The Problem-to-Solution Ratio

You might know somebody that seems to always be having problems. In fact, you probably know a few people like that. Friends, family, co-workers, or maybe even yourself!

An interesting number to track, if we could, would be a person’s problem-to-solution ratio. With every problem they complain about, how many of them do they find a solution for?

For some people, they might complain about 1,000 problems for every 1 solution.

For others it might be a 100:1 ratio.

10:1

1:1

Or maybe you know somebody that complains very infrequently, and helps solve other people’s problems? They might even have a ratio that is less than one! Perhaps their ratio is something like 1 complaint for every 2 solutions they offer up (1:2).

Finding Solutions, Not Problems

I’d be willing to bet that if you were able to track a person’s problem-to-solution ratio, you’d find strong correlations.

People with high problem-to-solution ratios tending to:

• Be less successful in life.
• Have worse relationships.
• Claim to be victims of circumstances.

Whereas people with low problem-to-solution ratios likely:

• Have more success in life.
• Are respected amongst peers.
• Take control of their life.

Where do you think you fall on the spectrum? Nobody is perfect, but I think we should all try to improve our problem-to-solution ratio.

And if you are unfortunate enough to be around somebody that actively avoids trying find a solution, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship with them.