Do not focus your attention on minimal problems - productivity work

It is important that we learn to manage our energies when facing the problems that arise. We do not necessarily have to be aware of every problematic situation, but we must know how to discern between what truly demands our attention and what is not essential for our progress and emotional stability. Life, in all its complexity, is plagued by adversities and situations beyond our control, which often causes us to be biased in the face of eventualities that are not as important as we think.

During the development of this guide, we will talk about the importance of knowing how to distinguish between important problems and minimal problems, so that we learn to focus on the former without wasting our energies on the latter.

How do we know if a problem is really important?

When we are faced with several problems at the same time, the smartest thing to do is to start by classifying them into major problems and minor problems.

Major problems are easy to detect because they meet a number of general characteristics such as:

• They cannot be postponed.
• If we do not eradicate them in time, they could have very harmful consequences.
• Our development is hindered by the presence of these problems.

On the other hand, a minimal problem is just an adverse situation, something that has not turned out as we expected and that causes us anxiety or frustration. Although they are annoying, they do not impede our progress or require urgent attention. Many of these problems can disappear over time or through small actions, so focusing on solving them can be a poor use of our time and energy.

Attend to your minimal problems only when you have solved the important problems.

Once you have classified your problems, proceed to focus your attention on the important problems. As you solve them, you will have more time for those that are not urgent. You can work on your minimal problems once the important problems have disappeared. Thus, only those that could not be solved over time and that require minimal involvement on your part will remain.

This is consistent with the idea of working on the more complex situations first and then focusing on the simpler ones. Normally, by solving what requires the most work, the rest will be perceived as trifles, which we will be able to execute even when our energies are not in optimal conditions.

Combine the solution of minimal problems with important related problems.

Although we have recommended focusing on the important problems first, a sometimes useful strategy is to link the minimal problems with those that are related.

This means that if you are working on a major problem and you spot a minor problem that shares the same solution, you can address both at the same time. This will allow you to save time and energy by not having to address them separately. However, it is important to emphasize that this resource only applies to problems that share the same nature, in no case should you neglect an important problem to work on another that is not urgent.