82. Three Key Questions in Problem Solving

When tackling any problem, it's essential to consider the full scope of your actions. Here are three key questions every problem solver should answer:

  1. What problem(s) am I trying to solve?
  2. What problem(s) am I trying to prevent?
  3. What problem(s) am I creating?

You can apply these questions to anything from the email you intend to send, to the product your company sells, to your evening hobby, or even to an existential crisis you face.

The third question is often overlooked, but it’s crucial. The answer to it is never "none" or "zero". Instead, the desired answer should be along the lines of creating better problems than we currently have.