The myth of “big problems”

It’s fascinating how perspective and mental state can totally rewrite our circumstances. A favorite saying of mine is,

“Big problems are just small problems in small worlds.”

Here are three examples of how this might apply:

1. ‘Big’ problem: “I may lose a customer.”

• Small world: You only have 2 of them. You selfishly cling on past when is best for them.
• Bigger world: Would it still be a problem if you had 100 clients instead of 2, and a pipeline full of prospects?

2. ‘Big’ problem: “I don’t know how to solve this problem.”

• Small world: You have no advisors or network to guide you forward. So you’re stuck, spinning your wheels.
• Bigger world: Would it still be a problem if you had people around you that you can trust, who can point out the way?

3. ‘Big’ problem: “I don’t want to <insert here>”

• Small world: You’ve only your feelings to drive you forward. So you procrastinate.
• Bigger world: Would it still be a problem if you had a reason bigger than yourself for doing <insert here>?

Perspective changes everything and shines a new light on what you should do next.

Consider your biggest problems today. How do they change when you click “zoom out” a few times to see the bigger picture?