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Symptom and Cause

Separate the problem from the symptom

The Road less Stupid

Keith J Cunningham

Many of us confuse problem with the symptom;  

For ex., In fitness , one would say , I am overweight / underweight;

but that is a symptom - gap

what is the problem?

It could be over-eating, lack of exercise or hormonal issue

That is the problem - we need to get to the root-cause

Gap is not the problem!

For example , you need to "kick a can" from point A to Point B

current state to future state! 

But, there is an obstacle that is the hurdle between point A and Point B 

Now that is the  problem! 

Another example:

Think of the Steeple-chase race: The finish line is not the problem;

It is just the gap from Start to the Finish! 

The obstacles and water puddles in between are the problem! 

to get to the problem: you can ask the questions below

1.    What are the possible reasons I am noticing this symptom?

2.  What is not happening, if it happens will narrow the gap?

3.  What is happening, if it does not happen, would cause gap to disappear?

Dont confuse the gap with the problem

symptom with the root cause!