Why Having Fewer Problems Isn’t Always a Good Thing

Let’s get one thing straight: problems suck. Nobody wakes up in the morning hoping to deal with a mountain of issues. But, what if I told you that having fewer problems isn’t always a sign of success? What if aiming for zero problems might actually be setting yourself up for failure? Sounds counterintuitive, right? But stick with me, because this idea might just change how you think about success, whether in business, relationships, or life in general.

Here’s the reality: problems are inevitable. They’re part of the deal, no matter what you’re doing. Running a business? Problems will pop up. Building a relationship? You’ll hit bumps in the road. Even in your personal life, things rarely go perfectly. The goal shouldn’t be to avoid problems altogether, because that’s impossible. Instead, the goal should be to create an environment where problems can be addressed openly and effectively.

Think about it this way: if you have zero problems with a process or decision, is that really a good thing? Or is it a red flag? If everything seems perfect, have you truly considered all the angles? Are there biases or blind spots you’re missing? And even if something isn’t a problem today, can you guarantee it won’t become one in six months? The truth is, problems are often hidden in plain sight, and pretending they don’t exist doesn’t make them go away. It just lets them grow.

This is especially true in teams. If you’re leading a group, fostering trust and openness is crucial. Your team needs to feel safe bringing up issues without fear of judgment or backlash. Surrounding yourself with “yes people” who sweep problems under the rug might feel comfortable in the short term, but it’s a recipe for disaster in the long run. A team that doesn’t address problems head-on is a team that’s setting itself up for failure.

And let’s not forget relationships. You’ve probably heard that couples who avoid conflict often end up in trouble. Why? Because suppressing problems doesn’t solve them. It just lets them fester. When you bring up an issue, you give your partner the chance to address it before it grows into something bigger. The same principle applies in business. Ignoring problems doesn’t make them disappear. It just makes them harder to solve later.

Here’s the takeaway: problems aren’t the enemy. They’re a natural part of life, and they’re not something to fear or avoid. Instead of striving for fewer problems, focus on creating a culture, whether that’s in your team, your relationships, or your personal life. Problems should be seen as opportunities to grow and improve. When you embrace problems, you’re not just solving them; you’re building resilience, trust, and creativity.

So, next time you’re tempted to celebrate having “no problems” pause and ask yourself: am I really seeing the full picture? And remember, the goal isn’t to avoid problems. It’s to handle them well when they come up. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how many problems you have. It’s about how you face them, learn from them, and grow because of them.

Problems are inevitable, but so is your ability to overcome them. That’s where real success begins.