How to use the Meta-Problem Method to solve your own problems
So often we get lost in the weeds of what we’re doing that we miss the bigger picture. We forget our power of choice and feel locked into decisions we made ages ago.
To use the Meta-Problem Method we most of all need to take a step back. Below is an illustration of just what that might look like.
Let’s assume that your dilemma is you want a more comfortable life.
What goals can you set yourself to address the dilemma? You could make more money, move to a different location, buy a better house, get more leisure time, hire someone to help around the house, and many more options.
For this example, let’s assume you decide to focus on the goal of making more money.
The next step is to understand what is holding you back. Maybe you see a tradeoff between making more money and doing work you enjoy. You could move to a location that has more high-paid work opportunities, but you value the community and support network that you have already built.
As you spell out some of the tradeoffs, you might realize your initial goals were too restrictive.
Sometimes solving one problem helps you make progress towards several goals at once. We call these “high yield” problems. For example, launching a side hustle could help you develop new skills that increase your job satisfaction overall. Finding a new job could come with higher pay and less stress.
Now that you have figured out the range of problems that you could tackle to achieve your goals, evaluated the tradeoffs and identified the high-yield candidates, the challenge is to pick the best problem or set of problems to solve. The best problem (or set of problems) is the one that gives you the highest return for the least effort.
For example, when you see that your current job undervalues you, it becomes obvious to look for something better. At the same time, hiring some help would give you the time and mental energy to start working on a side hustle. Maybe switching departments at your current company is the best way to earn more without the stress of a job search.
Observe and learn as you go. New information may reveal itself as you implement your chosen solution, so check continuously that you’re still solving the right problem. For example, you thought getting a new job was the best option, but it becomes clear that a side hustle might fit you better.
For important decisions, there are often so many unknowns that it would be virtually impossible to get it right on your first try.
