When we see a problem, the immediate reaction is to think of a solution. That is what most of us are taught from young to do but it is actually a pretty bad idea.

Look around you. As long as there is life there has been problems. See Map 1 to your left. We erroneously believe that if we come up with successful solutions (Box 2) then our problems (Box 3) will be solved. This is what the dashed arrows from Box 2 to Box 3 represents (More of Box 2, less of Box 3). But long experience show that our problems never end and it press us to come up with even better solutions to solve new problems. This is represented by the solid arrow back from Box 3 to Box 2. So how do most of us cope?

To make sure that we are not overwhelmed with problems, most of us cope by playing it safe and taking a little risk as possible. That is, we lead lives where the dashed arrows from Box 2 to Box 3 in Map 1 is stronger than the one solid arrow returning from Box 3 to Box 2. Well, up till now, this has worked pretty well, but it would not do for an increasingly globalized, uncertain and disruptive era of little job security.

It is time we change our beliefs so that we view problems with a fresh perspective - By not looking at problems as situations that require solutions, but as our friend and as a source of opportunities.

Our current set of beliefs do not permit us to view problems as opportunities. It is almost reflex action to look for solutions when we see a problem. That is why it is a dashed arrow going from Box 1 to Box 4 to show us how our existing mindset is a serious obstacle. First, we must discard old beliefs and exchange them for new ones that allow us to see problems as opportunities. If we can do this, then the increasing problems we annot avoid can become a real source of opportunities for greater wealth and happiness. We will enjoy a virtuous cycle of turning problems into opportunities as shown in Map 2.

In his book, "The opportunity in every problem" Scott Taylor shows us how to overcome our habit of looking for a solution when faced with a problem to looking for opportunities. He presents the ten most common mistaken beliefs and how to identify and correct them. He offers these ten nuggets of wisdom as and engaging conversation between a mentor and this mentee in a field trip of ten businesses they visited and discussed.

These are the ten mistaken beliefs about problems, but you would have to read the book for the excellent examples to grasp it competely. Our existing self-defeating belief system has become so much a part of us that we are compeletely unaware of it. We need the insight that Scott Taylor has made so accessible in his book, "The opportunity in every problem" to show us the way.

The Man Who Thinks He Can The 10 Mistaken Beliefs You believe you have to solve your own problem. You believe you can't solve your problem. You misinterpret what the problem really is. You believe the solution must materialize the way you want it to. You believe that something out of your control is stopping you from finding a solution. You are trying to solve a problem that is not really a problem. You put a time limit on when you believe the problem should be solved. You believe you must give up prematurely. You believe the problem is you. You are lazy. Related Flash movies Friendly Obstacles True Freedom What is courage Return to main page