Embracing Problem-Solving as an Entrepreneur:
A Personal Reflection

Introduction

Hello, fellow entrepreneurs and aspiring business mavens! Today, I want to dive into a critical facet of entrepreneurship that often goes overlooked: problem-solving. As someone with a mix of personal passion and professional dedication to entrepreneurship, I believe that the ability to navigate and overcome obstacles is a foundational trait for any successful entrepreneur.

The Trip that Sparked a Revelation

Recently, I returned from a splendid October half-term holiday with my family on the beautiful island of Malta. Despite the relaxation and quality time with loved ones, I faced my share of business hiccoughs while I was away. Managing these issues underscored the inseparable nature of my personal enthusiasms and my professional commitments. Entrepreneurship isn’t a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifestyle, a marriage of passions. But even knowing this doesn’t make it any simpler to juggle crises while on vacation.

From Chaos to Clarity

Upon my return, I was bombarded with a heap of problems, turning my schedule into a chaotic scramble. Crisis mode was inevitable. I had a crucial strategy meeting with one of my co-founders, and the air was thick with stress and negativity—emotions running high as we delved into problem after problem. During this tense session, I paused and reminded everyone of a fundamental truth: every problem harbours an opportunity. Business is essentially an exercise in problem-solving. The more efficiently we tackle our issues, the quicker and more sustainably we achieve success.

Shifting the Narrative

With this mindset shift, our meeting transformed dramatically. The negative energy dissipated as we switched our approach from reactive to proactive problem-solving. Despite the initial chaos, we walked away from that meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. We had a roadmap for addressing our current challenges and even unearthed some innovative ideas for future improvements.

Lessons from the Diary

Reflecting on this experience, I want to share some key takeaways from my personal diary. Problems are not setbacks; they are opportunities for growth and improvement. This perspective is essential, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Problems are omnipresent and perpetual. They morph and evolve, but they never vanish. So, how we view and tackle these challenges determines our path to success.

Two Approaches to Problems

We can view problems in two lights. One—let’s call it the 'dark perspective'—sees problems as insurmountable obstacles. This mindset fosters stress, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelming doom.

Alternatively, we can adopt the 'light perspective.' Here, problems are seen as opportunities for growth. They are steps towards success and self-improvement. Yes, problems are perpetual, but each one solved is a learning experience, a stride towards betterment. This approach doesn't necessarily make the problems less stressful, but it arms us with the resilience to tackle them more constructively.

Final Thoughts

My recent experiences have reiterated a core belief: problems are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. They never cease, and solving one often leads to the emergence of others. Yet, each problem solved is a step forward, an opportunity to enhance what we do and who we are. Whether a problem takes days, months, or even years to address, there is always a solution.

So, next time you find yourself enveloped in a storm of challenges, remember, you have two ways to deal with it. Choose the path that sees problems as opportunities. This mindset will not only help you manage stress but also guide you towards success and happiness, whatever that looks like for you.

Thank you for joining me today. If you believe in my mission of saving the lives of children through the ultimate ultramarathon challenge of run vlogging consecutive days around the world barefoot, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. Your support helps save lives and propels this mission forward. Stay positive, stay happy, and see you tomorrow!

Kevin Brittain