Chapter 5

Dear Diary, The Problem Isn’t the Problem... It’s How You React

9/24/25

Over the last 4+ years, building this business, one of the BIGGEST and MOST VALUABLE mindset shifts for me, has been my relationship with problems.
 
How many of you hear the word "problem" and immediately think of it as negative? I sure did. Until one day, I ran across a video where a very successful business owner was sharing how he learned to change his relationship with problems. He talked about how he gets excited to solve BIG problems, because without problems, there's no growth, no innovation, and no opportunity to rise.
 
Recognizing this, and taking the "me" and my emotions out of the "problem", has allowed me to become a better leader and business owner. Problems are proof that you're moving forward and stretching beyond what's comfortable. The bigger the problem, the bigger the growth on the other side.
 
It's a shift in mindset. But how do you change the mindset?
 
Radical intentionality.
 
You have to notice when your emotions want to take the driver’s seat. Ego doesn’t get to run the show here. You have to resist the urge to mirror negativity when someone else is stuck in theirs. There’s power in the pause. There's power in choosing intentionality over reactivity.
 
My invitation to you: When the next problem arises, stop for just a moment. Pay attention to how your body responds, then remind yourself: this is an opportunity. Lean into excitement, step into ownership, and lead with solutions.