Symptom Vs Problem

Symptom is the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. It is a dissatisfaction. For example:

• Not enough customers. We usually try to solve it by ramping up SEO efforts.
• Not losing weight. We usually try to solve it by joining a gym.

Problem is not the (obvious) gap. It is what causes the symptoms to appear. Asking the right questions helps determine the problem:

1. What are the possible reasons of these symptoms?
2. What isn’t done that when done will reduce or eliminate these symptoms?
3. What is happening that, when stopped, will reduce or eliminate these symptoms?

It is easier and quicker to try solving the symptoms. After all, we have the tendency to think that doing something (even if it does not achieve anything) is better than doing nothing.

Solve the problem, not its symptoms.