm approach to problem solving by:

The emphasis isn't on the "problems," it's on how you "think" about them.

A problem arises and the knee-jerk reaction is to fret over the "why" or to begin dealing with the symptoms.

A more thoughtful approach, one in which you apply your thinking skills, is to break the problem into small, solvable chunks.

Problems that loom large and continue to gain weight in your mind instead of being carefully thought-through become more overwhelming over time.

Problems are solvable one way or another - I like to say that "everything is figure-outable."

Once you start thinking differently about a problem the sharper your focus becomes on finding the root cause.

Discovered root causes increase your wisdom for avoiding a future predicament or to stop merely treating the symptoms.

Thinking IS solving!

What problem do you need to think differently about?
How will thinking about it in small, solvable-chunks enable you to get to the root cause?

And speaking of...

How accustomed are you to dealing with or treating problematic symptoms rather than getting to the root cause of a dilemma?

Symptoms are expensive to treat - they cost you time, energy, and depending on your problem, money.

Focusing on the root cause of the problem creates longterm savings relative to time, energy, and money.

In fact, your longevity relies on root cause awareness.

Symptomatic problem solving leaves the door open to future predicaments, ailments, and setbacks.

Root cause problem solving gives you room to grow, renew, heal, and achieve longevity at a more sustainable pace.

Zoom out on a nagging problem you're facing and identify the underlying problems.
Focus your problem-solution mindset on the root of a problem, not the surface level issues.
Apply some cause and effect thinking to determine what changes need to be made so you can avoid the problem in the future.

Press on...

Eddie