Solving Big Problems

What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur? Is it raw determination, an eye for market trends, or relentless hustle? While all these traits matter, one guiding principle sits at the very heart of entrepreneurial success — the size of the problem you solve. That’s right. The magnitude of the issue you tackle, its relevance to people’s lives, and the scale of its potential impact are the ultimate keys to defining your entrepreneurial legacy.
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At its core, entrepreneurship isn’t about starting a business or generating profit — it’s about problem-solving. Every product we use, every service we rely on, exists because someone identified a problem and decided to fix it. However, the entrepreneurs who make the biggest impact and realize the greatest success aren’t simply solving any problems — they’re solving the biggest ones.
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Let's explores why addressing significant challenges is the most critical metric for entrepreneurial success, the ripple effects of tackling meaningful problems, and how aspiring entrepreneurs can identify their ground-shaking opportunities.
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Entrepreneurship Is Problem-Solving at Its Core

If you strip down entrepreneurship to its essence, it revolves around addressing pain points. When Jeff Bezos launched Amazon, he wasn’t just creating an online store. He was addressing the frustrating limitations of traditional retail shopping — limited inventory, geographic restrictions, and inconsistent convenience. When Elon Musk launched Tesla, his focus wasn’t simply to sell electric cars. He was daring to combat climate change by revolutionizing transportation and reducing the world’s dependence on fossil fuels.
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These entrepreneurs weren’t just dreaming of profits; they were motivated by problems. But not just any issues — they were focused on sizable, universal challenges. This larger-than-life approach is what set them apart.
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If you want to take big strides in the entrepreneurial world, you need to ask yourself one central question before launching your venture: "How big is the problem I’m solving?"
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Why Solving Big Problems Matters
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1. Massive Problems Create Massive Impact

When you aim to solve a big problem, you’re often addressing an issue that affects thousands, possibly millions, of people. The scale of your solution can create life-changing results for countless individuals. This type of impact generates a ripple effect. With meaningful outcomes, you not only attract users but also spark a movement. Solving a bigger problem ensures your work stands out in a crowded marketplace of “nice-to-haves” and small conveniences.
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For example, consider Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She didn’t start out trying to revolutionize women’s clothing — she simply identified a widespread frustration with uncomfortable undergarments. But that problem wasn’t just a minor annoyance; it was one many women across the globe faced. By solving the problem effectively and scaling her business, she created a billion-dollar empire while helping millions of women feel more comfortable and confident.
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2. Scalability Brings Exponential Growth

Small problems are often limited in scope and growth potential. They might generate revenue, but they’re unlikely to evolve into scalable, market-changing businesses. Big problems, on the other hand, often touch on fundamental human needs — convenience, security, health, connectivity, or happiness. When you address these critical issues, the scalability of your solution becomes virtually limitless.
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Take Airbnb as an example. The founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, identified an ubiquitous challenge — the high cost of hotels and the lack of affordable temporary housing. This wasn’t just a niche inconvenience — it was a significant barrier for millions of travelers. Their solution? A platform that connected travelers to people willing to share their homes. By addressing such a universal issue, their business quickly grew from a local experiment to a global phenomenon.
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3. Big Problems Generate Higher Profitability

Businesses that tackle big, systemic issues often thrive financially as well. Why? Because people are willing to pay for solutions to their major pain points. When you solve something meaningful, you not only create value for your customers, but you also create opportunities for revenue streams. Big problems often open the door to innovative business models and multiple income sources.
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Consider the example of Bill Gates and Microsoft. Personal computing was a massive hurdle in the late 20th century. Computers were complex, inaccessible, and intimidating for the average person. Gates didn’t just build software; he created a world where computers became a ubiquitous tool for work and play. That big problem led to one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world.
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How to Identify Big Problems Worth Solving

Finding significant problems to solve isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. It requires a combination of curiosity, observation, alignment with your passions, and careful evaluation. Here’s how you can uncover entrepreneurial opportunities that truly matter.
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1. Start with Your Own Pain Points

The most impactful problems you can solve are often the ones you’ve experienced yourself. What frustrates you? What inefficiencies do you see in your day-to-day life? Chances are, if something bothers you, others feel the same way.
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For example, Jamie Siminoff, the founder of Ring, was frustrated by the lack of security when someone knocked on his door. That personal inconvenience drove him to design a solution. Today, Ring’s video doorbell system is a household name, addressing security concerns for homeowners everywhere.
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2. Pay Attention to What People Complain About

Listen carefully — people are constantly voicing their frustrations. Pay attention to forums, social media, product reviews, and everyday conversations. These spaces are rife with unfulfilled needs, some of which are ripe for an entrepreneurial solution.
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For instance, Uber founders Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp wanted to solve the headache of hailing a taxi. By tuning in to a common pain point — the inefficiency of traditional cab systems — they created a ride-sharing revolution.
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3. Use the “5 Whys” Technique

When you identify a surface-level problem, dig deeper by asking why it exists. Try to get to the root cause. Often, the real opportunity for innovation lies in solving the core, underlying problem rather than its symptoms.
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For example, while many entrepreneurs thought the need for faster travel was about better public transportation systems, Musk’s Hyperloop addressed the root problem — the inefficiencies in infrastructure and outdated technology. Asking “why” repeatedly helps you uncover deeper, potentially groundbreaking challenges to tackle.
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4. Ensure the Problem Aligns with Your Skills and Passion

It’s one thing to recognize a big problem, but it’s another to be the person to solve it. Choosing a problem that aligns with your passions and skills is crucial. Why? Because addressing significant challenges takes time, dedication, and resilience. Without a deep sense of purpose or personal connection, it’s easy to lose motivation.
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Take Steve Jobs, for example. His passion for design and technology perfectly aligned with the problem he wanted to solve — making computers accessible, beautiful, and user-friendly. That alignment fueled his relentless pursuit of innovation.
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5. Evaluate the Market and Opportunity

Not all big problems are equally solvable — or profitable. Once you’ve spotted an issue, conduct thorough research. Is the problem widespread enough to sustain a business? Are potential customers currently underserved? What have others tried in this space? Is there a significant gap you can fill?
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This step ensures you’re not only solving a big problem but also entering a space where your work has the potential to reach the right people and succeed.
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Overcoming the Fear of Tackling Big Problems

It’s natural to feel intimidated by the idea of solving a massive issue. After all, big problems often seem overwhelming. But entrepreneurship is about stepping into that space of discomfort and taking calculated risks. Remember, some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs started small, worked incrementally, and scaled up over time.
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You don’t have to solve everything in one go. Take one aspect of a large problem and focus your efforts there. Once your solution gains traction, you can expand your scope.
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Final Thoughts

The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t those who hustle the hardest or stumble upon lucky breaks — they’re the ones who set out to make a difference by solving meaningful problems. The bigger the problem, the larger the ripple effect. By tackling critical challenges, you have the opportunity to create massive impact, scalability, and profitability.
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For aspiring entrepreneurs, the path forward begins with the size of your ambition. What problem will you solve, and how big will your contribution be? Aim high, stay aligned with your passions, and work relentlessly toward making a difference. Entrepreneurship isn’t an easy road, but when you focus on solving big problems, the rewards — for both you and the world — are immeasurable.