The Importance of Solving Hard Problems

The reason we’re here is to solve the hard problems – Seth Godin, The Dip

People often say that their jobs are soul-sucking.

Is the job really soul-sucking or is it just hard?

It can be difficult to tell, but I love Seth Godin’s reminder in his book The Dip:

“That fact that it’s [a hard, difficult job or task] difficult and unpredictable works to your advantage. Because if it wee any other way there’d be no profit in it.”

He goes on to say that without such difficulty we’d all be easily replaceable. It’s not possible for all jobs to be lucrative and easy.

The Dip is the idea that most jobs have an easy ramp up period. Things are a breeze early. After awhie, though, it’s tough

But as we progress, we start to encounter difficulty. It’s at that point of difficulty that most people quit.

That’s when the hard problems start popping up. The Dip is what separates the pros from the amateurs.

Solving hard problems isn’t only important because problems need to be solved. It’s also important because it separates those who are willing to get after it and those who just want comfort.

A great reminder: When work gets hard, it’s not because it’s sucking your soul. It’s because it requires you to have some soul and some heart. I know I need to remember that at times.

Best to you as you push through the Dip. May you make your way through to where few are able to go!

Listening and Reading Today

I read some of Seth Godin’s The Dip.

Leadership and Life’s Greatest Lessons Atop The World’s Highest Mountains with Alison Levine – Lewis Howes, School of Greatness Podcast

Alison is one of a hand full of women who has completed the Explorers Grand Slam.  I recommend you listen to the podcast. You’ll learn a lot about pressing through the Dip.

I’ve not read Alison Levine’s book, but I’m guessing her On the Edge: The Art of High-Impact Leadership is a powerful and inspiring take on leadership.