--- title: "Finding Problems" url: "https://books.joshbraun.com/4/forsale/46/finding-problems" --- A few years ago, I was in the mall with my wife. I didn’t need anything. To kill time, I walked into a Fit2Run store. 10 minutes later I spent $170. Here’s a transcript of the conversation. Seller (notices running shoes): “Looks like you’re a runner.”
Me: “I am.”
Seller: “Training for any races?”
Me: “Yes, my first half marathon.”
Seller: “You’ve probably had a running gait test.”
Me: “What’s that?”
Moments later, I’m on a treadmill. ![IMG_3613.jpeg](https://books.joshbraun.com/u/img_3613-V2XM44.jpeg) Seller: “See how your ankles are overpronating?”
Me: “I do. So what?”
Seller: “The problem is, if you run in sneakers that aren’t made for pronated feet, you are more prone to plantar fasciitis and runner’s knee. If you’d like, I can see if your shoes are made for pronated feet.”
A few minutes later, I spent $170 on new sneakers. No pushing. No expectations. No assumptions. Illuminating a potential problem and leaning back. The switch? Problem asking -> Problem finding