To Sit With A Problem
Have you ever thought you knew something but then had a hard time explaining it? Usually this happens because you haven’t spent enough time thinking and learning about the subject. And once you don’t have a deep knowledge about something, you will likely be unable to solve any problem associated with that topic.
This is where the concept of sitting with problems comes in. The most effective way to solve problems is to sit with them. Sitting with a problem means dissecting it, turning it on its head, ruminating on it until you make a break through.
This concept is the core of the 12 favourite problems exercise popularised by Nobel prize-winning physicist, Richard Feynman. Feynman was regarded as a genius because of the depth of work he did within the field of quantum physics. His work transformed the fields of quantum mechanics and electrodynamics (which sound like insanely complex fields of study, so you can imagine the amount of work and genius that went into the contributions he made).
Naturally, people were curious to know how he thought the way he did. And about his secret of genius and studying hard, Feynman said:
You have to keep a dozen of your favourite problems constantly present in your mind, although by and large they will lay in a dormant state.
Every time you hear a new trick or a new result, test it against each of your twelve problems to see whether it helps.
Every once in a while, there will be a hit, and people will say, ‘How did he do it? He must be a genius!
Feynman was famous for working through problems until the thing he was dealing with was relatively easy to understand and explain. I would argue that his practice of keeping 12 of his favourite problems always present in his mind helped him build the skill of explaining things simply.
So what does this mean for you who is reading this and wanting to get better at solving problems or explaining things? Just like Feynman, I believe we should all have favourite problems. This way, we can become masters of the topics that are always in our minds.
Articulating & Developing Your Favourite Problems
Step 1 — Write them
To get started writing your favourite problems, think: “what are the questions or topics I always come back to?”
Here are examples of some people’s favourite problems:
- How can I get better at not comparing myself to others?
- How do I get better at disagreement?
- How do I make reading a deep joy?
- How do I influence my field of work for Christ?
- How can I build a body that stays fit for a 100 years?
- How do I get the most fulfilment out of my job?
Step 2 — Evaluate for patterns
When you’ve written out your favourite problems, look for themes through the topics you’ve put down. These patterns tell you about your interests. This is important because when you are faced with problems you’re passionate about, you are more willing to sit with them and explore them. So, use the 12 questions to become conscious of what you are passionate about and chase those problems.
Step 3 — Find answers by observation and note-taking
Remember this part of Feynman’s quote? “Every time you hear or read a new trick… test it against…”? This part highlights the importance of the habit of note-taking. Most of us don’t have a photographic memory. So, if you ever come across something that speaks to one of your favourite problems you will likely need to write it down to reference it at a future time.
So make a habit of taking notes. Have a pocket journal that you carry everywhere. Write your 12 favourite problems at the front of the notebook. And then write down your thoughts and things you hear that resonate with any of your problems.
When you have problems that you consistently think about, you’ll find that you become a master of those problems. You won’t find it difficult to explain things around the topic or simplify complicated areas within it. You’ll also open up personal monopoly opportunities for yourself, where you carve out a niche of personalised ideas on a particular topic. All of this will happen because you’ve spent so long mastering your favourite problems.
