Focus on Problems

Problems are the catalysts for growth. Every problem presents an opportunity to learn, evolve and create meaningful change. The key to navigating these problems lies in asking the right questions. Essential for growth, questions serve as the roots of all learning. They help you acquire and expand knowledge, solve problems, gain deeper insights and dispel confusion. But how effective is your questioning?

My late grandfather George once taught me that asking great questions is an art; one that requires skill and practice. A well-crafted question can inspire clarity, action and discovery. The quality of the question determines its outcome. Instead of shying away from problems, embrace them by asking: What can I learn from this? How can I turn this problem into an opportunity?

When you focus on how you can help others, what problem you can solve and the impact you can have, you create purposeful, fulfilling work. This work extends beyond personal or professional growth; it can inspire change on a much broader scale. However, to help others effectively, you must first invest in your own self-improvement. It requires trust in your intuition, self-awareness and a willingness to take responsibility for your actions.

Many people wrestle with existential questions: Is this really it? Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my purpose? How do I find happiness? As a purpose coach, I’ve encountered countless individuals grappling with these uncertainties. My own journey of reflection and self-discovery has been profoundly transformative. The process of questioning, struggling and ultimately finding clarity has reinforced a simple truth: problems are not roadblocks; they are signposts guiding you toward purpose.

Five years ago, everything changed… It was the end of March 2020, the world was in lockdown. My husband had COVID, schools were closed and my children and I were doing Joe Wicks workouts every morning. My business had unexpectedly ended and I was questioning everything. I felt lost. I didn’t know what was next. I changed my LinkedIn profile five times a day, trying to figure it out. I reached out to friends for support, but deep down, I knew it was time to forge my own path.

Then on 1 April 2020, I woke up with an idea; one that would change my life, my business and my future. It was April Fool’s Day and the concept of Focus on WHY just came to me. The next day, I designed a logo on Canva, and suddenly, everything started to flow.

Fast forward five years and that idea has become more than I ever imagined:

• 455 Focus on WHY podcast episodes reaching 142 countries

• A thriving coaching practice with certifications across multiple disciplines

• A published book, Focus on Why—co-authored with my late grandfather after serendipitously stumbling across his wartime scrapbook and an interview I recorded with him in 1990 about his POW experiences

• Recognition in the 2025 Business Book Awards with the shortlist being announced in a few days

• The Meaningful Success Mastermind, helping high-calibre professionals align success with deeper impact

• A soon-to-launch self-paced Focus on Why program

If you’re going through a tough time, wondering what’s next, trust that you can make it happen. Five years ago, I thought everything was falling apart, but in reality, a new door had opened. Five years is enough time to completely transform your life if you apply Reflection with Action. So, ask yourself: Where could you be in five years if you were to take action today?

Problems will always arise, but they do not define you—how you respond does. Reflect on your own journey. What obstacles have shaped you? How have you grown from them?

Focus on Problems. Focus on Why.

ACTION POINT:  How might sharing your story and speaking out about your challenges impact you and those around you?