218 - Solve the Right Problem

In today’s episode, I’m sharing something that completely changed my life—learning to solve the right problem. For years, I kept hitting the same roadblocks, whether it was with my weight, finances, or personal goals. No matter how much effort I put in, nothing seemed to work. And then I realized—I was solving the wrong problem.

Instead of focusing on what really needed fixing, I was throwing solutions at the wrong issues. Buying gym equipment didn’t solve my weight loss struggles. Cutting back on small purchases didn’t fix my income problem. It wasn’t until I stepped back, got clear on what the real issues were, and tackled them head-on that I finally started making progress.

If you’ve ever felt stuck—trying everything but never seeing results—this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through practical steps to help you figure out what’s really holding you back and how to finally move forward.

1. The Trap of Solving the Wrong Problem
I share my personal experience of spinning my wheels for years, fixing surface-level issues instead of the actual root cause. I use the example of fixing the brakes on a broken-down car when the real issue is the engine—no matter what you do, you won’t get anywhere.

2. Defining Your Problem Clearly
One of the biggest mistakes people make is setting vague goals like “I want to lose weight” or “I need to save money.” That’s too broad! I talk about how breaking problems down into specific, actionable pieces leads to real solutions.

3. Using the Five Whys to Get to the Root Cause
Ever feel like you’re treating symptoms instead of the real issue? I explain how asking why five times can reveal what’s actually stopping you from making progress. This method helped me understand that my struggles with exercise weren’t about needing gym equipment—they were about my habits and motivation.

4. Identifying Patterns That Keep You Stuck
I used to think my financial struggles were because of big expenses, but when I started tracking my spending, I realized it was small, recurring purchases that were draining my bank account. I talk about how identifying patterns—rather than focusing on one-time mistakes—can help you see what’s really going wrong.

5. Focusing on What You Can Control
I can’t control my genetics or my past financial mistakes, but I can control what I eat, how often I move, and how I budget my money. In this section, I help you shift your focus toward the things you actually can change.

6. Testing Small Before Going All In
Before making a big commitment, test a small version first! I share why I should have tried a short-term gym membership before buying expensive equipment. The same logic applies to career changes—if you want to start a business, try freelancing first instead of quitting your job overnight.

7. Tracking Data Instead of Relying on Feelings
I used to think I barely spent any money, but my spending journal told a different story. I also thought I wasn’t overeating—until I started tracking my food. I explain how keeping a journal or log can reveal the truth behind your habits.

8. Imagining Future Consequences
One of the most powerful exercises I use is asking myself, What happens if I don’t solve this problem? If I don’t start exercising now, will I still be able to hike and travel when I retire? If I don’t fix my finances, will I have enough to live on later? Thinking about my future self has helped me prioritize the most important changes.

9. Learning from People Who Have Been There
I didn’t figure all of this out on my own—I learned from others. Whether it’s books, podcasts, or mentors, I talk about how studying people who have solved similar problems can help you fast-track your progress.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Define the real problem – Get specific instead of setting vague goals.
✔️ Use the Five Whys – Dig deep to find the root cause of your struggles.
✔️ Look at patterns, not just one-time mistakes – Track your habits to see what’s really happening.
✔️ Focus on what you can control – Stop wasting energy on things outside your influence.
✔️ Test before committing – Small experiments can prevent big regrets.
✔️ Track data, not feelings – Journaling helps you make smarter decisions.
✔️ Think about your future self – Will you regret not fixing this later?
✔️ Learn from others – Find mentors, books, or resources that can guide you.
✔️ Start small, but start today – You don’t have to fix everything at once. Just take the first step.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re feeling stuck, I want you to ask yourself: Am I solving the right problem?

Once I started focusing on the real obstacles in my life, everything changed. My weight loss journey became more effective, my finances improved, and I stopped wasting time on things that didn’t matter.

I hope this episode helps you start thinking differently about the challenges in your life. If you enjoyed it, please share it with a friend who might need it!

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/218-solve-the-right-problem-how-to-break-free-from-repeated-failures/

Jill’s Links

https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJillday

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

https://www.youtube.com/@startwithstartwithsmallstepscast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

https://twitter.com/schmern

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

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