That’s because people misunderstand what constitutes a problem, focusing on some situation or outcome that they don’t like. So in that sense, your title is correct.

The key, I believe, is to understand what a problem is, which is simply something that is keeping us from getting what we want. That’s where the confusion comes in. Most of us don’t know what we really want. We say we want to be happy, but what does that really mean? One of my favorite parts of coaching folks is helping them get to what they really want. It’s often surprising, but once that clarity is achieved, the process of accurately identifying what’s keeping that from happening (the problems) can begin. Then, and only then, can real solutions be developed. It does take a change in mindset, but you can’t just tell someone, “Don’t think like that.”