Everyone wants to be brave, but no one wants to be vulnerable. – Dr. Brene Brown
Each weekend I spend a couple hours in my own personal study session reading up on current events, big ideas, and rationalizations. I enjoy this time because, at the very least, it makes me feel like I’m “keeping up” (as false as that is). More so, I enjoy challenging the mold that my mind has created from the previous week’s work.
Some reading that got me thinking over the weekend was an interview with Dr. Brene Brown that Tim Ferriss published in his book Tribe of Mentors. Dr. Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She is also a writer, speaker, facilitator, and business leader. You can learn more about her here.
In the interview Dr. Brown emphasized this idea of Problem Identification.
Most of us are plagued with action bias and really struggle to stay in problem identification. I’ve found that getting clear about what’s wrong and why it’s a problem is the best investment you can make at home or work.
I’m unsure about her belief that most of us are plagued with action bias, but I absolutely agree with her on the importance of getting clear with what’s wrong and why it’s a problem. Generally speaking, I don’t do well at rushing to solutions, which can create its own set of challenges. When I enter problem identification, my tendancy is to let the situation marinate while applying different solutions and scenerios from various angles. I would also add that in my experience taking input from others in identifying the problem and the solution leads to the most effective outcome the majority of the time.
Her interview also got me thinking about one of the great attributes of entrepreneurs, which is their obsession with problems. Becoming so fixated on identifying the ins and outs of the problem that they are propelled to action. The early actions of every entrepreneur come with a sense of vulnerability. However, when that obession converges with a vision a conviction is born and vulnerability turns into bravery. It’s an incredible chemistry of the mind.
I recommend checking out Dr. Brown’s TedxHouston Talk. It’s a good one.