Problem-Solving: The Big Myth

Posted on October 2, 2013 Updated on October 5, 2013

Underlying the problem-solving approach is a very powerful myth.  This myth is a relatively recent human invention and I believe it is a dangerous and damaging myth: There is such a thing as ‘normal’.

If you learn only one thing from this post, this would be it.

There is no such thing as ‘normal’!

What is a normal human being?  Even machines have quirks; car engines built from the same components develop different problems.  ‘Normal’ is a picture in your mind of what the perfectly functioning version of a bicycle or a heart would be like, a handy mental tool.  It is useful because if you are looking for something to fix, take away or add, it provides you with a template to work from.  It is the problem, solved.

Solution Focus also makes use of the idea of the problem solved.  But in a different way to the problem-solving approach.  In Solution Focus, the problem solved is unique to the person. Whereas in problem-solving, it is a pre-determined ideal.  If you are mending a watch, this is useful, but it you apply it to a person, it is problematic.

I don’t know about you but I have never met anyone just like me although I do see similarities with others.  No one I know is exactly like another.  Even if we were all born identical, the experiences and environments we grow up in would make us different.  So why do we think that there is such as thing as a ‘normal’ person?

I suspect the idea of ‘normal’ became popular in the 20th century when modern medicine and psychology seemed to promise the possibility of curing and healing everyone.  Put that together with mass media and advertising and you can see that the messages about what is ‘normal’ and not have been used to encourage conformity and social stability, as well as encouraging us to aspire to ideals of behaviour, beauty and lifestyle.

Every good idea has unintended consequences, and many people feel they have fallen short of these ideals.  This has led to widespread unhappiness and a feeling that we are not good enough, beautiful enough, smart enough or successful enough.