How to Love the Problem in 5 Steps

In the realm of social impact, the journey to "Do Good. Better." begins with a profound concept—falling in love with the problem. In the context of social innovation, it is a guiding principle, steering changemakers toward solutions that truly make a difference.

1. The first step is to identify the problem. Much like getting to know a person, we must understand the issue before we can determine our feelings towards it. This initial stage is not about exhaustive research but framing the problem in a way that propels us forward. It's about asking essential questions that shape our understanding. 

2. Next, we delve into the context of the problem. Every social issue is deeply rooted in specific socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Understanding the "who, what, when, where, and why" through journalism's lens helps unravel the intricacies of the problem.

3. Third, identifying and understanding contributing factors is crucial. Often, seemingly straightforward issues have many hidden complexities, so understanding these factors is essential for informed decision-making. It can be challenging to discover and fully comprehend the contributing factors to our social problem, but it is so important to reframe our thoughts to account for them.

4. Moving forward, we confront negative consequences, exploring the multifaceted impacts on financial, environmental, physical, and mental health, among others. It is essential that we focus on connecting consequences to real people and moving beyond quantitative values to grasp the human experience. The identification of negative consequences also sets the stage for defining outcome goals—a desired measured change in relation to the identified consequence. This step bridges the gap between quantitative measurements and the human impact, ensuring a holistic understanding of the issue.

5. Finally, we explore current practices and interventions. This step involves a collaborative effort with existing changemakers and organizations. There is incredible importance in understanding the landscape before designing interventions because we know that the most innovative solutions often arise from identifying gaps in existing efforts.

In essence, "loving the problem" is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a dynamic process that adapts to each unique social issue. By embracing this philosophy, social impact endeavors gain depth, empathy, and a strategic focus that propels them toward meaningful change. The journey of "loving the problem" is not just a compass for social impact; it is the heartbeat that sustains purpose-driven change.