Behavior Gap Radio 1370 | Problem-To-Solve Planning
Jan 15, 2026
Explore the art of planning through urgency with a bow-and-arrow analogy, illustrating how to tackle pressing problems effectively. Listener questions highlight that sometimes, solutions don’t mean full financial plans, but focused tactics instead. Discover the characteristics of problem planning—it's narrow, stabilizing, and often temporary. Carl emphasizes the power of asking, 'What's the problem that needs to be solved?' for clarity and stress reduction in decision-making, while warning against forcing purpose in chaotic times.
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Two Distinct Modes Of Planning
- Carl Richards distinguishes two planning modes: problem-to-solve and purpose-informed planning.
- Each mode has a time and place and serves different needs when making decisions.
Bow-And-Arrow Emergency Example
- Carl tells a bow-and-arrow story to illustrate urgent problem solving.
- The story highlights focusing on the immediate fix rather than broader context when bleeding must stop.
Reader Questions Over 500 Columns
- Carl recounts answering reader emails as a New York Times columnist for over 500 columns.
- Readers asked specific problems like saving for education or life insurance rather than requesting a 'financial plan.'