When Does Relentless Problem-Solving in Entrepreneurship Become Deluded?

Welcome back, everyone. I'm Kevin Brittain, and today I want to delve into a topic that resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs: when does relentless problem-solving in entrepreneurship become deluded? If you find yourself stacked up against problem after problem in your entrepreneurial journey, this discussion is for you.

On consecutive day 1635 of my diary as a Runpreneur, I'm reflecting on the balance we must strike between being a persistent problem-solver and realising when we might be heading down a fundamentally flawed path.

The Essence of Problem-Solving

First and foremost, one of the best traits an entrepreneur can have is their ability to solve problems efficiently and effectively. The more problems you solve, the more you grow, and the more successful you become. I firmly believe that. However, there are certain situations where the magnitude and nature of the problems can snowball out of control. This is when our determination to solve every problem can become pigheaded or stubborn, and it may not always be the right approach.

My Recent Challenges

To illustrate, let me share a recent experience. Over the last three weeks, my entrepreneurial journey has encountered significant banking challenges. These problems have been the most stressful I've faced to date. Dealing with creditors and debtors with restricted banking facilities has been a manual, frustrating, and time-consuming process. Managing stakeholders' expectations through this has been particularly tough. We even had to get legal representation to obtain some information from the banks.

The core of the issue is that a significant flow of funds going in and out of our account raised alarm bells with our bank. Had we been with a more established bank with a commercially minded relationship manager, these problems would likely have been resolved quickly. Digital banks, however, lack physical customer service representatives, resulting in days and weeks of unresolved issues—a situation that is simply unacceptable.

When Problems Seem Insurmountable

There were moments when I questioned if I was fighting a losing battle. Was my continued problem-solving making the fundamental issue even worse? I firmly believe in hustling and overcoming obstacles, but it was tough not to let negative thoughts prevail. I had to remind myself to focus on solutions and what I could control, keeping my emotions in check.

Furthermore, I pride myself on being proficient in solving problems, yet these past weeks have tested me like never before. Despite the stress, I'm 100% committed to my business model. I’ve seen its potential and am convinced of its future success. Sometimes, though, the relentless challenges make you question if someone is trying to send you a sign.

The Fine Line Between Persistence and Delusion

As entrepreneurs, we create contingency plans upon contingency plans, striving always to move in the right direction. However, it's crucial to recognise when some obstacles are insurmountable, and persisting might only delay the inevitable. Many entrepreneurs struggle with knowing when to stop, and I've certainly had these conversations with myself recently.

Reflecting on the past few weeks, I've become more analytical and confident that continuing to fight and solve these problems is the right path forward. However, every situation is unique, and some may find themselves in a business model or strategy that simply doesn't work, despite their best efforts.

Stepping Back to Gain Perspective

To summarise, relentless problem-solving becomes deluded when it blinds you to the bigger picture. Analyse your ongoing challenges and ask yourself if they are signs that you need to change direction. If you're still convinced your path is correct, continue with full force. If not, consider alternative strategies. Sometimes the solution requires a drastic change, not just relentless hustle.

I hope you find these insights helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line. I'll respond to everyone. And if you believe in my mission of saving the lives of children by attempting the ultimate ultra-marathon of run vlogging on consecutive days, do give us a subscribed, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more money we raise, and the more children's lives we save.

Thank you as always. Stay positive, stay happy, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

Kevin Brittain