What’s the solution to overwhelm, poor health, and money problems?
I have no clue.
There are thousands of possible steps one could take to become more productive, more fit, and more financially stable. But these actions would depend on the person and their unique situation. What’s more, that person’s answers would change over time.
That’s because these challenges are infinite. They’re not problems to solve but instead areas to manage. They’re not games to win but instead fields to play on.
No workout would make us fit for the rest of our lives. No incredible conversation keeps a relationship strong forever. These things take upkeep.
I used to think if my business made over $10,000 in a month that I’d be set. I’ve had several $10k+ months over the past year and I’m still constantly money anxious. The stress hasn’t dissipated, it’s only leveled up as my bank account has. The fear used to be: Will I be able to afford rent next month? Now it’s: How long will I be able to keep this going before it all comes crashing down?
Making $10k was a problem to solve. It was finite. I either did it or I didn’t. The solution was to create enough value in my business that enough people paid me money in 30 days or less.
But the ambiguous feeling of “financial stability” is a battle that goes on forever. If I have a great month, I still have to show up to my sessions and I still have to type words on my keyboard. Then I do it all over again the next month.
We never arrive. But we often feel like we only need to check off a few more boxes in order to do so.
Even if we clean our room, we’ll either need to clean it again in the future or manage it in a way that it stays tidy.
In my coaching practice, I see a ton of people trying to find solutions to problems that actually need to be managed. Things like: finding a balance between work and personal life, practicing healthy habits, and making more money.
These things evolve as we evolve. What solves the problem now could get in our way in the future.
So when struggling with something, it can be helpful to ask: Is this a solving problem or a managing problem?