The problem quadrant
A: Almost everyone wants A; to solve a big problem with low risk. Sadly, A is an illusion.1
B: You don’t need anything to differentiate you from the others with B. Many people here are running a frantic race to the bottom. If the contest is about who will provide the cheapest value, it probably won’t be you. The reward for solving B (or attempting to) is never commensurate to the effort.
C: Many talented people are playing in this quadrant. The risk is attractive. The moves are alluring. The stories are delightful to tell. But is the problem worth the effort?
D: This is worth paying attention to. It’s the quadrant with the big problem and big risk. The risk may be frightening. Most risks can be understood and worked with.
What problems fill each quadrant is personal for each person. And different for each person.
It doesn’t have to be ‘solving world hunger’ before it belongs to Quadrant D. You can choose what belongs to each. And you can use the quadrants across various areas of your life, relationships, and other endeavour.
Avoiding problems at any cost isn’t a life worth living. Instead, decide on what solvable problems are worth your attention, and create safeguards to protect you from the rest.
And I’m yet to find a big problem with low risk. If you find one, please reach out. You know how to find me ;).