Question 1: What’s the problem?

Our brains don’t make decisions based on information. They make decisions based on how they feel about the information.

If we relied solely on data, we’d never make a single decision in life because most of the time, we do not have complete information. We must fill in some of the cracks mentally. That’s why it’s called problem-solving. If we knew everything, we wouldn’t need that skill—the solution would just present itself along with all the facts.

Therefore, the first approach to a tough decision isn’t to jump towards a solution, but to ask, “What’s the problem here? What makes this a tough choice in the first place?”

Being aware of the root will allow you to come up with solutions that are true.

Question 2: What’s my intention?

Newsflash: Not every person wants a problem to be solved.

This baffled me as a kid. It made no logical sense.

But I’ve grown up now, and it makes total human sense.

We’re emotional beings. And if something appeases our inner desires for status, importance, or even just an ego boost, we’ll go out of our way to make that happen—even if it defies all common sense.

That’s why most governments in the world are slow and bureaucratic. No one in the system has any intention of change. The existing intentions often collide with each other, creating stalemates that take years, maybe decades to solve.

Asking yourself, “What’s my intention?” and being honest about it is the only way you’ll truly solve a problem. Make sure your intention aligns with creating solutions and not with preserving problems.

Question 3: What outcome do I want?

Once we’ve aligned our intention with creating solutions, another problem comes up: which solution?

Every problem can be solved in a million ways. Take my purpose for example. I want to empower you and people across the world to live up to their potential, tap into their power, and create the life they love. To make that happen, I can come up with at least a hundred ways in less than five minutes. But I narrowed it down to pursue writing, speaking, creating content, and building impact-driven businesses. Why?

Because they align with the personal outcomes I want: freedom, peace, creative expression, and impact at scale.

Other ways, like becoming a professor or starting an NGO are great too, but they’re not aligned with the outcomes I want.

Ask yourself this question and the number of possible solutions will come down to a manageable level.

Question 4: What would I have to do to make sure I don’t get what I want?

This is one of my favorite mental models. And it’s one of the most creative problem-solving methods I’ve found.

We often fixate our attention on, “What do I do?” But in most situations, that question is about as useful as a fridge in the Arctic. It doesn’t make a difference.

Instead, asking the question, “What do I do to make sure I don’t get what I want?” is a better starting point. Now you’re doing inverse thinking, and it works because it’s much easier for humans to spot things that are bound to go wrong. 

By making this list, you automatically know what NOT to do. Now, just flip it around and you have concrete actions you can take. Try it. It’s powerful.

Austin Kleon said, “Creativity is subtraction.” And I agree.

I’d say it’s the same for problem-solving. Figure out what NOT to do and you’ll naturally know what to do.

Question 5: Have I made up my mind?

Perhaps this is the most important question of them all. Have you made up your mind? Are you willing to solve these problems—no matter how hard it gets?

Because problem-solving is hard. Just ask the multi-national companies that pay millions in consulting fees to the Big 3 Strategy Consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG and Bain & Company). What they’re paying for—essentially—is guidance on problems they can’t solve. 

It’s harder (& more expensive) for these companies to do it on their own, and that’s why these consulting firms exist: they do the hard work and reap the rewards in compensation.

The oldest of these firms, McKinsey, started a century ago. The youngest one, Bain & Company started half a century ago. If we factor in the speed of change in the business world, these firms should have shut shop decades ago. But they’re still around. Why?

Because they’re catering to a fundamental flaw of human nature: making a decision and following through with it is hard—especially when it gets inconvenient. Most people don’t do that. And when they have tons of money, they would rather have someone else guide them and do it for them than do it on their own.

It’s a tough choice. So be honest. Are you really willing to give your all? To push beyond the limits in your head? To scream at the gods, “Why me?” but then wipe off the tears and get back to work? 

Most people aren’t. That’s why they’re stuck in life.

If you feel the same way, it’s time to consider this question with utmost sincerity. Because your best life is on the other side of this raging river filled with pain and discomfort. Conviction is the only bridge that can take you there.

Are you willing to take that first step?