Day 335 - Digging Deep

September 08, 2024

The real value lies in our ability to uncover problems that truly matter. The art of problem discovery is an underrated skill, one that is far less common but infinitely more impactful. As organizations grow, the challenges they face become more complex and less obvious, often embedded in the very fabric of their operations. Recognizing these hidden issues requires not just analytical thinking, but a willingness to question the status quo and dig deeper into the roots of inefficiency. keywords problem solving, problem discovery, hidden issues, organizational challenges, analytical thinking, questioning the status quo, inefficiency takeaways Problem solving skills are valuable, but the ability to find problems in the first place is even more valuable. Identifying the real problem is a crucial step in problem-solving. Tools like the fishbone diagram can help in problem discovery. Problem discovery is a structured and thoughtful process that can drive meaningful change. titles Uncovering Hidden Issues Questioning the Status Quo Sound Bites "The problem is not the problem." "The largest problem in problem-solving is finding the problem in the first place." "It is amazing how many people in a large organization can have such strong opinions on what the problem is without ever really getting to the truth of the matter." Chapters 00:00 The Value of Problem Discovery 01:52 Uncovering Hidden Issues 03:16 Challenges in Organizational Growth 05:07 Questioning the Status Quo 06:06 The Art of Problem Discovery

Episode Transcript

Guy Reams (00:00.782)
This is day 335, digging deep.

Over my lifetime, I have often reflected on metaphorical expressions. I think it is because they were so commonly used in my extended family when I was a child. I would often leave a conversation feeling confused because I did not know what someone meant by one of these expressions. Later in life, I taught at a college and would have learners who had picked up English as a second language and had not quite adapted to the common expressions that are frequently used.

I found myself re -explaining these concepts to people so they could understand the context of the particular expression. Since that time, I have often taken a pause and thought about these things when I hear them in daily conversation. So today I heard the expression, I need to dig deep. Digging deep is a metaphorical expression that means making an intense or determined effort to discover more or to overcome a difficult challenge. It often refers to going beyond the surface level effort or understanding

requiring perseverance, resilience, and focus. For example, when facing a tough situation, someone might dig deep to find the inner strength, motivation, or resources needed to push through. Similarly, in intellectual tasks, it can mean thoroughly investigating or exploring a subject to uncover deeper insights or truths. I'm sure that you have experienced this before, the desire to dig deep in order to solve a problem, overcome a challenge, or win a great prize.

I think we have all felt this emotion and perhaps this phrase captures that feeling the best. However, this is not where I want to end this thought. As only simply describing what digging deep means, the real question and the one that I have struggled with often is, how do I dig deep when I need to? I've noticed that digging deep requires an intense amount of self -reflection. This is because you will naturally resist the extra effort.

Guy Reams (01:57.676)
Your mind and body will come up with a litany of reasons to avoid the extra effort. Your mind is an expert at dodging extra work and will usually kick into whiny excuse mode when you try to marshal the strength to put in the extra effort that you want. This usually requires me to seriously reflect on why I am doing something in the first place, connecting with a sense of purpose that can allow me to overcome this initial mental resistance. Second, digging deep is a great idea, but if

What you are trying to tackle is so large you will fail in the first few days. If you really want to make the effort work, then you need to break the problem down. Large challenges can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps. Tackling one piece at a time makes it easier to push forward and maintain momentum. When you dig deep, you cannot have other things going on to distract you. You need to focus. This makes sense if you think about it.

If you are trying to put more effort towards an objective, you have to reduce the other things you are focused on during the time of the increased activity. So a prerequisite to your successful deep dive is to reduce or eliminate all distractions. Concentrate fully on the task at hand. Remove distractions from your environment, whether they are external or internal. Finally, before I decide to really buckle under another metaphorical expression, I like to visualize what success will look like on the other side of the extra effort.

If I put this extra work and spend this concentrated amount of effort on something, what will success look like? Knowing what the other side looks like is always helpful when I really put my nose to the grindstone. Yet another one. To dig deep when facing challenges, reconnect with your core motivation, break tasks into manageable steps, and eliminate distractions to maintain focus. Cultivate resilience by embracing obstacles as opportunities for growth.

and use self -discipline to stay consistent even when motivation wanes. Visualization, mindfulness, leaning on support systems can further boost your strength and clarity. Lastly, reflecting on past success and prioritizing rest will help you sustain your efforts and ensure that you can push through challenges effectively.