What it is
Adam Mastroianni splits problems in two. Diploma problems you solve once and you’re done, like learning to ride a bike. Toothbrushing problems need daily maintenance and never get a permanent solution.
He found that feeling well was a toothbrushing problem. Progress came when he stopped looking for the fix that would work forever and accepted the daily practice. Resenting it doesn’t make it easier; it just means you haven’t accepted what kind of problem it is.
How it shows up for me
Most of what matters to me is toothbrushing: fitness, money, my temper, my relationships, this site. I still catch myself hunting for the diploma version, the one system that will finally solve it. Then I go brush my teeth.