Do you hear that phrase a lot? I hear it all the time. I say it all the time.

The problem is I’m not hungry at breakfast time so if I eat breakfast I’m still hungry for lunch.
The problem is I have no self-discipline. I need external deadlines.
The problem is I’m always buying craft supplies even though I have tons at home I’ve yet to use.
My problem is I’m a big fat excuse maker.
Because, if you know what the problem is, why don’t you fix it?

Admitting there’s a problem is supposed to be half the battle, not the introduction to every other sentence.

The problem is I’m always online when I should be writing.
The problem is I’m too easily distracted.
The problem is I’m too out of shape to get in shape.
Oh my god, are you even listening to yourself?!

My problem is ME.

And your problem is probably you.
I’m not saying we don’t all face real problems, that life isn’t sometimes hard or that complaints and excuses aren’t occasionally justified, but these “the problem is…” conversations have become an epidemic. If you hadn’t noticed it before, you will now. Because they’re everywhere.

The problem is I’m always sharing what my problem is.

The problem is I’m not hungry at breakfast time, but you’re supposed to eat breakfast, so I do, but then I still eat lunch even though I ate breakfast and how can eating twice be better for me than eating once?
Eat, don’t eat, but don’t bitch about it. Nobody cares.

The problem is I’m always online when I should be writing and even though I went on to answer a novel related question or look something up, do research or whatever, once I’m on, my problem is I have to check my email and Facebook and take my turn on Words with Friends, etc, etc.
No, no you don’t. Write, don’t write, it’s your call, but quit blaming the internet for your lack of focus.

For someone who struggles daily to edit her words on page, I sure am free and easy with the verbal superfluity.

The problem is I can’t do everything I want to do.
The problem is obvious.

The problem is Mondays.
The problem is obscure.

The problem is I just don’t have enough time.
The problem is completely not worth stating.

The problem is I’ve gotten really really good at underlining the problem.
My problem is that’s undermining everything else.

So let’s a start a problem club. A 12 step problem program.  A problem jar where you stash a buck every time you say the word.

Our problems should not be justifications, they should be an impetus to get off our butts and fix things.

Beginning today, I’m going to start every other sentence with My motivation is… or end every other sentence with The solution is…, and see where that takes me.
Maybe you will, too. Unless, I mean, it’s a problem for you.