Something You Should Know How to Solve a Problem Before It Happens & When Less is Really More
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Jun 5, 2025 Dan Heath, a writer and researcher, delves into proactive problem-solving methods from his book 'Upstream,' emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes, like changing your car's oil to prevent future issues. Leidy Klotz, a professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'Subtract,' advocates for the power of subtraction in problem-solving. He argues that simplifying by removing unnecessary elements can lead to clearer solutions, contrasting our instinct to add more. Together, they explore how changing our mindset can transform both personal and societal challenges.
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Fresh vs Frozen Fish Explained
- The label "fresh fish" often means that the fish was never frozen, but it may be days old and not as tasty.
- Flash-frozen fish, thawed and sold, can taste better and be cheaper than fish labeled fresh.
Focus Upstream to Prevent Problems
- We often focus on reacting to problems instead of preventing them upstream.
- Tackling root causes upstream can stop recurring crises and improve systems fundamentally.
The Reward Gap in Prevention Work
- A police officer preventing crashes by being visible at a dangerous intersection protects public safety more than one issuing tickets afterwards.
- Yet, only the ticketing officer is rewarded, illustrating the challenge of valuing prevention.
