Are you a problem-solver-first creator or vice-versa?
Just trying to articulate some first-principles thinking that’s been churning in my head, this Sunday. See if you can follow.
Most of us need to solve problems on a daily basis.
And many of us also need to come up with creative things / approaches etc. - sometimes to solve problems but also otherwise.
Now, let me draw a chart.
I think it’s not a bad idea to be aware of what gives us real joy (no. 3 in both x and y axis above).
If I reflect on the above chart, I can very clearly place myself - extreme right on the x-axis and middle of the y-axis. Just the act of creation is joyful to me. At the same time, I don’t mind solving problems too. In fact when my creations can be directly used to solve problems, that’s a win-win.
Let’s take CoreInsights (CI), as an example.
The above is a new episode btw - some good insights around communication.
Talking about CI, I simply love the act of creating / getting them created. I don’t depend on the success of this series for my joy. Would I be happy if this effort solves a problem / meets some needs too? Totally. But, I don’t have to solve any problem to feel good.
I am a “creator-first problem solver”.
But many of you reading this would be, what I’d like to call - a “problem-solver-first creator” (top of y-axis; centre of x-axis, in my chart).
You could also just be a problem-solver, where you don’t bother about creating anything at all. But then, I will argue that it is unlikely for you to be a skilled problem solver unless you “can” be somewhat creative, even when your real joy doesn’t come from creating, but from from getting to solve a problem (or being able to see some impact / outcome of what you created).
Let’s quickly take a poll here?
That’s pretty much what I wanted to write down. If this post triggers some thoughts in your head, do share with me?
See you soon and in the mean time may you get to do more of what brings you joy and less of what sucks it away!