A Ten Point Framework on how to select problems to Solve

How to choose problem statements to solve for side hustle or internship or product labs? Your career is a sum of projects you undertake and your choices will have consequences.

Here is a simple 10- point thinking framework, I share with my students when they struggle with problem statements for their product labs.

Timeline: Do you have a start date and end date for the project?

Emotional Relevance: Is this project close to your heart?

Empathy: Is the project affecting you deeply (directly or indirectly)?

Contribution: Will the project when done impact the human kind in a positive direction?

Drive: What is your top reason to pick this project? (societal/power/money/lifestyle/career)?

Competence: Do you have the needed competence and capability to nail this project down?

Collaboration: Will working with someone on this project enhance your learning journey?

Ideas: What existing solutions that deal with the same project suck? How could you make it better if given a chance?

Niche Scope: What is one thing the project should address?

Customer: Who is one person I know who has the issue address by the project?

Now write down the problem statements that give answers to all the above questions. Out of this bunch choose any and solve them. Your learning will be focused, your clarity will be top-notch and confidence will build very quickly. Choose your projects wisely. They compound your career.