You’re The Problem

Imagine the problem. Now work backward and see how it’s all your fault.

Have you considered that you’re the problem?

That the reason school sucks, work just isn’t going your way, you’re broke or fat or single or whatever is entirely your doing?

I do it all the time. In fact, “I’m the problem” is one of the four pillars painted on the whiteboard in my garage.

I didn’t always think like this. I love to blame. I’m naturally critical. Finding the fault in others was a game to me, and I was good at it.

But it wasn’t helping. Being a victim never does. Neither does blame, revenge, grudges, or resentment.

Try it.

Waist not as trim as you’d like? Maybe it’s not that your coworkers keep bringing in donuts as much as it is you hanging out near the break room all day.

School not going so hot? Maybe virtual classes aren’t the problem, and this is your chance to eliminate distractions.

No time to get fit? Maybe it’s more like the only time you have to workout is time you’d rather be sleeping.

Imagine the problem. Now work backward and see how it’s all your fault. And if it’s still them and not you, try again until the math works.

Because if the world is really the problem, if even one other human being is truly to blame, then you’re screwed. There’s simply no changing the world or anyone else in it. And that’s the good news is. Once you understand that you’re the problem, you also become the solution.