A Smarter Way to Approach Problem Solving
Change is easy to talk about — but harder to embrace.
In problem-solving, it’s not about staying stuck — it’s about creating something better, step by step.
We’re wired to focus on problems, but what if the key to solving them lies in shifting our attention elsewhere? The solution-focused approach isn’t about ignoring the issue. It’s about stepping away from the noise of the problem and asking, What can we create instead?
In a world dominated by problem-solving, it's all too easy to find ourselves fixated on the challenges in front of us. Whether in the workplace, our personal lives, or even in the realm of public policy, problems often become the focal point, demanding our time, energy, and attention. This constant focus can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling stuck or as though we’re endlessly navigating obstacles rather than making progress.
Oliver Burkeman is a writer from The Guardian. In his reflections on problem-solving, he invites us to step back from this habitual mindset. Rather than continuing to get lost in the noise of the problem, he proposes a shift—one that turns the focus away from what’s wrong and instead asks, "What can we create?" This solution-focused approach doesn’t dismiss the presence of problems but encourages a more constructive way of thinking, one that opens the door to new possibilities and actionable outcomes. It’s about moving from being consumed by what’s difficult to actively creating what’s next.
True problem solving begins when we shift focus from the struggle to the solution — an act of creation, not just avoidance.
Defining "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy" and Its Applications
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) began as a form of psychotherapy, designed to achieve rapid results by shifting the focus from deep problem analysis to potential solutions. It’s not about avoiding the problem, but about moving past it. Instead of dwelling on what’s gone wrong, SFBT encourages us to ask, “What’s possible now?” A small but powerful shift that doesn’t just change how we think about problems, but how we engage with them.
Though rooted in therapy, the concept has found a place far beyond the consulting room. In business, teams often discover that by focusing on what can be done rather than what’s wrong, they generate solutions faster, with less resistance. In education, shifting the focus from barriers to progress helps students see learning as a path to move forward, not just a series of obstacles to overcome. Public policy too, when viewed through this lens, becomes less about what needs fixing and more about what can be created for the greater good.
It’s a shift that’s both subtle and profound: moving from problem-solving thinking to solution-focused creativity. The beauty of this approach isn’t just in its simplicity—it’s in its ability to carve a path forward when everything else seems stuck. The solutions we seek might not always be obvious at first, but by moving our attention away from what’s broken, we open ourselves to seeing what can be built.
The Impact of a Solution-Focused Approach on Effective Problem Solving
Research consistently supports the effectiveness of a solution-focused mindset in achieving quicker, more impactful results. In therapy, studies have shown that SFBT leads to faster improvements compared to traditional problem-focused therapies. One notable study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals who underwent solution-focused therapy reported significant improvements in just 5–8 sessions, compared to an average of 12–15 sessions with traditional problem-focused methods. This efficiency is a testament to the power of focusing on solutions rather than endlessly revisiting the root of the issue.
In the workplace, this approach has been linked to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
These findings from the American Psychological Association showcase the powerful impact of focusing on solutions, rather than getting stuck in the complexities of problem solving.
By focusing on actionable solutions, rather than getting bogged down by the problems, employees feel more empowered and motivated to contribute meaningfully to projects.
A Philosophical Take on Problem Solving
Oliver Burkeman’s approach to problem solving doesn’t just offer a practical shift—it draws deeply from philosophical thought. It’s a reminder that the way we approach problems often reflects our broader worldview. Burkeman’s emphasis on focusing on solutions rather than problems echoes the ideas of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor who developed logotherapy, a form of existential analysis. Frankl argued that finding meaning in life, even amidst suffering, is essential to our psychological resilience. Frankl famously said,
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
In many ways, SFBT encourages this very transformation—by moving from a reactive focus on what’s wrong to a proactive focus on what can be created, we change not just our situation but our perspective on it.
Similarly, Albert Einstein’s well-known quote,
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them,”
This aligns perfectly with the core of SFBT. The solution-focused approach challenges us to abandon the mindset that created the problem in the first place. It’s an invitation to break free from the cycles of over-analysis and instead embrace creative, forward-thinking solutions that offer a fresh perspective on what we’re facing.
Burkeman himself often speaks of the importance of letting go of the “problem-saturated” mindset that traps us in a perpetual loop of frustration. His writing invites readers to reconsider their relationship with difficulty, and to recognise that true problem solving is more about creating the conditions for change than simply finding answers. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and allowing new possibilities to emerge, even in the face of uncertainty.
Practical Approaches to Applying a problem-solving Mindset in the Real World
Shifting from a problem-focused to a solution-focused mindset isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s something that can be practically applied in everyday life and in the workplace. The challenge often lies in recognising that the way we approach problems directly shapes the results we get.
Recognise how mindset impacts outcomes: Take a moment to reflect on the last problem you encountered. Did you spend more time talking about the issue or brainstorming actionable solutions?
Transform meetings into problem-solving sessions: If meetings are bogged down by endless discussions, set a rule: after 10 minutes of problem talk, everyone must suggest at least one actionable step. This keeps the conversation focused on solutions rather than complaints.
Encourage ‘what’s possible now?’ thinking: When a problem arises, ask your team to think about small, immediate actions they can take. For example, instead of discussing why a project failed, ask what one task can be done today to get things back on track.
Actionable steps over abstract discussions: Break problems down into bite-sized tasks that can be solved within the next hour or day. For instance, if communication is an issue, set up a clear and simple system for updates that everyone follows immediately.
Acknowledge the problem, but shift focus: Instead of ignoring the problem, identify one thing you can do right now to address it. This could be sending an email, making a quick call, or adjusting a workflow.
Every solution begins with a single step. In the real world, applying a problem-solving mindset doesn’t mean solving everything at once. It’s about moving from one small action to the next, with purpose and clarity. (Courtesy photos from Freepik)
A Shift in Perspective
At the end of the day, it’s not just about solving problems—it’s about creating possibilities. The next time we face a challenge, we might ask ourselves, “What can I create here, rather than just fix?” This small shift in thinking can open up new paths for growth, both personally and professionally. It’s an invitation to move away from the weight of problems and towards the clarity of solutions.
At Sidestream, we’ve always believed in exploring ideas that help us approach the world with fresh perspectives. If you’re ready to start asking new questions and seeking solutions in your own life, you might find that the answers are not only within reach, but that the journey towards them can be as rewarding as the outcome itself. After all, the best solutions are often the ones we create together.
